How to curate seasonal stems in a bouquet
NEW for 2024, floral expert Kim O’Brien will be leading hands-on workshops teaching how to arrange spring flowers into beautiful bouquets. Ahead of the Fair, Kim shares how to make the right choices for your blooms – discover her five top tips below.
Looking to join a workshop in person? Simply select your Spring Fair tickets and then add a Workshop to your booking. Or, if you’ve already booked tickets, you can add a workshop by heading straight to the ‘Extras‘ section’.
Choose your foliage carefully
Selecting the right foliage is crucial for creating a visually appealing and balanced floral arrangement. Incorporating at least two different types of foliage can add depth and interest to your design. Look for varieties that contrast in color, form, and texture to create a dynamic composition. For example, you might combine feathery ferns with broad, glossy leaves to achieve a pleasing contrast.
Condition your flowers thoroughly
Proper conditioning of flowers is essential for maximising their vase life. Before arranging your flowers, it’s important to remove any leaves that will be submerged in water, as these can harbor bacteria and lead to premature wilting. Additionally, trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle and placing them in clean water will help ensure optimal hydration and longevity.
Avoid toxic microplastics and floral foam
Environmental considerations are increasingly important in floral design. Rather than relying on traditional floral foam, which is non-biodegradable and can release harmful microplastics, consider eco-friendly alternatives such as floral frog pins, chicken wire, or willow lattice. These options provide support for arranging flowers while minimising environmental impact.
Be bold in your flower choices
When selecting flowers for your arrangement, don’t shy away from bold and impactful choices. Mixing large accent flowers with smaller filler blooms can create a dynamic contrast in size, shape, and colour. Experiment with complementary colours to create visual interest and make a statement with your arrangement.
Keep your blooms hydrated
To ensure your flowers stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, it’s important to keep them well-hydrated. Cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle helps facilitate water uptake, while changing the water every other day prevents bacterial growth and maintains water quality. By following these simple steps, you can extend the vase life of your blooms and enjoy their beauty for longer.
Looking for even more tips?
