Its beauty rivals that of succulents, and it is even a distinctive attitude toward life

Source / Flower Arrangement Art Learning

Editor / Succulent Plant Hub

In this season, besides the cool breeze from an air conditioner or electric fan that brings refreshing coolness indoors, flower arrangements can also be used to improve the indoor environment and give people a feeling of coolness in their mood.

So how should the shape, color and vase of summer flower arrangements be chosen? Summer flower arrangements do not need overly complicated techniques or overly flashy decorations. Using a single type of floral material is usually the first choice for summer home flower arrangements.

A bunch of calla lilies or a large handful of cornflowers placed together in a vase, with a simple and plain appearance, is just like a T-shirt in summer, looking casual and refreshing. Avoid arranging the floral materials so densely that no air can pass through, creating a heavy and oppressive atmosphere. In the presentation of materials, grouped techniques are best, with the floral materials clear and distinct.

Selection and processing of floral materials

The floral materials that can be used are very wide-ranging. Any plant whose flowers, leaves, stems, fruits, etc. have ornamental value in color and posture can be cut as flower arrangement material. When selecting flower branches, those whose flowers are only 70 to 80 percent open and still have buds yet to bloom are the most ideal.

First cut off the residual leaves, small branches, thorns, etc. on the selected flower branches. When pruning, pay attention to the principle of "following nature," retaining as much as possible the beautiful natural posture of the material itself, and avoid pruning too much.

Then, according to the composition requirements, cut the flower branches into materials of different lengths, thicknesses, and degrees of curvature, and cut the base of the flower branches into slanted openings.

Placement of floral materials

Insert the processed floral materials into a vase or other container. The height of the vase and other containers should be coordinated with the height of the flower branches. Generally, the height of the flower branches is 1.5-2 times that of the vase. If the flower branches are too long, the center of gravity will be unstable, giving people a feeling of being top-heavy.

If the flower branches are short and small and matched with a tall vase, it looks very ungraceful. When arranging flowers, generally choose flowers with large blooms and bright colors as the main branches, insert them into the container first as the framework, and then insert smaller floral materials and foliage plants as auxiliary materials and supporting leaves into the vase.

How to match flowers with space

Room corridor VS upright flower arrangement. The entrance or corridor of a room is generally relatively narrow. If flower arrangements are used to welcome visitors, it is best to choose simple, neat flower arrangements with cheerful colors. The flower arrangement should not be too large, and an upright type is suitable.

Recommended variety: calla lily

Arrangement guidance: prepare a rectangular white transparent vase and casually insert 5-7 stems of calla lilies.

Living room coffee table VS cone-shaped flower arrangement

Flower arrangements in the living room can be larger. Placed on a large tabletop, they will appear very lively. If you want to use flower arrangements to decorate smaller places such as a coffee table, combination cabinet, or wall shelf, use small cone-shaped flower arrangements.

Recommended variety: small daisy

Arrangement guidance: prepare some exquisite but small vessels, and place the small daisies fully inside them, giving a full and lovely visual effect.

Bedroom VS simple flower arrangement without fragrance

The bedroom most needs tranquility. There should not be too many flower arrangements. If one or two roses or similar flowers can be placed in a crystal-clear and exquisite vase, it will have a decorative effect that is both warm and not overly flashy. For bedroom flower arrangements, it is best to choose floral materials without fragrance.

Recommended variety: Gerbera (that is, African daisy; light pink ones are most suitable for placing in the bedroom).

Arrangement guidance: prepare 8 stems of Gerbera and an ordinary glass cup with the same thickness top and bottom. According to the size of the cup, cut the flower stems into two or three sections, wrap them around the outside of the glass cup, and tie them well with string, a silk scarf, or a ribbon. Then simply insert the African daisies casually into the cup and it is done.

Dining table VS brightly colored flower arrangement

Dining room flower arrangements are usually placed on the dining table and used for festive banquets. It should be noted that in addition to choosing bright-colored varieties, they should also be ornamental from every angle.

Recommended variety: tulip

Arrangement guidance: flower arrangements on the dining table should not be too tall, so as not to block the diners' line of sight. Therefore, prepare a fruit bowl, spread some crystal mud across the entire bottom of the bowl, and cover the flower bulbs.

Study VS small flower arrangement

The desk in a study or reading area can also be decorated with flower arrangements. Elegant small flower arrangements are suitable, and one flower or a fruit-bearing branch accompanied by a cluster of green leaves is enough.

Recommended varieties: asparagus fern, calamus, pink beauty leaf, snake plant, Syngonium podophyllum, etc.

Arrangement guidance: generally speaking, these green plants do not need to be arranged by hand, but careful care is necessary every day.

Bathroom or kitchen VS foliage plants or grain-type plants

As for the bathroom and kitchen, green-based foliage plants and yellow-based grain-type plants can be selected respectively for embellishment.

Recommended variety: water lily (its delicate fragrance is very suitable for the bathroom).

Arrangement guidance: three stems of water lilies with two stems of dragon willow, inserted in a large cola bottle, and wrap the cola bottle with an old silk scarf to make a beautiful floral art piece. If you still find it troublesome, cut the mouth of the cola bottle lower and put it in a shopping bag you have used before.

Use double-sided tape to stick the cola bottle and paper bag together, and use the weight of the water-filled cola bottle to secure the paper bag. Of course, a kraft paper bag is the most interesting.

Six tips for keeping home flower arrangements fresh

Scalding branch method: first put the 2 cm cut end of the flower branch into boiling water and soak for 12 minutes, then insert it into the vase. This method is most suitable for flowers with relatively soft stems and branches, such as peony, Chinese peony, oleander, garden balsam, and tulip.

Salt water soaking method: first pour some light salt water into the vase, then insert the flower branches. This method is suitable for various salt-loving flowers, such as plum blossom, lotus, narcissus, camellia, and canna.

Beer soaking method: first put beer in the vase, then add some clean water and mix well, then insert the flower branches into the vase. Because beer contains ethanol, sugar, and other nutrients, it can both disinfect and preserve the cut ends of the flower branches and provide nutrients to the flower branches. This method is most suitable for wisteria, peach blossom, and madder.

Branch trimming method: every day use scissors to trim the cut end of the flower branches, which can keep the flower branches' water-absorbing function in good condition, keep the flower branches fresh, and extend the life of the vase arrangement.

Branch burning method: first burn the 2 cm cut end of the flower branch for a while over an alcohol lamp or candle flame, and after the white liquid flowing from the cut solidifies, insert it into the vase. This method is most suitable for flowers with relatively hard stems and branches, such as plum blossom, peach blossom, rose, lilac, cotton rose, white magnolia, and poinsettia.

Sugar water soaking method: add a little white sugar to the vase, stir well, and then insert the flower branches. Because sugar water can provide nutrients, it can extend the life of the flower arrangement.