The creative philosophy of flower arranging, home preservation methods, and how beginners can learn flower arranging

Flower arranging, also known as the art of flower arranging, means placing flowers in containers such as vases, dishes, and pots, rather than planting them in these containers. So how do you keep home flower arrangements fresh? How should beginners learn flower arranging?

How do you keep home flower arrangements fresh?

1. Hot water soaking method

① First soak the stems of fresh cut flowers in boiling water for 10 seconds; or soak them in hot water at 70°C to 85°C for 2 minutes, so that the cut ends are sealed and the tissue fluid of the flower branches is prevented from flowing out.

② After the cut ends of fresh flowers have been treated with hot water, insert them into cold water to extend the preservation time.

2. Flame scorching method

① First hold the ends of fresh cut flower branches over a candle flame or alcohol lamp for a while; this can likewise stop the sap in the flower stems from flowing out.

② After heat treatment, soak the cut ends of the flower branches in alcohol for about 1 minute, rinse them clean with water, and then insert them into cold water to extend the preservation time.

3. Cut surface enlargement method

① For woody fresh cut flowers such as Chinese rose and azalea, first make a slanted cut or split at the base of the branch, insert a small stone to hold the split open, or use a heavy object to crush the base of the branch, so as to enlarge the water-absorbing area.

② After treatment, soak the cut ends of the flower branches in alcohol for about 1 minute, rinse them clean with water, and then insert them into cold water to extend the preservation time.

4. Chemical preservation method

① Add an appropriate amount of aspirin or potassium permanganate solution to the flower arranging container; this can extend the flowering period by 5 to 7 days.

② Adding an appropriate amount of boric acid, sulfur, salt, vitamins, and so on to the flower arranging container all have the effect of extending the flowering period.

5. Tea water preservation method

After stronger tea water has cooled, insert the fresh cut flowers into it, and within 1 week the fresh flowers will not wither.

6. Beer preservation method

Add a little beer to the water used for the flower arrangement; or after emptying a beer bottle, pour clean water into the bottle that still has foam and use it for the flower arrangement, which can also extend the flowering period.

How should beginners learn flower arranging?

1. Classified by the artistic style of flower arranging, it can be divided into Western traditional flower arranging, Eastern flower arranging, and modern floral art design. Western traditional flower arranging is mainly based on geometric shapes, emphasizes the use of color, is compact in structure, gorgeous and solemn, and has a strong decorative effect; it is the foundation of various flower basket designs in ceremonial flowers and environmental floral art design. Eastern flower arranging advocates nature, is simple and elegant, stresses poetic and painterly qualities, and pursues the perfection of artistic conception; Eastern flower arranging cultivates students' artistic sense and skills in artistic flower arranging. Modern floral art incorporates modern individual consciousness, is highly subjective, pursues variation, and is unrestrained; it should have even deeper connotations. I do not advocate modern floral art that is highly abstract and loses its functionality.