- Author: G.J. de Pillis
Miniature Floral Arrangement: Design Tips from the Experts (Series)
By
--GJ dePillis, Master Gardener--
February 20, 2015
====PART 1====
As the fog clung to the ground one early morning in the California Botanical Gardens, I found myself surrounded by several floral enthusiasts, who had flocked here to learn from Joyce Dean, judge and winning contestant herself at more floral shows than you can shake a tulip at.
Today, Ms. Dean encouraged creativity, which all her protégés loved. It was noted that should a butler help the groundskeeper plant varieties which would bloom early, mid and late-season, there would be ample supplies to have floral arrangements in the home without having to call upon the florist.
During this seminar, we focused on miniature arrangements.
It was fascinating to witness - that although we had access to the same materials- each participant came up with a spectacularly different design.
We were guided through the techniques of making three-inch miniature arrangements, as well as an eight-inch design.
Now, why create miniatures nearly small enough to fit into a candle votive? Tiny floral arrangements are perfect "pick me ups" for those who are convalescing in hospital. Joyce Dean recently made several with her team of floral hero and heroines to give to those blessed souls recuperating at the Veteran's memorial Hospital.
Imagine if you were able to enlist the help of the household staff. You could create scaled-down miniature floral arrangements as a farewell gift for your employer's dinner guests? In addition to having a central display where the dining party spent most of the evening, each person could also have a tiny memento at their place, which the host could offer them to fondly remember the evening.
Tools:
Small scissors, Toothpick, Tweezers, and of course a bit of water-soaked fresh flower floral foam
Sample places to buy supplies:
http://www.afloral.com/Floral-Supplies/Floral-Foam
http://www.dollartree.com/Fresh-Flower-Floral-Foam-Disks-and-Cylinders-2-ct-Packs/p315481/index.pro
http://www.michaels.com/search?q=floral%20foam
http://www.amazon.com/Kenzan-Flower-Holder-Frog-M2202/dp/B001G570EW
(Note: We were advised that if one becomes a member of the Flower Arrangers' Guild, they would have access to all the best suppliers and would not have to hunt the Internet)
Flowers:
Try arranging on your own and then next time, we will share some tips and you can see if those tips help improve your overall designs.
Until next time, remember to stop and smell the flowers.