General tips
- Remember, floral foam (oasis) is not permitted. Please find an environmentally friendly alternative. Read this Good Housekeeping article for more information and suggestions for alternatives.
- Use sharp scissors and cut stems at angles so that there is a greater area to absorb the water
- Remove any damaged leaves
- Place foliage on the display first, add the flowers last
- Use wires or pins to make something sit in place
- Do a practice one at home
- Use the small pieces that you cut off if possible
- When you are creating it keep standing back and having a look at it
- Use an odd number of flowers
- Ask yourself:—is there movement in it? Is the foliage varied and of different shapes? Are there interesting flowers?
- Gypsophila is a good filler flower
- Remember you don’t have to totally hide the bowl
- Bring a trug or similar to collect any unwanted foliage/flowers
- Spray water over the display when you have finished
- Bouquets can be displayed using a wide necked bottle or jar weighted down with pebbles
- Pedestal arrangements should be raised up on a metal/wood/ceramic container or table to allow foliage to ‘flow’