Once you have dried your stems and gathered branches to use for your arrangements you are ready to begin the fun job of making an arrangement or bouquet. There are several ways to go about this depending upon the type of arrangement you are going to make.
Material List
- Dried flowers, herbs, and branches
- Your selected vase or container
- Hairspray or floral fixative
- Scissors or floral shears
- Floral tape or masking tape
- Rubber band
- Optional: floral foam (if vase is not clear)
Select Your Container
The floral stems that you have collected from your harvest will have a lot to do with your arrangement style and the type of container that you select. Containers come in all shapes and sizes. You can purchase really lovely containers from specialty stores that carry floral supplies, Home and Decor centers, thrift stores, and garage sales. If you have the time and enjoy the thrill of the hunt, garage sales, estate sales, and thrift stores are all great places to find that one pièce de résistance that will be totally unique.
Preparation
Once you have your selected container you can do the prep work that will make arranging the flowers a breeze. If you have a container that is ceramic or something like a basket that will hide the contents you can use floral foam. Place it in the bottom of the container and cut to fit making sure that it is snug to the sides of the container. This will keep the foam from sliding up and down as you place the stems into the foam while arranging them. If the container is clear such a a glass vase or something more cottage style like a milk jug you will need to use the tape for a wide mouthed vase cut in strips and placed over the top in a grid style. This will act as a guide when placing your stems into the vase. An alternative to this is to carefully bunch the flowers keeping the larger flowers to the center for placement and secure them with a rubber band. More on this method below. Take a can of aerosol hairspray or floral fixative and lightly spray over your stems. This will help to prevent loss of petals and leaves as you are working with them.
Step 1
I always start with the branches as they are the strongest material and will act to support the structure that you build around them. Winterberry or Red Dogwood stems work really well for holiday arrangements. Birch stems too but they are a little bit smaller and thinner so they can be scattered throughout the arrangement.
Step 2
Add the largest florals ,such as Hydrangea or Sunflowers, from our selection list in Part I of the Series. Place them near the center and slightly below the main branch materials.
Step 3
Shorter stems like the glove thistle, lavender, and baby’s breath can be added around the tall large stems along with any leafy material such as boxwood.
Step 4
Keep in mind the look and style you are going for. Traditional arrangements can be very full and a wide mouthed vase is perfect for that look. If the vase you have chosen is clear you can omit the floral foam and even the vase and tie the arrangement in a bundle with the look of a bouquet. Small tweaks to the position of the flowers will give it a polished look.
If cottage is more your style a great basket can work, an antique pitcher or footbath, or even an old metal bucket can be charming if the proportions are right.
If you are going for a beachy vibe a loose casual style with pampas grass alone or mixed with palm leaves alone in a simple cylindrical, fluted vase or a tall basket can be a really great look.
I love a dramatic contemporary arrangement. This one I pulled together for Thanksgiving last year could be considered transitional. Made with a simple pottery vase I filled it with some long leafy branches and one or two bold floral stems.
Over time you will learn what you love and plant more of that. Part of the fun of planting your own herbs and flowers for decor is that it is an endless endeavor that changes from year to year. Adding dried material as the weather turns cool signals the turning of the seasons, reminds us of long summer days, and keeps your decor fresh and interesting.
If you started with this article go here to read the full series. If you are interested in culinary herbs please visit our sister site Sage Garden Health. We will be doing a similar series on selecting, growing, and using culinary herbs from your garden!
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