Flower arranging is an art form that utilises the different qualities of flowers in a design that creates an overall aesthetic appeal. Simply putting your flowers into a vase does not fully enhance their appearance, but there are a few rules of thumb and tricks of the trade that mean you can make the most of your flowers in a beautiful and original way.

The Components:

Line Flowers

As the name suggests, create a line for the eye and give height to the arrangement. They are the first to go in, inserted horizontally and vertically to give the shape and direction of the design. Line flowers tend to be identified by the buds that grow up a centre stem, although tall foliage and branches are a good alternative to flowers.

Try gladiolas, snapdragons, liatris, delphiniums, bells of Ireland.Line flowers can make a statement on their own when placed in a tall, tubular vase.

Focal Flowers

Are also referred to as mass or face flowers. This is because they are usually roundly full-faced and create a feeling of mass in the piece. They are located near the centre of the arrangement, both slightly above and below. Focal flowers add a sense of stability and are normally the focus for the primary colour and interest.

The flowers chosen for focus are generally single stemmed with one flower head on top; a concentrated splash of colour that grabs the attention. See what you can create with roses, sunflowers, magnolias, peonies, hydrangeas, carnation, gerbera, lily, daffodil, freesia, tulip, iris, zinnia, chrysanthemum, or alstroemeria.

Focal flowers are those sold in bunches for a quick way to achieve a full, colourful vase of flowers.

Filler Flowers

comprise small collections of flowers on a single stem, or have numerous leaves and feathering blooms. They help to round out the arrangement with a full and softly flowing look, and provide a visual connection between the line and focal flowers.

Use dianthus, statice, baby's breath, poppies, field flowers.Filler flowers are a good choice for making dried flower arrangements.

Introduction to Arrangement Shapes:

Vertical

Vertical assemblies are created around tall, narrow vases, led by one long pointed flower or foliage build up in the centre. The dominant line is vertical, with some opposing directions. To build up the height, place a round flower with the largest bloom at the rim of the vase to balance the height created by the tallest flower.

Delphinium, gladiolus, and iris, are tall and straight flowers that can be used to create the vertical line.

Horizontal

Horizontal arrangements are ideal for centrepieces on coffee and dining tables as their low height means that they do not obstruct conversation. They extend out sideways to compensate for the lack of height, and as such look good on windowsills and shelving positioned under pictures.

Baskets and dishes are good containers for horizontal displays. Focal flowers are placed in the centre, hanging slightly over the container's edge and out toward the line material. The fillers should be instilled around the focal blooms.

Triangular

Triangular displays contain many variations based upon the angles involved. In each case, stems extend from the centre out to edges; none longer than the base layer, decreasing in extension as you reach the tip. Pale flowers should be placed on the edges, while the more colourful are based around the centre to create balance and a focal point. The filler flowers should enhance the triangular shape.

Crescent

Crescent designs are shaped like the moon as the name implies. The initial shape is created by the line flowers either following the natural curve of the leaves by using dried flowers soaked into shape. Focal flowers should be placed on the lower part of the curve to balance out the appearance.

S shape

S shape floral arrangements look best when placed on tall pedestals or on a short shelf. It can be made both vertically and horizontally, though the former is perhaps more common. Line flowers or foliage with a natural curve should be selected and inserted to balance the piece. The focal flowers should follow the line, with the fillers surrounding the central flowers.

The result is (on a vertical plane) that the upper part of the S extends upwards from the base, while the lower section completes the S curving down below the container.