I experiment with many styles of floral designs, but the one that resonates most with me is the Garden Style design. With its free-spirited style, I find myself lost for hours in the creative process of contemplating this lively, yet elegant design. I can spend the entire day going back and forth between garden and vase as I tell the fanciful story of my garden in the form of a Summer Garden arrangement. It is truly priceless therapy.
Part of my garden provides food and a haven for critters. Yet, much of it also allows for clippings for floral arrangements. This is especially true in the summer, when swarms of dragonflies and butterflies bring enchantment to the air. With the summer rain, everything is at its greenest and in full growth, notably the coleus and strawberry guavas, which are an irresistible temptation to the furry inhabitants of my garden. But before I allow my squirrel friends to feast on the last of the strawberry guavas, I’ll grab a few branches for thoughtful placement in this season’s Garden Style arrangement. With this in mind, the Summer Garden Arrangement is sure to be the most fruitful of designs!
If you do not have access to strawberry guava plants where you live, good substitutes are:
• small crab apple
• peach
• rosehip
• baby persimmon foliage
I encourage you to explore your garden for these treasures. There’s a special connection between an artist and nature when gardens find their way into floral arrangements!
~Petal
Creating floral arrangements that bridge the vibrancy of summer with the warmth of fall is a wonderful way to welcome the transition between the two seasons. As we craft our "Transition of Seasons" arrangement, we invite you to explore the harmonious interplay of colors and textures that celebrate this unique moment in nature.
Tones of yellow from mild to deep, highlight the end of summer and contrast flawlessly against the rich reds of early fall. This seamless merger of tones marks the transitional phase between the end of a season and the beginning of another.
It's a period when nature gradually shifts its palette, inspiring artists, poets, and creators alike to capture this cyclical beauty of nature.
How would you design a floral arrangement that beautifully captures this unique moment in time?
What colors and tones would best reflect the mood or theme you want to convey?
Which flowers, foliage, or seasonal elements would you incorporate to enhance the overall expression of the arrangement?
Listed below are the various elements used in our sample
Flowers
butterfly ranunculus, pincushions, hybrid delphinium, red ranunculus, scabiosa
Seasonal & Regional Elements
strawberry-guava branches, citrus fruits
Foilage
burgundy beech leaves, bloodleaf (see below)
Bloodleaf is one of our favorite foliage choices for fall designs, with intense red, magenta, or purple hues that can bring an unexpected splash of color to warm autumn arrangements. This vibrant foliage can complement or contrast with various flowers, but it's best used as a transitional element, allowing a smooth shift from bright to dark tones.
The glossy, smooth leaves of bloodleaf bring a unique texture to arrangements. As a cut stem in floral arrangements, its long vase life makes bloodleaf an ideal addition to various design styles, from modern minimalism to lush, tropical looks.
Designer Tip:
Use stems from older established plants for longevity in arrangements
Caution: Store at room temperature. Do not place them in a florist cooler, they will wilt in cooler conditions
Alternate Names:
Iresine, Beetroot Plant, Red Velvet Plant, Blood Sorrel, Flame Plant, Chicken Gizzard Plant
Availability: Year round in South Florida
Substitution: Persian Shield, Purple Prince, Red Coleus, Salvia
Vases are an integral part of floral design. Selecting the right vase is just as important as choosing the right flowers; they go hand in hand, forming a partnership that allows for the creation of the perfect arrangement.
With so much to be said about vases, our upcoming Designing with Vases Masterclass focuses on a few types of vases that have helped me tremendously in my early days of floral designing.
We'll explore the difference between 'Display' vases and 'Pedestals, Urns & Footed Bowls'.
We'll delve into the advantages of 'Display' vases, discuss the best style of each vase type and create stunning displays.
Looking to create eye-catching entrance pieces? Then this is the class for you!
Foraging for flowers and foliage can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep a few key guidelines in mind to ensure it’s safe and responsible. Here’s a simplified guide to help you:
1. Know the Rules: Check local laws about foraging and always ask for permission if you’re on private land.
2. Be Sustainable: Only take what you need so plants can keep living and growing. Use clean tools to avoid harming them.
3. Identify Plants Carefully: Make sure you know what you’re picking. Some flowers may look nice but can be toxic to humans or pets. Don’t hesitate to ask an expert if you’re unsure.
4. Stay Safe: Avoid areas that might be polluted or treated with chemicals, and be cautious of any allergies you or others might have.
5. Respect Nature: Be mindful of local wildlife and try to leave the area as you found it.
6. Know the Difference: Make sure you’re foraging for wildflowers and not picking from someone’s garden.
7. Learn Local Ecologies: Be mindful of local plants and their cultural significance. Additionally, understand the local ecology to learn about protected and invasive species.