Have you been put off buying fresh flowers in the past, because you
think that you need lots of skill to arrange flowers successfully?
Well, the Flowers & Plants Association in UK have some great ideas for
you, for displaying your flowers in stylish yet simple ways.


Basic Household Containers

Even if you haven't got a single vase in the house, you can still
enjoy cut flowers. Wine, beer, and mineral water bottles come in
interesting shapes and colours, and reduce arranging to its basics.
Choose flowers with large heads like gerbera, lilies, orchids or
sunflowers - add one stem per bottle and line them up on your
mantelpiece for instant glamour.

Jugs, teapots, tumblers and even jam jars can all be used for
displaying flowers. With smaller containers such as teapots and jam
jars, the flowers look better with the stems cut short, so that the
flowerheads "float" on the rim of the pot. Choose flowers with full
heads like dahlias, carnations, chrysanthemums and daffodils. Mass in
separate colours for high style, or fill out with interesting foliages
for a rustic, harvest-festival feel. Glasses and jars can also be put
inside more attractive non-waterproof containers to hold the water for
the flowers.

Ringing the Changes with Boring Vases


Maybe you have got a suitable vase, but it's ugly, or the colour
doesn't go with your flowers, or you are tired of looking at it. Try
wrapping a headscarf around it - place the vase in the middle, pull up
the fabric around, and tie with a ribbon or even a rubber band at the
neck. If you don't have a scarf, try crepe paper or giftwrap - just
take care when you add the water. You could then co-ordinate the
flowers with the colours in the fabric or paper.


Alternatively cover the outside of the vase in double-sided adhesive
tape, then stick large leaves vertically around. Tuck the ends of the
leaves underneath and stick them down, then tie the vase in the middle
with raffia or string for a floral parcel. Some houseplant leaves look
wonderful for this as they are glossy, or have exotic markings or
colouration. If you have no leaves, wind string - plain or coloured -
in coils around the bottles and jars for an ethnic look; or satin
parcel ribbon for a shiny finish.

And if all else fails...

If you really are unsuccessful at arranging your flowers, or you have
had a few disasters in trying the above, then a lovely way of
displaying flowers is to cut off individual flower heads and float
them in a low dish of water. You can also add small floating candles
for a "de-light-ful" dinner party table centre.

O My Garden Place to learn more gardening and planting for lovely
garden: http://www.omygarden.net

Every thing about all flowers: planting, decoration: www.worldofflower.net