Creating a well-structured and visually stunning seasonal floral arrangement can be as easy as an elementary school math equation. The best part is, with a little instruction and floral knowledge bestowed on us by our friends at Studio Choo, there is no incorrect result. And every time you add up the pieces you are bound to be inspired and surprised. Whether constructing a fabulous holiday centerpiece or a simply lovely bedside bouquet, just add up three basic layers for your own wild yet elegant autumnal arrangement.
1. Base layer. Commonly treated as a filler layer, the base is actually the keystone of the arrangement and should be treated as an overall enhancement to the arrangement. When gathering materials for the base layer, look around your neighborhood as well as the store — beautiful branches and flowers with sturdy stems will hold the rest of the arrangement in place.
Try:
Deciduous tree branches
Smoke tree
Chokecherry
Scented geranium
Amaranthus
Sedum
Kumquat
Rosehips
This layer goes into the vase first. Studio Choo's Jill Rizzo suggests using 6-10 stems. For a simpler arrangement use less variety, while choosing many different plants will create a rich and layered arrangement.
2. Focal flowers. Use focal flowers as accents and to direct your eye around the arrangement. Begin with the largest and most prolific blooms with the strongest stems, followed by smaller flowers.
Try: Peony ‘Coral Charm’, snapdragon, echinacea pod (coneflower), tree peony, parrot tulip, ranunclus, anemone, roses.
Cluster and orient the buds around the arrangement depending on the directions from which it will be viewed from once finished. Don't focus too much on uniform spacing or size. There is no prescribed number of stems needed, but Rizzo suggests sticking to odd numbers.
3. Bits and pieces. Following the base layer, feel free to add succulents and even fruit to the arrangement using wooden skewers and floral glue. The shape and texture will create a beautiful and unusual arrangement and definitely emphasize the seasonality of it.
Try:
Persimmons
Succulents
Use vines and delicately stemmed flowers to finish up and fill out your arrangement. They add a lightness and softness to the arrangement and will break up density.
Try:
Bittersweet berries (keep away from kids and pets as these can be toxic if ingested)