Getting started. Organize all flower stems and branches by variety. From left: Pieris japonica, poppies, hellebores, anemones, ranunculus, hyacinth tulip magnolia, cymbidium orchid spray (which I ended up not using), Viburnum tinus in back, fancy parrot tulips. Strip off any foliage that falls below the water's surface to reduce bacteria. Note that I've inserted a vintage dome-style flower frog inside the footed vase. This can be secured with floral adhesive, available at craft and floral supply retailers or online. Design & photography (c) Debra Prinzing, Slow Flowers LLC