Julia

Clements

ABC of
Flower

(
'

Julia Clements' enthusiasm

and

clear

have attracted a vast audience

throughout the world.

style

She here presents a completely new

ABC of Flower
Arranging. Based on wide and sympathetic
experience it is a goldmine of instruction
and inspiration: every basic point is
explained in nontechnical language with
over a hundred step-by-step photographs
under such headings as The Formal
Style; The Modern Style; Table
Arrangements; Unusual Containers, and

handbook on the

Tricks of the Trade.

Flower arrangement

not restricted to

is

those with large gardens and incomes.

By following

the simple

Clements describes,

it

methods

Julia

can be an art for

who work
who love

everyone, the housewife, those

in hotels, offices, hospitals, all

flowers and wish to express themselves

by arranging them

artistically.

you have never before arranged flowers,

book for you. If you are
wondering how to start an arrangement,
your questions are answered, however
elementary or advanced your knowledge.
If

this is the

Quadrangle/The

New

York Times

Book Co.
10 East 53 Street

New

York,

New York

10022

0976

mwM

Julia Clements

ABC of Flower Arranging

Julia Clements

ABC of Flower Arranging

n
Quadrangle/The

New York

Times Book Co.

Copyright

('

1976 by Julia Clements.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this

or portions thereof

in

anv form.

For information, address:

Quadrangle/The New York Times Book Co.,
10 East

New

Street,

York,

New York

10022.

Printed in Great Britain.

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Clements, Julia.
ABC of flower arranging.
1. Flower arrangement. I.
SB449.C578 1976 745.92*2

ISBN

0-8129-0635-7

Title.

76-4132

book

Contents
Introduction

The formal style

The modern style

9
3i

Flowers for the table

53

Unusual containers

67

Tricks of the trade

83

Do's and Dont's

96

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in

2012

http://archive.org/details/abcofflowerarranOOclem

Introduction
It is
I

true that in

feel

people

life

must have

who

years ago

the wheel
said

it

comes

before,

to full circle,

and although

are just beginning to live the excitement

when

first

after

many books

often find myself in a gathering of different

I

felt

more than twenty

five

discovered the self-expressive art of arranging flowers.

to these newcomers to the art that I address this simplified book, for I am
convinced that anyone can arrange flowers and I do really mean anyone. Of
course the desire must be there first, but if you are one who longs to place flowers
artistically in a vase, who wishes to use colour as an expression of your character,
who might wish to show friends the results of your skill at gardening, or perhaps
who might wish to surprise the family with a new and stimulating flower design,
It is

fully

then this

is

the

Of course

book for you.

you may wish

later,

to enter into

show work where

the

knowledge

of arranging flowers will stand you in good stead, but it is

the start that is always so rewarding. If you have never made an arrangement
before, you have only to follow the picture lessons in this book to be able to
say with pride after completing a design 'I did it'.
It is the excitement of achievement which is so fulfilling, for most of us have a
certain amount of creative ability within us but not all of us are lucky enough to
find an outlet. We do not all have the time to take up a long study, that is why
flower arranging is today appealing to tens of thousands of men and women all
over the country, for once the desire is there, you can get results almost
immediately. It is the easy accessibility of the basic items needed for your
expression which makes the subject so appealing, for you have only to walk
down the garden or in the countryside, or to go into a florist shop to find all the
different forms, shapes and colours with which to make a living picture with
flowers. And, unlike other arts, the results of flower arranging are ephemeral, so
no matter what you create one week, it will not be there the next, and so you
create another picture. It is this that makes the subject so fascinating and never
ending in interest, for the pallette is inexhaustible what with the ever changing
seasons and innumerable variety and colours of flowers at our disposal.
Once you have felt that you too can be an artist with flowers there will be no
end to the different designs you can make. Your eyes will be opened to all kinds
of possibilities and you will 'see' plant material in a diff rent light. You will see
a twisted branch and know that it will make a good outline for a few flowers
placed low in a dish you will feel the fun of discovering a chunky piece of wood
that will eventually assume its place as focal interest in a design; you will, I'm
sure, look, perhaps for the first time, at some tall spear-like seed heads and know
right away that they will appear exactly right in the centre of a tall dry arrangeof the

technicalities

ment. But there is much more to it than that, for you will never again walk along
a sea shore without looking for interesting shells or stones which will hide the
flower holder if you are without leaves, and if you have a garden you will start to
grow the exact types of flowers and plants which will help you create the colour
schemes of your choice.
I have arranged this book so that it is easy for anyone to follow, whether you
have a garden or not, whether you live in country or in town. But do buy yourself a pair of good flower cutters and one or two interesting flower containers
and see how easy it is.
and then enjoy your flowers. Start

NOW

JULIA CLEMENTS

Chelsea 1976

The formal

style

The formal or classical style of using masses of flowers to gain effect is typically
British. Take care that your container blends happily with your room and furniture, and remember that the shape of your arrangement should suit its position
in the

room.

formal, massed triangular shape

is ideal for the centre of a table backed by a

whereas an irregularly shaped mass design, ie shorter one side than the other,
is better for one end of a similar table. A classic mantel vase is most suitable for
one or both ends of a mantelshelf; these are usually filled with plenty of flowers,
the outsides being made visually heavier and shorter, whilst longer fine trails fall
towards the centre and out over the edge of the shelf.
Formal designs call for formal vases, so avoid heavy shallow pottery dishes,
so necessary for modern designs, and use instead your formal silver, glass or fine
china containers, filled with the more exquisite flowers.
Flowers such as sweet peas, roses, lilies, orchids, delphiniums and the more
choice flowers are considered suitable for formal flower arrangements, and colour
is also relevant. Mauve, purple, pink, crimson, blue and other delicate colours
are all suitable. Small choice containers filled with tiny precious flowers and
leaves lend an air of formality especially when placed on antique furniture,
perhaps under a lamp.
To make a formal triangular arrangement, follow the step-by-step pictures.
First decide where it will finally stand, making the arrangement taller if rooms are
high, shorter if low. For large, high rooms use a fairly large vase, for nothing
offends the eye more than a large mass of flowers in a small vase.
For an assy metrical mass formal design (see page 24), start with the tallest
stem off centre at the left, adding large leaves and flowers at the left and longer

wall,

finer ones

low

at right.

STEP 2

Here

a tall

mauve opaque

pink and white flowers.

glass goblet

Fill

the

with crumpled newspaper, on

it

is

bottom

used to hold
part of the vase

place a pin-holder,

Emphasise the central line with pink tulips, opening the

petals of the lower ones for greater effect. Then add
some grey-green leaves to give central depth.

up to above the rim with crumpled wire

netting, bending the ends over to hold it firm. Insert
six tall white iris, looking for any swerved stem which
then

fill

should be placed

at

the sides.

step

opposite

Add more

pink tulips flowing forward over the rim

the front, inserting

right.

More

mauve and white

Any

arrangement can be made

10

low

in

at

stems of white spirea are added to

emphasise fine outline.

in season.

freesias

triangular type of

in this

way

using any flowers

STEP

STEP 2

This formal mass triangular style arrangement can be

Strengthen the centre of the design by adding the more

made

rounded paeonies making sure the lower ones

forward. Add a few leaves.

any wide-topped container. Place a large

pinholder in the base of the vase and press on to it a
block of well soaked Oasis. If you are not a floral foam
fan, then you could fill the vase with crumpled wire
netting, placing an elastic band over the wire and top
of container to hold it firm. Then make a triangular
pattern with the tallest, thinnest flowers, the tallest stem
being one and a half times higher than the height of
the vase and the side stems two thirds that of the central
in

tilt

stem.

step

opposite

Fill in

from top

to

bottom and from

centre with shorter flowers, placing

the outside to the

some

'in'

and some

with stems of the

lovely pale green alchemilla mollis and trails of ivy
'out' to

avoid

a flat effect

and

finish

flowing downwards to unite the flowers to the vase.

12

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13

step

above

left

Place a pin-holder in the base of a large

container and cover

compote

style

with crumpled wire netting. Tie

it

the netting to the vase (sec page 88) and add water.
Insert three
leaves.

step 2
Insert

tall

used

pale

gladioli

with three large

thistle leaves.

above
deep yellow chrysanthemums, each one cut to

different length,

step

lemon

onopordum

Widen

down

the centre.

left

the triangular

background with stems of

late-flowering white larkspur, with leaves flowing both

both forward and

at the sides.

step 4
opposite
Place the vase on a

wooden block to give it more

importance and add more larkspur for a fuller
framework, inserting yellow achillea flowing forward
low over the front of the rim. This style is suitable for
a pedestal, although the taller the pedestal the longer
trailing material, such as ivy or wild clematis, you
should add.

15

made using any

and thin for the outline,

This type arrangement could be

similar plant material,

ie tall

rounder or more dominant material for centre,

but visually unimportant material for filling in.

Press a block of
in the

wet Oasis on

top of fhe~container.

to a pinholder

Make

Next add

the pink paeonies after cutting each stem

shorter than the other.

levels,

not only

in

Try

to place

length but

in

them

depth,

at different

ie 'in

and

out'.

and place

an irregular outline

with the white campanulas inserting the

slightly off centre at the right,

light

STEP 2

stem
one

first tall

with the low

left

swerving downwards.

step

opposite

with leaves and more campanulas around the

centre and add light sprays of pale green alchemilla
mollis, or any other light flower such as london pride
Fill in

or heuchera.

16

17

Here

is

another off-centre arrangement called the

assymetrical triangle

STEP 2

made with yellow and white

flowers in a turquoise blue vase.

After placing the wet floral

vase insert the

tall

height of the vase) with

of it.

Add

foam or wire netting

gladioli (one

and

a slightly

tulips down the centre underneath the

stem inserting some heavier leaves at the left.

Add yellow
tallest

in the

half times the

shorter one in front

shorter stem leaning out at the

left

and

backwards, then continue a swerving line with

freesias flowing downwards backed with twigs.
Gladioli are stiff, so try not to use them for low
swerves, they look unhappy.
slightly

step
Fill

in

opposite

always aiming the stems towards the centre

the base of the tallest stem, with narcissi and single

chrysanthemums, adding more leaves or green

euphorbia and ivy over the rim. Add water daily.

at

19

These roses and camellia leaves were purchased from

the florist and made into a casual mass design. Recut
and split rose stems and stand in deep water before
arranging for some hours or over night.
STEP
Fill

STEP 2
the outline pattern with roses, some
backwards, the bigger ones lower down.

Cover

tilting

the container

(a

baking

tin

painted black) with

crumpled wire netting allowing it to reach above the

rim and insert the leaves in a casual loose triangular
pattern.

step

opposite

Complete by adding the shorter and more widely

opened roses in the centre, the low ones flowing
forward. If you want some in buds and some more
fully opened stand some in the light and others in the
dark before arranging. Fill up with water daily.

20

21

The Hogarth

curve,

named

after

William Hogarth, the

697-1 764) who, after receiving bad

criticism refused to sign his paintings, but instead

English painter
scribbled

beauty,

is

(i

long S curve and called it the line of

most students of flower arranging

a line

have to practice
So here we go.
step

above

as

an exercise.

Many

find

pinholder and place in the top of a

any

flowers or

tall

difficult.

left

Press a block of Oasis or any other floral

insert

it

tall

foam on

container.

to a

Next

thin curved stems such as twigs, thin

broom

as in the picture,

making

lowest stem swerves downwards, the

underneath the

tip

of the

tallest

tip

sure the

being almost

stem.

step 2

Cover this outline, I used tulips and freesias, but any

non stiff flowers would do. Make sure the stems on the
inside of the curve are short.

step

left

without going beyond the outline with bigger

flowers adding blossom or leaves around the centre to
unite the stems and cover the rim.
Fill in

22

Here is a softer version of the curve which shows the

rhythmic movement which can be obtained with stems
of wild clematis (old man's beard) tobacco flowers,
sorbus berries and veronica with wider opened asters
for the centre.

23

This loosely flowing autumn arrangement

crimson

in a pale

step

above

is

pink and

green soapstone container.

left

The off-centre outline is made with leaves and

snow berries, the low right stems swerving downwards.
The vase is first filled with Oasis held on a pinholder.
step 2

above

Some thin-stemmed

pink schyzostilis are added to the

outline and the centre

is

strengthened with three stems

of sugar pink nerines, one below the other.

step

left

Crimson sedum

spectabile

is

inserted in

between the

pink nerines and pale green hydrangeas are added for

central bulk.

step 4

opposite

Daisy-like white/mauve dimorphollithicas are added as

fillers,

and

24

some

tilting

forward. White green snow berries

trailing leaves finish the effect.

25

This formal triangular style can be

season flowers provided

you

made with any

more

place the tallest and

pointed flowers on the outside.

STEP 2

Add

dominant paeonies, cutting each stem shorter

low one pointing out over the rim.
Chrysanthemums roses or dahlias or any rounded
the

than the other, the

flowers can be used for the centre.

After

filling the

vase with wet Oasis pressed on to a

pinholder insert the

tall

stems

in a triangular

pattern as

Delphiniums, golden rod, sweet peas or

larkspur could be used equally well so also can tall
sprays of greenery.
in the picture.

step

opposite

with shorter flowers adding leaves or any light

touch here and there. Give your flowers a long deep
drink before arranging them and add water daily.
Fill in

26

27

Some

flowers appear to be expensive, but with a

imagination one or two stems can

make

little

very effective

of root wood, two

sprigs of ivy and one stem of lilies on a black painted
wooden base. The wood was bought from the
household stores, four door stoppers were screwed to
the corners and the whole painted black.
decoration. Here

STEP

used

a piece

STEP 2

Remove two of the

florets from the stem of the lilies,

main stem upright with bud and
flower open, adding the two remaining flowers lower

inserting

down

first

the

with more leaves.

Place

pinholdcr

base and across

it

in a dish

of water

at the left

of the

wood.
Then insert on the

lay a piece of root or drift

(This is optional but adds interest).

holder an upright spray of tree ivy, adding another low

out

at

the

riiiht.

step

opposite

The same

plant material

was used

to obtain a change. First the

in this tall

wood was

container

laid across the

opening of the vase, next the tall ivy was inserted with
the swerving stem out at the right and finally the lilies
were placed. I used no holder, the stems resting against
the inside of the vase. However, if you are uncertain
nearly fill the vase with wet newspaper or sand, adding
a pinholder on to this false platform.

28

29

These garden Iceberg roses help make this white and

green arrangement in a curved pattern. A dish holding
a pinholder and water was stood on the top of the
silver compote stand, the flowers and leaves being
inserted as in the Hogarth curve pattern (see page 22).

30

The modern

style

you live in a house or flat of contemporary design then you will probably bemost interested in the modern style of flower arrangement. Although often
appearing more bold and exciting than traditional styles. Mower arrangements
in the modern manner are, in my opinion, easier to achieve.
To make an original modern design do not be afraid to use strong or contrasting colours; neither must you fear heights, for tall designs arc more modern than
squat ones. The value of space must be realised, and allowed tor round the principal
lines of your design: be careful to resist the temptation to fill up the spaces m
your arrangement because you are afraid it might appear too sparse.
An appropriate background is most important. It your walls arc pale, you can
place before them dark branches and bright leaves; it dark it would be better to
If

use striking colours such as yellow, orange and scarlet.

The

right container

uncluttered

in

be shallow or

is

also a matter tor consideration;

appearance, perhaps
tall

made

it

should be plain and

of thick metal, glass or pottery.

depending upon the space

It

can

to be filled.

Although flowers alone can make interesting modern designs, a contrast of

form will make the pattern more eye-catching. For instance, a tall branch with
short flowers grouped low down, or tall flowers with a piece of gnarled wood
placed low in the design, will prove more exciting than if six flowers all of one
kind are placed upright

in a container.

making

modern arrangements now

if

you

are interested in

time to

start

looking for accessories so useful for adding

So
to

creative

different shape or

is

the

form

your design.

some large stones, rough pieces of wood, old roots, dried fungus,
even ornaments, for all of these are valuable accessories to modern flower
arrangement. Pieces of wood can be sandpapered to obtain interesting textures
and other items may be rubbed smooth, polished with shoe polish, and finished
in a variety of colours.
Collect

shells,

3i

Here is a lesson on the rectangular line using one bunch

of iris and another of double tulips with some twigs of
forsythia or any other fine greenery.

STEP 2

Add

the

iris,

emerge from the

STEP

from bottom low one at right

Allow the stems to

the second

can also be placed short

at the left.

centre.

left back of the oblong dish and

of forsythia, the tallest one being one
and a half times the length of the dish. The low right
one two thirds that of the height and the shorter one
leaning out at the left slightly backwards.

Place the pinholder at

insert three stems

step

opposite

add the yellow double tulips low around the

centre, yet following the line and insert leaves at the
side and the back. Add water.
Finally

This

is

a basic

teaching line but can be softened with

flowing material

32

when

experience

is

gained.

STEP

Fix a

slat

of wood to the base of ivy roots so that it

a shallow dish. Have ready large stones,

stands firmly in

moss and seasonal flowers.

step 4

opposite

Finally cut

some of the flowers

short, inserting

them

front of the root, the stems reaching through the

to the pinholder at back.
attractive

step

STEP 2

Place roots upright, and hold the

stones.

34

slat

down

Cover with moss. Place pinholder

at

firmly with
back.

background.

Fill

few leaves

will

in

wood

make an

dish with water.

Impale flowers on the holder - I used yellow

doronicums - placing some upright, some forward and
others flowing out at right.

35

To be modern in flower arranging you should aim high

and leave plenty of space around the main lines of your
design to allow for contrast. Here, impaled on a
pinholder in a dish of water standing on a wooden base,
are curved stems of pussy willow, the tallest being
twice the length of the base.
Two aspidistra leaves are then inserted, one leaning
backward, and the other forward.

Curl the leaves round your finger and

clip or

paper

few hours.

clip

When

the

'swerve' can be obtained.

low down

step 2

for

fix

with

a hair

them to soak in water for

clip is removed the required

leaving

dominant

Add

four bright red tulips

interest.

opposite

Place white stones around the tin of water, which not

effect, and place two more
forward over the stones. If tulips are
clustered together they not only remain upright but,
if cut shorter, last a long time. Rub the wooden base
over with grate polish to give an antique finish which
helps to produce the modern colour scheme of red,
green; black and white.

only hide

it,

but give added

tulips leaning

36

37

*A-

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-

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i

Modern containers are made in all shapes and sizes,

sometimes with two openings which can to some
present a problem. Yet they are a challenge to use and
many variations can be obtained. Here just three
daffodils, some twigs and two leaves are designed in a
modern manner.

STEP 2

One

fatzia

japonica leaf was added in each opening, one

angled to the

left,

the other out to the right.

tall angled twig of hawthorn was inserted in the top

opening (a wedge of wet Oasis will hold it firm if a
pinholder is not used) followed by a shorter twig in
the lower opening.

step

opposite

Finally three daffodils

opening to make

this

and leaves were placed

in the

simple yet effective design.

Alternatives could be three carnations, roses or any

flowers in season.

38

top

39

This is an unusual pottery container, but the design

could be equally well made in any upright vase. Modern

demand

aim high
with your branches, leaving plenty of space in between
the height and the base.

designs

space, so

Insert an angular

pinholder which

Allow

it

do not be

afraid to

STEP 2

some twisty pieces of vine or root across the

opening some are bleached white, others painted black.
Place

stem of leafy hawthorn on to a

base of the container.

rests in the

to lean out to the right.

step

opposite

some stems of colourful ranunculas or anemones.

Spreading out low at the right and add some leaves to

Insert

unitethe stems.

40

Fill

vase with water.

4i

a modern manner with

The blossom burst two days

Spring twigs are here used in

three tulips and heather.
after the

photograph was taken and

turning into
STEP

lasted ten days then

STEP 2

Add
the

stems of heather in

a cross line

swerving

down

left.

leaf.

Place a pinholder in the base of the upper part of the

container and insert

a tall

blossom twig. Adding

another directly in front leaning out to the

left.

step

opposite

pink early double flowering tulips, each

one cut shorter than the other and fill the container
with water.
Insert three

42

at

43

bunch of anemones will bring colour to any room in

Here is an easy way of making them appear

the winter.

more important.
step

above

left

Place a round block of Oasis or

Mosy into the top of

wood which have
stem to the wood by

the container and insert twists of

been painted black. Give a false

twisting it round with wire or a thick hairpin.

above

step 2

Insert the stems

of bulrushes for height, the

wood

gives

width.
step

Tuck

step 4

Add

left

in short pieces

to

cover the Oasis.

opposite

anemones and stand vase on a

modern long lasting decoration.

colourful

you have

44

of greenery

base and

45

i
'

%^<\ H;
-

-^Mfc*

shallow dish and

pinholdcr

is all

that

is

required for

spring flowers, for they do not need deep water, just

enough

to cover the holder.

step

above

left

left of the dish (it could be at

and insert a tall stem of forsythia
(the height being one and a half times the length of the
dish) then add another shorter stem leaning out at the
right and a further shorter one low at the left.

Place the pinholder at the

you

the right if

above
few daffodils, the low

step 2

Add

like)

left

one looking up

at the

others.

step

Next

left

place

some

pieces of old tree branches to cover

the holder and add a

it,

few more short

daffodils

behind

with some leaves or short sprays of blossom.

Opposite

Here is the same arrangement moved to the right

which is how it would look if you had started at the
right.

46

Add

water daily.

47

Stripped and bleached ivy roots can

additions to

many

designs.

Here

it is

make

interesting

used with plants

for a long lasting decoration. Ivy stripped

from old

should be trimmed and soaked in strong soda

water overnight. The soft bark can then be scraped off
and the roots laid in diluted household bleach for some
hours and finally rinsed. Here as on page 34 the ivy has

step

base to help

it

small pot of Maranta leaves

If there

trees,

been fixed to

step 2

is

not

much room

removed and placed

is

placed tilting forward.

for a pot, the plant can be

in a plastic

bag with moist

soil.

stand firm.

Stand the ivy roots upright in a shallow dish and set

pot of Glacier Ivy behind it allowing some trails to
wind through the wood.

step

opposite

The pots are hidden with stones and moss and a few
more roots are added low down. Watering can be done
without disturbing the arrangement.

48

49

modern container is made of pottery, but

something similar could be fashioned from a tall
This

cylindrical tin turned upside

down

with

screwed to the top, the whole being

STEP

shallow

STEP

Insert
tin

finally painted.

some stems of blue/green

ruta graveolens

(Jackmans blue). This lasts a long time, though any

other leaves could be substituted.

Place

pinholder into the top of the container and

two tall twisted dry strelitzia leaves, in no matter

what manner adding another low down which has

insert

already been given

hairpin around

a false

stem by twisting

thick

it.

step

opposite

Add two
forward.

pink nerines, one upright, the lower one

chrysanthemums, roses or dahlias could

Two

be substituted.

anywhere, under the bed

assume odd curves as they
dry. They can be painted for modern designs and last a
long time. If none are available, any tall twisty branch
could be used as an alternative.
Strelitzia leaves if left lying

for example, will gradually

50

51

This shows

different expression of the container used

on page

38.

First the

two openings were

filled

with mauve heather,

then colourful anemones were introduced in between.

Finally a piece of cane was first inserted in the lower
opening then wound round the back and front of the
vase the end being inserted in the top opening. Cane
of varying thicknesses can be obtained in many craft
or art shops and should be soaked in water before use
to enable you to make whatever curves you wish.

Dryads of Northgates, Leicester

obtaining cane.

52

are the best source for

Flowers for the table

art of arranging flowers for the table depends very much on the setting and
on the occasion for which the flowers are required. Suitability should be your
watchword.
Ordinary everyday flowers such as marguerites, scabious or wall flowers .ire
more suitable for the luncheon table; the more precious flowers such as roses,
carnations, camellias or lilies are ideal tor evening dinner tables or more formal

The

settings.

A low
whereas
each

central

arrangement looks well

a tall fine central

it

flanked each side by

design can be completed by

tall

candlesticks,

two low groupings,

one-

side.

A good

idea

is

to allow

your flower arrangement

to

echo one ot the

mam

room -perhaps the walls, the curtains, the china or even an importOr you can ot course make the flowers the domment note ill the room.

colours in the
ant picture.

your aim then do try something different, such as three cake

on top of each other all tilled with green grapes or hydrangea
heads interspersed with small bunches of violets or gentians. As a conversation
piece it is fun to create a 'scene' or interpret an idea. Wonderful designs can be
created for tables in a modern setting with fruit, leaves and driftwood.
If originality

is

stands standing

Your
scheme,

table can
set

on

be dramatised with colour, so try using

one-colour flower

a contrasting table cloth.

particular flower arrangement set on a pink cloth can look dainty, whereas
same arrangement on a yellow cloth will have a bright gay effect on a green
cloth the atmosphere will be refreshing, but a cloth of mauve or ecru will give

the

formality to the occasion.

Table cloths are easy to tint to any desired colour by using cold dye which can
be removed. Or you might like to copy my idea of having a number o\
lengths of nylon of varying colours to place over a basic white cloth.
When planning your table arrangements the relationship of the flowers to the
cloth or mats, china and glass is most important: always make your design with
the entire setting in mind, and try to obtain a three-dimensional effect, le, tall
candles and low flowers, or taller flowers and low placements.
easily

53

STEP

By

using

block of Oasis saturated in water and

a container on a black wooden base, you

have the foundation for holding low flowers firmly

standing in

in place.

Insert a candle pinholder in the centre; this will give

height and colour even

step 4

if

the candle

is

not lighted.

opposite

- splitting the
- and tuck in large leaves around the
centre to give depth and stability. Add water to Oasis
Finally add peach-coloured roses

stem-ends

first

daily.

STEP

Insert

Insert fine flowers such as freesias following the

STEP 2

two long stems of fine

foliage each end, adding

pattern, adding

some

shorter stems each side, back and front.

some forward

centre at the back to match.

%*?JM

***

'

4*

54

<-

same

centre at the front and

55

This buffet table arrangement would be ideal for

sideboard or
step

hall table at

above

Christmas time.

left

Place a block of wet Oasis on to

a pinholder and stand

of a large black tray. Make
rectangular outline with tall leaves and red gladioli.

in a dish
a

at the left

above

step 2

Place

of water

some grapes

them with
some can be

across the Oasis fixing

hairpin and add apples on sticks so that

raised.

step

left

Insert bright red carnations

low

at right,

step 4

Add

running from high

at left to

some pointing forward.

opposite

with more apples and colourful

with two red candles
in candlesticks. Always keep the Oasis wet by adding
water daily.
leaves

low

at left

glass baubles, finishing the effect

56

57

STEP

Place a candle cup-holder (see

foreground) into the candlestick,

if

necessary adding a piece of

Plasticine for extra firmness,

and

set

candles in place surrounded by moss

or Oasis and a

Make
any

little

wire netting.

the outline of the design with

fine flowers or leaves.

STEP 2

Cover this outline using flowers

which are a little shorter; work in
from the outside.

58

STEP

add short round flowers near the centre of each

and use short pieces of shrubs or leaves to fill in
the gaps. Add water daily to each cup-holder.
Finally,

side,

59

A table decoration which does not take up much room,

and little time to make, can be made from a few stems
of chrysanthemums or daisies pressed into Oasis on a
cake stand.
step

above

small block of Oasis pressed

(see left)

is

stood on to

on

to an Oasis holder

cake stand and the

first

flower

inserted.

step 2

left

Continue inserting flowers all round the lower

And stand a thick candle on top of the Oasis.

step

part.

opposite

between each flower on the lowest round insert a

bloom above it to make a second circle, then finish by

In

inserting short pieces of greenery. Add water to the

cake stand, or alternatively the Oasis could be stood in
shallow tin of water.

60

A low

arrangement

is

ideal for the

centre of a dining table

with
STEP
Fill

all

round

if

made

effect.

the silver dish with well soaked

Oasis and insert fine stems to

a

low

make

triangular pattern. Each

low

stem has another placed each

side of it. The centre stem should
not be too tall.
side

STEP 2

The wider opened

daisy-like

flowers (dimorphothicas) are

concentrated in the centre front and

back.

STEP

Pinks are added for

filling in,

some

flowing forward and some

backwards low over the rim. Pale
-

green euphorbia polychroma, leaves

and tellima are added

to finalise the

effect.

%\

xr^mvm**^.

step 4

opposite

Standing on

pink cloth, flanked

by green candles, the white, pink

and green effect is most pleasing.

62

63

Above
is made on the principle of
and width with rounder flowers
and leaves in the centre. Made in a shallow dish and
stood on a black wooden base, the flowers are white
and pink larkspur with pink roses and blue
cornflowers and leaves. As this was made 'all round' it
would be suitable for the centre of a table or at one

Tins simple table arrangement

thin flowers for height

end.

Left

A low

and flower decoration can quickly be made

tray or base, by first laying bunches of
grapes and lemons on the tray, finally inserting leaves
and small flowers (I used narcissi) in between the fruit
in small tubes of water (see page 91). Alternatively the
short flowers could be wrapped in wet cotton wool.

on

64

fruit

wooden

Pink and crimson hybrid musk roses were here held by

crumpled wire netting

in a glass

effective tea table decoration to

container to

match the

in. ike

an

rose

patterned china.

65

small arrangement for

table can be

made with

hospital bedside or a side

bunch of narcissi and

a little

STEP 2

Follow the outline with the

stems shorter.

The Oasis

easily transportable.

STEP

Make

low

triangular effect with the

mimosa

substitute leaves inserting the stems into

66

wet

or

Oasis.

narcissi, cutting

will not spill water,

some
making

it

Unusual containers
No

keen flower arranger ever possesses enough containers to express her ideas
She needs so many receptacles of such different kinds that although the .irt

fully.

of flower arrangement will open her eyes to the beauty, colour and texture of
glass, pottery and metal, |iist as surely it will eventually lead her to the necessity
for

making her own

containers.

when covered with Fablon (adhesive

mixture of paint and sawdust. The sawdust
gives a rough finish ami, it finally lightly brushed over with a different coloured
paint, the little rough pieces will stand out in relief. Also most household bleach
Tall cocoa or biscuit tins are very effective

or painted with

plastic material)

or liquid soap bottles can be converted into attractive flower containers with the
aid of

some

paint.

fine tall container in the

wooden bowl
household

or

tin to

stores).

wood -one

compote-dish

the top of

mm)

glued to each other. Paint with

Another

art suppliers)

idea

is

to paint a

style can easily be made-

by fixing a
m main-

chair leg (the latter can be obtained

The other end of the

four inches (100

powder (from

leg

is

then nailed to

two square blocks

t.)\

square, the other three inches (76 mini square

matt paint

by rubbing

this

over with bronzing

an antique or marbled effect can be achieved.

wine

glass

ith frosted

or pearly nail varnish. Filled

with dainty spring flowers, the effect is delightful. Or stand two stemmed wine
or beer glasses on top of each other (toot to toot) so making a tall, dainty glass
container for flowing trails of flowers.

Try binding
tin

a tin, no matter what shape, with thick string. First, paint the
with glue, add the string, rung by rung, closely together and finally brush

over the whole with Croid glue. Croid glue is the best as it dries matt and clear.
Rinse the inside of the tin at the joins with clear varnish several times to make it
watertight.

mixture of black and aluminium paint will give an antique finish to many a
flat pieces of wood covered with Fablon make interesting
bases. A potato also if sliced lengthwise and stood on a base or in a shallow dish
will hold thick stemmed woody flowers or shrubs: very useful with yew and
holly at Christmastime.
Many attractive containers available today in the shops seem to present
problems to the flower arranger. They need not. Try to follow the basic shape
of the container, ie if it is curved, then follow this curve; or if it is jug-like in
appearance, think of the pouring function of a jug and make the design higher
over the handle, flowing down over the spout. These are only suggestions, for

discarded vase; and

there are
sure

you

no

set rules for

using particular containers.

Be

original if you like;

am

will enjoy the result.

67

STEP

STEP 2

Glass witch bowls or

bowls often present a

problem, yet they can be used most effectively as flower
containers, especially when filled with coloured water.
Here is an idea for their use. Place a glass dish in the
opening at the top to hold water and add a pinholder.

round

fish

Impale two curved stems of orange-red euphorbia

any other fine foliage, one upright and
another swerving down at left, adding stems of

fulgens, or

grey-green eucalyptus lower down.

step

opposite

Next add seven gold-coloured roses, cutting each stem

shorter than the last to enable them to follow the flow
of the outline. Split stem-ends of roses for fixing more
easily to the holder. Finally, place larger leaves near the

centre to unify the stems and give stability near the

centre of the design.

68

-.

^,

N.

ffJ

^nS?
I

^V'

"~J

^^^

^-^'

t**Mf

1
^JB

^Rn^J
If

69

Most garden owners have netlon

available, if not

garden

stores.

it

netting or fencing

can be obtained from household and

cylindrical shape of

it

will

make an

interesting container.

STEP 2

Alternatively the roll of Netlon can be laid

the pinholder inside. Insert a

tall

flat, with
stem of greenery for

height.

Cut a piece of Netlon about 12 inches high by 10 inches

long (304
by 254 mm) and turn it into a cylinder
shape by wiring it together at the back. Stand it over a

mm

pinholder
the net

on

in a dish

of water. Insert

a tall

stem through

to the holder.

step

opposite

up low down with short flowers, making sure some

leaves point forward low down to hide the holder.
Fill

70

71

STEP 2

unique flower container can be made by standing a

lime-green dinner plate on top of a coffee tin, adding a
smaller tin on the plate to hold tall pale yellow gladioli,
a pinholder and water. A similar plate at the left can
hold fruit and more flowers if necessary.

yellow chrysanthemums allowing some

swerve out at the left over the lower plate.
Insert

step

opposite

Finally,

avoid

leaves.

72

to

add more flowers, some flowing backward to

flat effect, and finish with a few variegated ivy

An

excellent design for a sideboard.

73

named after Camellus, a Jesuit

joy in the early part of the year. Here they
are placed with some twisty branches as a background.
The

camellia blooms,

priest, are a

STEP

The

sprig of leaves

is

added downwards and upwards.

first (left)

branch

is

laid across the

rim of the

container and held firm with Plasticine or Oasis

The next branch

it,

STEP 2

has a false stem of wire

the wire being inserted

down on

fix.

wound round

to the pinholder in

the base of the container.

step

opposite

The two white

camelias are inserted, the lower one

reaching just above the centre of the rim. Water was

added

74

to the container.

75

An arrangement of fruit
country setting.

is

an ideal decoration for

STEP 2

Place another tin holding water and pinholder on

which large

leaves are inserted at the right.

Stand a stew pot on its side and fill with grapes, adding
pinholder in a small dish at the back which held vine
leaves and corn tassles. Apples are held together by
a

tooth picks to avoid them rolling about.

step

opposite

Complete the picture with more fruit, leaves and

wheat. Place lemons against purple grapes, and light
green against dark,

76

this

adds colour

interest.

77

An

easy

method

to build

up an arrangement of lilies of

STEP 2

Continue to fill in with more stems, making sure the

lower ones flow forward and out over the rim at the

the valley.

sides.

Place a

tall

container

glass vase inside a sugar basin

filling

netting. In this

type

them both with crumpled wire

way you

heights of flowers

all

the

can obtain three varying

same length.

Opposite

Many

people possess

copper jug which

yellow, flame and bronze flowers. After

is

ideal for

filling the

top

of the jug with crumpled wire netting, place the tallest

flowers over the handle and allow the others to flow
out over the spout. Fill in with shorter flowers and
berries and add wheat for an autumn arrangement.

78

Above
would make an excellent
summer arrangement because of its cool appearance. A

This unusual table centrepiece

pinholder was placed in the base of

shallow

green-glass fruit-dish

which held short stems of lilies

with two fishermen's

floats

of green

glass resting in

between.

Opposite

empty tin cans screwed together to

modern flower container. The bottom tin was
covered with Fablon, the rest was painted a matching
colour. The flowers were held on a pinholder.

This shows three

make

81

This photograph shows a bleach bottle painted with

black paint
surface.

mixed with sawdust

Two

to give an

uneven

black painted twigs were inserted

together with one stem of spider chrysanthemums.

82

Tricks of the trade

Many

seem to beset the inexperienced Mower

overcome by gradually accumulating know ledge

arc the stumbling blocks that

arranger, yet these are easily

and with a little practice.

If your beautiful mass arrangement starts to tilt forward,
design back into place by hanging a heavy pin-holder or a
wire

at the

If your

try pulling the

whole

on

to the

strip of lead

back.

design

is

well balanced, pinholders should not topple even

flowers are used, but beginners

cm make

extra sure by placing

round the edge of the holder, pressing

of the dish, and giving the holder a final twist.
Plasticine

Flowers will

last

longer

when arranged

it,

this

after

down on

when heavy
thin ring of

to the dry surface

buying or picking, the stems

become
Most large-surfaced leaves and leafy twigs will remain turgid and strong
if left submerged in water overnight before use.
Mosy, Florapak or Oasis are ideal substances for holding stems in place when

are recut under water, then left in deep water so that the water channels
filled.

transporting an arrangement such as

stance

water

in

first,

then

make

a gift

the

for

friend in hospital. Soak the sub-

arrangement;

it

cannot

spill

during

transportation.
If not

using floral foam, always have

some water

in

the vase before starting the

when your design

of charcoal to the water to keep it pure.
Most flowers, except daffodils, narcissi and those which exude a sticky substance, benefit from the addition of a spoonful of sugar to the water, especially
the woody stemmed varieties. Split the stem ends of woody flowers such as
lilac, roses, rhododendrons, viburnum and others and remove most of the lower

arrangement,
is

finished

as this

add

prevents the stem ends becoming dry, and

a tablet

leaves.
If

you

first

make

certain

of the exact position tor your arrangement

it is

then

choose the flowers you will need. Try to select tall and fine flowers as
well as shorter and bigger ones, adding leaves for depth and trails for softening the
sides and front - and of course they must all suit your colour scheme.

easier to

83

Here are some vases and equipment. The metal cone

seen in the top lefthand corner gives added height to
tall

arrangement. Also shown are

for

modern

design, a shell container, pinholders, wire

netting, stub wires, Oasis, candle-cup holder, flower

scissors

84

and

shallow container

reel wire.

Cut all stems of flowers under water before arranging

them and allow broad leaves to remain submerged
until needed. Most leaves should be submerged in water
for some hours before being used in order to harden
them.

dessert spoonful

of sugar to

a basin this size

will help the leaves to retain their turgidity.

Split the

ends of all

woody-stemmed

preferably under water.

flowers -

prefer cutting the stem-ends

hammering them because the former gives

opportunity for bacteria to form.
to

less

85

When

bleached

wood

is

difficult to insert

on

pinholder, try wiring short tooth picks to the end of the

stem which makes

86

it

so

much

easier.

With

the branch firmly held in place, the arrangement

can be

and

made and

front,

finally the

pinholder covered, back

with small pieces of driftwood.

Cane can be added

to

all

give an interesting effect.

tubing with glue, rolling

together with

them

modern containers to
Try covering five pieces of
them in grit, fixing them

kinds of

cement based adhesive, and painting

to get an effect like this original pottery

container.

Allow the cane

to

go where

it

not meant to be an arrangement but shows the

of a 'blob' of flowers which opposes the width
obtained by the cane. The cane comes in rolls and will
assume a different shape each time you place it.
I

his

is

effect

Cane

is

available

from Dryads, Northgates,

Leicester.

likes.

87

For

a large

arrangement,

fill

crumpled wire netting (50

it

a classic

mm-2

vase with

mesh, and allow

to reach well above the rim. Then add three cones
in.)

fixed to sticks with Sellotape, to gain greater height for

some

flowers. These are later hidden

by flowers and

leaves placed in front of them.

Opposite

Use

of clear adhesive criss-crossed over the top of

of wire. This holds stems in
place and is near invisible. Background: a piece of
wood pressed on to a wedge of Plasticine to hold it
strips

clear glass vases instead

firmly on the rim of the container.

90

Above

Opposite

Heavy

fruit,

such as

pineapple or melon, can be held

firm by inserting three sticks into the Oasis to form a

cradle.

Grapes appearing to hang from the centre are

held by

thick hairpin.

This shows the pineapple in place. Small plastic picks

will

hold short flowers

in

water, to be inserted in

between the fruit. Apples stood on a ring of Plasticine

will avoid them rolling about. A stick can also be added
to allow the apples to be inserted higher up in the
arrangement.

91

There are three ways of dealing with very fine stems

such as sweet peas and freesias if you find them
difficult to insert successfully on a pinholder. (i) Cover
the top of the holder with leaves or moss, inserting the
stem so that some of the moss acts as a wedge, (ii) Tie a
few stems together, inserting them three or four at a
time, (iii) If more height is needed, insert a thin stem in
the centre of a thick one, such as that of a daffodil,
tulip or iris, then impale the thick stem on the holder.
The thin stem will gain nourishment from it. This

method

is

more

often used to give

more height

to pansies.

packed pinholder is now available

from Stanley Gibbons, Flora, Drury House, Russell
finer,

Street,

92

closely

London WC2.

tall

branch or twig on

pinholdcr

at

one end of

may

be inclined to topple. Try placing

another holder - teeth to teeth - at the opposite end of
the branch to weigh it down. It can easily be covered
shallow dish

by

a leaf later

on.

93

To

obtain a wider opening to a narrow necked vase,

such

as

is

often used in churches, try inserting a funnel,

which can be sealed or left open to receive

long stemmed flowers. The top can be prepared either
the end of

with wire netting or Oasis.

94

small dish or tin containing the Oasis

is

needed in
on to

the base of a basket to hold flowers. Press the tin

a

ring or small knobs of sticky Plasticine (Oasis Stik) to

hold

it

firm for transportation.

95

To make

an arrangement using a wooden base and

driftwood place a pinholder into a small metal
container, put a substantial piece of Plasticine

wooden
is

on the

base and press the driftwood into this until

balanced and secured.

The driftwood

it

hides the

container.

Do's and Don'ts

do

pick your flowers either early

night

when

transpiration

the stem ends and leave

is

morning or

at its

them

in

late at

lowest, then re-cut

deep water for some

hours or overnight. This will fully charge the stems

with water and help them to last much longer.

don't change the water once the arrangement is made.

Once

the stems have settled in place, they like to stay

comfy.

small tablet of charcoal or a few drops of

clear disinfectant will

do

keep the water pure.

strip off all leaves that

might

don't forget
such
a

to split the

as lilac, roses,

below the water

and foul the water.

fall

line, for these will disintegrate

stem ends of all

flowering shrubs;

woody

this

plants

allows for

greater intake of water.

do submerge

all flat

surfaced leaves in water for

some

hours, leaves such as hosta, bergenia, acer need this

treatment, the exception being grey woolly leaves.

don't forget to cut off the white portion of many

bulbous flowers such as tulips; they can only drink

through the green part of the stem.

do drag

pin

down

the stems of such soft

stemmed

flowers such as anemones, hellebores, even tulips,

then leave in deep water. This will

don't use

floral

stiffen the stems.

foam too soon before

it is

fully

charged with water. It is ready when it stops issuing

bubbles and sinks to the bottom of the basin.
DO make up your mind where your arrangement is

going to stand before starting on it, for this

you decide on the size and shape.
don't omit to pick some seed heads in autumn for
these with bulrushes can be sprayed with hair lacquer
and will make excellent additions to dry
finally

will help

arrangements.

do

cut

some beech

stems in

leaves about

August and place the

two
them glossy brown
time. Try other leaves also.

solution of one part glycerine and

parts hot water. This will turn

and preserve them for all

don't forget that a teaspoonful of sugar in about I pint
of water will strengthen most flowers except those
that exude a sticky substance like daffodils.
do experiment yourself, but above all have fun with
your flowers.
don't take notice of the old wives tale that some
flowers

not

96

kill

true.

the others

when

placed together.

It's

Founder of the
Modern School of Floral Art and was
awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour,
the highest award of the Royal

Julia Clements

is

the

Horticultural Society, for her pioneer

work

in

effect,

Flower Arranging. She has, in

new domestic art and
Flower Arranging.

created a

interest:

spoken
twenty-two
States in the USA, in Belgium, France,
Italy, Germany, Monte Carlo and Lebanon.
She has recently completed a World Tour,
In the course of her career she has

and given demonstrations

in

demonstrating and speaking

in eight

countries, including Japan, Australia

New

and

Zealand.

is author of fourteen books

on Flower Arrangement which have sold
more than a quarter of a million copies.

Julia Clements

She also has the distinction of being the

only

woman who

after her: the

has

two

roses

named

Lady Seton and the

Clements.

PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN

isbn: 0-8129-0635-7

Julia