Arrange Flowers For Winter Color

Gardeners like flowers. Now, with snow on the ground, we find other ways to get our flower fix. One approach is to arrange cut flowers and winter greens.

While I studied horticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I minored in floral design. My classes included work in weddings, sympathy and even designs for big theater productions. I worked as a floral designer for a few years for the florist that served Disneyland.

One of my instructors in professional flower arranging was Mr. Gordon. I can still remember him saying to us, “Face and space, as you place.” He was telling us to remember the overall design as we were putting it together. From what direction will the design be viewed? That's the direction the flowers should face. Spacing is very important in creating a successful design. Flowers are closest together at the focal point and furthest apart at the top and sides of the arrangement. The focal point is the center of interest and is usually at the lip of the container. Depth and change of plane are additional factors for success.

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