Around the House : Page 50

If you are new to the art of flower arranging, you will happily cutwhatever is in bloom, but as you become more absorbed in this fascin-ating subject, you will make sure that the garden provides you withthe colours, textures, sizes of flowers and foliage you need. I wouldhere advise you to study carefully your seed and shrub lists and visityour local nurseryman whenever possible.

My advice to those who live in Town is to seek out a florist who isalso an artist. Make friends with her and let her know that you areinterested in Flower Arranging and I am sure she will provide youwith all the branches, foliage and odd pieces you will ever need. Shewill be interested in you as an artist and a customer, but one word ofwarning, I appeal to all amateur flower artists not to trespass into thedomain of the professional florist. Theirs is a hard won and exactingprofession requiring years of study and experience to become expert,so whilst the flower arranger can enjoy practicing her hobby in herhome or the homes of her friends, even in Church or small intimateaffairs, I do suggest that large decorations for weddings, banquets,bouquets and corsages, be left to those whose profession and livelihoodit is.