Basic Terms : Page 18

Balance

This is the grouping of plant materials within the design, so placed togive a feeling of stability. There can be two types of balance-—symmetricand asymmetric. In the former, if you draw an imaginary line down throughthe centre of the vase, both sides of the arrangement appear equal, andusually made with similar material, whereas in the latter the two sides canbe distinctly different and yet have equal visual weight. For instance, along swerve of fine material, such as Michaelmas daisies, at the left of adesign can be balanced by a shorter placement of heavier material, perhapsof chrysanthemums or leaves, at the right nearer the centre. Greaterinterest is achieved this way because the sides are not equal, yet they areequally balanced. It is similar to obtaining balance on a see-saw, by placinga heavy man at the right near the central axis and a fragile child on the endat the left.