In making flower arrangements for various parts of the home, there is much less strain for effect, than when designing an arrangement for the Flower Show.

This is natural, of course, for in show work you are following a schedule and are aiming at recognition by the judges, whereas in the privacy of your home, you either do as you like, or if you are in the mood, you will enjoy matching the colour scheme of the room, or even making a special design to suit the setting or purpose.

Ornaments, which are already prized possessions and fit in happily to the settled arrangement of a room, will be brought into use as flower containers in home decoration, and if you are the happy possessor of a garden, you will surely enjoy using seasonal flowers picked from the border or cutting garden.

If you are new to the art of flower arranging, you will happily cut whatever is in bloom, but as you become more absorbed in this fascinating subject, you will make sure that the garden provides you with the colours, textures, sizes of flowers and foliage you need. I would here advise you to study carefully your seed and shrub lists and visit your local nurseryman whenever possible.

My advice to those who live in Town is to seek out a florist who is also an artist. Make friends with her and let her know that you are interested in flower arranging and I am sure she will provide you with all the branches, foliage and odd pieces you will ever need. She will be interested in you as an artist and a customer, but one word of warning, I appeal to all amateur flower artists not to trespass into the domain of the professional florist. Theirs is a hard won and exacting profession requiring years of study and experience to become expert, so while the flower arranger can enjoy practicing her hobby in her home or the homes of her friends, even in Church or small intimate affairs, I do suggest that large decorations for weddings, banquets, bouquets and corsages, be left to those whose profession and livelihood it is.