Some Basic Principles

OF course we all know that it is possible to put flowers into a vase withouthaving a plan in mind. Sometimes a design may emerge withoutconscious direction, but you are more likely to have a satisfying and effectiveresult if you have a design in mind. This is either suggested by the positionin the room where it will finally rest, or perhaps by your container or thecolour scheme of the room.

For instance, you might make a triangular arrangement for the centre of aside table, whereas a curved arrangement would appear more suitable forthe edge of a mantel. A low bowl, dressed so that it can be seen with equalpleasure from all sides, would be ideal for the casual or coffee table, but arectangular design would prove a better complement to modern furniture.Again you can imagine that a full buxom bouquet in a copper urn wouldappear ideal if placed on the top of an oak chest in a Tudor style home,but try to visualise the pleasure you would experience by using one of theexquisite ewers of the Georgian period for a softened vertical arrangement,to be placed in a Regency room.