Concept Flower
arrangement is a very old art. Making up a good flower arrangement requires
a lot of creativity and one can develop this art through study and experimentation
with different plant materials.
Flower arrangement may be defined as the
art of organizing and grouping together plant materials (flowers, foliage,
twigs, etc.) to achieve harmony of form, color, and texture, thereby adding
cheer, life, and beauty to the surroundings.
In hotels, flowers are used extensively.
Various types of arrangements are chosen, as appropriate to the area and
occasion. Medium-sized ‘round’ arrangements are often provided at the guest
relations executives’ desk in the lobby and on coffee tables in the lounges. In
most five-star hotels, one can see huge, spectacular arrangements in the
lobbies. Restaurants generally have bud vases on each table, with one or two
flowers in them. Table arrangements for conferences must be low so that guests
may see over them. At informal banquets, large arrangements may be seen. At
wedding banquets, wall arrangements using gerberas are very popular nowadays.
On special occasions and festivals, some hotels even make beautiful traditional
flower carpets for the lobby.
Floral
art trends- Few of the current trends of doing flower arrangements are
· Dried arrangements
· Preserved stems and greens
· Pressed flowers and greenery
· Live plants
· Bonsai
FUNDAMENTALS OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
1. Scale –Scale
is easy to understand as we can all recognize when small flowers look wrong in
a large container, etc. However, size is relative – an object seen by it is not
big or small unless it is seen next to another object for comparison. If the
difference is great then objects do not go well together.
In flower arrangement –
·
Each piece of plant material should be
related to the others in size.
·
The base should neither be too big nor too
small for the rest of the design.
·
Any accessory used should be in scale with
the remainder of the design and should not seem huge or dwarfed.
·
The whole design should be in scale with
its setting. E.g. on a dining table, the flower arrangement used should leave
enough room for china and should not inhibit conversation.
2. Proportion –Good proportion
refers to a pleasing amount of things and again it is a matter of relationships. The
same amounts of material that appears too much for one container may seem
correct for another. Scale concerns relative size and proportion
concerns relative amounts. A number of arrangements can be made for a room
and all may be in scale with their set but the number of arrangements may
be too many, so the proportion of arrangements to the room is not pleasing.
A guideline is that the plant material
should be one and a half times the height or the width, whichever is the
greatest, of the container. An equal amount of things lack interest and on the
other hand, too much of one thing is also not pleasing. Here the eye is the only
judge.
3. Balance –Here,
physical as well as a visual balance needs to be considered.
a) Physical balance: this is vital
for any arrangement. If it is too asymmetrical, then there is a danger that the
whole arrangement will tip over. The mechanics must always be securely fixed
and the container should always be heavy enough to support the plant material.
The more one-sided the display, the heavier the container should be. Sand and
gravel can be added to achieve this.
b) Visual balance: this calls for the
arrangement to look stable even if it is one-sided. To increase the visual
weight of the lighter side, keep in mind that –
·
Dark flowers look heavier than pale ones.
·
Round flowers look heavier than trumpets
and conical ones.
Top to bottom balance also needs to be considered.
Large flowers placed centrally and close to the bottom of the arrangement give
a feeling of good balance.
c) Symmetry and asymmetry:
This refers to the outline or the shape
of the design. If the design is symmetrical, then its shape is exactly the same on
either side of the center. If asymmetrical design, then shapes are dissimilar
and balance depends on the eye being attracted to both sides of the design
equally by the use of different colors, shapes, and textures.
4. Rhythm or movement:
This involves using techniques and
materials that guide the eye from one part of the display to another. Rhythm
can be in color, size, and type of flowers or accessories
Rhythm in flower arrangements may be achieved by –
·
Using curved stems
·
Hiding all or part of any tall, straight
stems.
·
Placing flowers ‘in and out’ through the
arrangement.
·
Having flowers at various stages of
development in the arrangement.
·
Using foliage of various sizes and
contrasting shapes.
·
Having an irregular line of various-sized blooms.
·
Rhythm is best achieved by repetition and
easy gradual change.
5. Contrast: Contrast and variety add
interest to life and opposite things emphasize each other. A flower arrangement
can be dull without contrast. Contrast can be created in shape – by turning the
flowers in different ways when all-round flowers are used. Contrast can be
achieved by introducing line plant material. Strong contrast in textures can be
used for interest. Very strong contrasts should be avoided as too much contrast
may upset the unity of the arrangement.
6. Emphasis/ dominance:
This involves having one or more areas in the
arrangement to which the eye is drawn and on which it rests for a short time.
This point is known as a ‘focal point’ or ‘centre of interest’. The usual
methods to achieve emphasis are as follows-
·
Include a small group of bold flowers
(dominant material).
·
Use an unusual container.
·
Use striking foliage.
·
Have sufficient plain background.
7. Harmony/ unity:
In a pleasing flower arrangement, the
plant material, container, base, accessory and setting should all be in
harmony. Similarity in appearances between materials help s give repetition and
a feeling of harmony, e.g., the curve of a piece of driftwood, etc. The
resemblance in all cases need not be identical but a link in appearances is an
echo giving a feel of a relationship. The important fact here is that all plants
look as if they belong to the arrangement and give a look of unity.
Styles of flower arrangement on the basis
of effect
1. FORMAL
ARRANGEMENT –this is symmetrical and precise.
2. SEMI-FORMAL ARRANGEMENT – this is more or less symmetrical in outline, but not in the details of the arrangement
3. INFORMAL
ARRANGEMENT – this is asymmetrical and ‘free’.
4. MODERN
OR ABSTRACT OR FREESTYLE ARRANGEMENT – these have no fixed rules for correct
proportions. These arrangements do not have a definite geometric outline;
instead, the emphasis is on line and space. The individual beauty of each piece
of plant material is emphasized instead of the beauty of an outline shape or a
mass.
MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
1. Mechanics
2. Equipment
3. Containers
4. Bases
5. Accessories
6. Plant
material
7. Support
Mechanics:
These are items used to keep flowers, foliage, and
stems in place within the container. Mechanics must be fixed securely and
should be hidden from view.
Examples – florists’ foam (oasis), pin holders (Japanese
term – kenzan), chicken wire, prong, adhesive clay and tape, and florist cone.
·
Floral foam, also
called oasis, is a cellular plastic material, available in two
types – green foam and brown/grey foam.
·
Pin-holders also
called kenzan or needle-point holders, are a series of sharply
pointed pins that are firmly held in a solid lead base, to hold thick and heavy
stems securely by impaling them on the pins.
·
Chicken wire, also
called ‘wire mesh’ or ‘wire netting’, is a fine-gauge wire used to
cover floral foam blocks in large displays.
·
Prong is
the simplest type of floral foam anchor. It is a small plastic disc with vertical
prongs. The base of the prong is attached to the container with adhesive clay
and the floral foam is pressed down onto the prongs.
·
Florist’s cone, also
called a ‘flower tube’ or ‘flower funnel’. It acts like a
miniature vase. It is used in large arrangements, where foliage or flowers need
to be placed above their stem height.
Equipment: This includes
tools used to ensure that a satisfactory arrangement of plant material is
created within the container. Examples – bucket, scissors, knife, watering can,
mister, wire cutter, cocktail sticks, turn, wire, floral tape, candle holder,
cut flower preservatives, and secateurs.
·
Mister is
a hand- held spray bottle to produce a fine mist of water droplets to keep an
arrangement look fresh in warm weather.
·
Secateurs are
used to cut through thick and woody stems.
·
Cocktail sticks or a toothpick is
used to make holes in florists’ foam for a soft stem of the flower.
·
Cut-flower preservatives are a bactericide, available in powder or liquid form, to prevent slime and smell
from developing in the vase water, plus sugar to prolong the life of fresh
flowers. A preservative can be made in-house by adding 3 teaspoons of sugar and
1 drop of bleach to half a liter of water.
Bases: An object that is placed underneath the container to protect the surface of the support and/or to add to the beauty of the display is called a base. Example – table mat, tree section, wood base, stone base, and oriental base.
Plant materials: These can be divided into 3 basic types-
·
Flowers (dominant/ focal/ point
material) – This consists of bold flowers or clusters of
small showy blooms. The dominant material provides a center of interest.
Example – Gerbera, Chrysanthemum, lilies, Anthurium, Tulips, Poppies, Roses,
Dahlias, and Daffodils.
·
Fillers (secondary material)
–This consists of smaller flowers and all sorts of leaves and foliage that are
used to cover the mechanics and edges of the container and also provide added
interest and color to the display. Example – Asters, Ivy, Button Chrysanthemum,
Carnations, Gypsophila (Baby’s breath), Limonium, and Marguerites.
·
Foliage (line material)
–This consists of tall stems, flowering spikes, or bold leaves that are used to
create the basic framework or skeleton. This line material may be straight or
curved and it sets the height and width of the finished arrangement. Examples –
Gladioli, birds of paradise, goldenrods, larkspur, asparagus ferns, palms,
tuberoses, and lilies.
Accessories: These
are non-plant materials included in or placed alongside the arrangement. Their
purpose is generally decorative but could be functional at times. Accessories
are added to the design for extra interest or to ‘stretch’ the flowers when
they are in short supply. Example – miniature dolls, hats, ribbons, beads,
painted wire, wooden fruit shapes, silk flowers and foliage, candles,
driftwood, shells, idols, interesting pebbles etc.
Support: This
refers to the structure on which the container stands. Example – tables,
sideboards, alcoves, and shelves.
Points to remember while buying cut flowers
· Check that bucket must contain clean and non-smelling water, and also check the placement of the flower bucket in the shop, it has to be out of direct sunlight.
· Foliage has to be firm and its ends have to be properly immersed in water.
· Choose blooms, not the fully blooms for long-lasting display
CARE AND CONDITIONING OF FLOWERS
A flower or leaf cut from a plant has a
short, though beautiful, life. It is possible to prolong this for a little
while by a few methods. Flower arrangers use the term ‘conditioning’ to
refer to the preparation of cut plant materials for a long life, the filling of
stems with water, and prevention of wilting.
1) A
bucket of water at room temperature should be carried into the garden and the
cut flowers should be immediately plunged into it. This helps retain their
moisture for a longer period of time.
2) Plant
material should be cut at a slant, using sharp scissors or knife, either early
in the morning or after sunset. At this time, they are crisp and filled with
moisture.
3) As
a general rule, it is best to cut flowers before they reach maturity.
4) Carry
cut flowers in a heads-down position so that heavy-headed flowers will not snap
off.
5) Wrap
the flowers in newspaper till the neck of the flowers. Plunge this bunch into a
bucket of water for 3-4 hours or overnight to condition. This is called ‘hardening’.
In case of foliage, submerge them in water for about 2 hours.
6) Use
a good pruning knife or scissors to make clean, slanting cuts, causing minimal
damage or bruising to the little ducts in the stem which carry water.
7) Make
slanting cuts in stems rather than straight ones – preferably underwater, as
this helps expose a larger surface area for water suction by the stems.
8) When
stems are woody, they may be cut crushed, or split at the end, e.g. cherry, etc.
9) To
revive wilting flowers, snip off half an inch of the stem underwater and plunge
in a deep container of water. Dead flowers should be cut off.
10) Re-cut any stem that
has been left out of the water, doing this underwater if possible and removing
about 2 inches of the stem.
11) To reduce underwater
decay, strip the stems of all foliage and thorns that fall below the waterline.
12) Never place a fresh
flower arrangement where it will be exposed to direct draughts from a fan or
window. To prevent dehydration, keep cut flowers away from direct sunlight and
large appliances as well.
13) Do not put flowers
near a bowl of citrus fruits as they emit ethylene gas when ripening, which
causes wilting of flowers.
14) Prolong the
freshness of the arrangement by spraying with lukewarm water from a mister
morning and night.
15) Change the water
every day if the arrangement is meant to last a while. Never use chilled water,
as cut stems fare best in the warm water of about 45 degree Celsius.
16) Listerine, ammonia, charcoal, salt, lemonade, sugar, camphor, aspirin added in small amounts to the water, or commercial cut-flower preservatives slows down bacterial growth, thus prolonging the life of flowers.
17) Use clean containers to prevent premature fouling and bacterial growth. Do not use aluminum containers for flowers.
18) Every 3
days, re-cut the stems, clean the vase, completely replace the water, and add
more preservatives.
ELEMENTS OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT DESIGN
Light, space, line, form, size, pattern,
texture, and color are the visual qualities used in creating a design and are
common to all art forms. An arrangement is judged on the effective use of these
elements.
1. Light: Illumination (natural or artificial)
is necessary for vision. It affects color, shadows, and the visibility of a
design.
2. Space: The open area in and around the
arrangement. It includes the space in which the design is placed. Space and
size are also elements to be taken into consideration.
3. Line: A visual path that leads the eye
through the design and establishes the structural framework of the design. It
carries the rhythm through the design. A line can be vertical or horizontal,
diagonal, or curved.
4. Form: The contour of two-and
three-dimensional materials. It applies to individual components within the
design as well as the contour of the design as a whole. In other words, Form is
Lines put together to provide a three-dimensional effect.
5. Size: The visual dimension of line, shape,
form and space.
6. Pattern: The visual quality created by a
combination of lines, forms, colors, textures and spaces in the design. It is
dependent on illumination.
7. Texture: The visual surface quality of the
components, e.g., rough vs. smooth, dull vs. shiny. It can be soft, smooth,
shiny, rough, or scaly.
8. Color: The visual response of the eye to
light waves. There is a corresponding relationship between the principles of
design and color. Warm colors (yellow, red, orange) seem to move forward. Cool
colors (blue, green, violet) recede and seem farther away. An area of cool
color will seem smaller than an equal area of warm color. Bright colors such as red, orange, and yellow
add warmth whereas, deep green blue, purple give a cooling effect to the
surrounding. The qualities of color are:
a. Hue or Chroma: The specific name of a color
such as red, green, etc.
b. Value: The lightness or darkness of a
color. Pink is a light value of red obtained by adding white. It is called a tint.
Maroon is a dark value of red obtained by adding black and it is called a shade.
c. Intensity:
The brilliance or dullness of a color.
TYPES
OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
1.
Horizontal –
In this style, open spaces within the boundary of the arrangement are the
main feature. Most of the display is line material. The basic feature of a line
design is the limited use of plant material with support often provided by a pin
holder.
·
Left triangle-
made in a shallow container with consecutive stems along the left side.
·
Right triangle -
like the left triangle arrangement, but the tallest stem on the right side of
the container with the consecutive stem.
They are placed on the reception counter, lobby,
corner table, side table, and alcoves. The right or left-facing triangular
shapes are always meant for corner tables. Also for ceremonial settings, such
as weddings, funerals, graduations, and banquets use the triangular arrangement,
as it is large and dramatic by making a bold statement.
3. Vertical-A
very tall arrangement placed in a long and cylindrical flower vase using a very
long-stemmed flower like torch lilies.
4. Line
mass/ traditional/ western-In this style, some open space is present within
the boundary of the arrangement.
·
Circular shape -
or round shape, is an arrangement in which flowers are arranged in circular
designs.
·
Crescent shape -
it is an asymmetrical and formal arrangement that requires more skill and
experience. It is always placed along the wall and not at the center so that
only one side is visible because the crescent arrangement is a one-sided
arrangement. It lends a touch of artistic beauty to coffee tables and
horizontal arrangements of flowers make delightful table center-pieces.
·
Fan shape -
the fan or horizontal shape is a good line to follow when designing flowers for
the center of the table. It is a low arrangement, symmetrical, and thus
attractive from every angle. It is a one-sided arrangement and is to be placed
along the wall, side table, corner table, buffet table, etc.
·
Hogarth or ‘S’ shape -
this style was pioneered by an 18th-century century painter, William
Hogarth. This is a very graceful and easier to make arrangement when curved
branches and pliable stems are used. After establishing the S shape with these,
flowers are filled in at the center and just above and below the rim of the
tall container. It is also a one-sided arrangement and is to be placed along the
wall or corner tables only. Formal gatherings use oval or Hogarth's curve
arrangements, as they are sophisticated and blend well with formal settings.
·
Christmas tree arrangement–
It is used during Christmas/ New Year. It is placed in the lobby, foyer, and banquet
hall only.
The word literally means ‘making
flowers live’ in Japanese. This Japanese style has been
practiced for thousands of years. These arrangements are more than an aesthetic
grouping of plant materials. They are symbolic representations of an ideal
harmony that exists between earthly and eternal life. In each arrangement,
there is an imaginary triangle. Its tallest line represents ‘heaven’. Facing
and looking towards heaven is ‘man’. The lowest line, looking up to both, is
‘earth’.
In all such arrangements, Heaven, man and earth are
represented by means of three main branches.
·
Shin, the
main spray, is the tallest and symbolizes heaven; it ends at the central axis
of the vase. This stem should be 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 times the height of the
container.
·
Soe,
the second-highest stem, represents man. It provides
width to the arrangement and is about three-fourths the height of the tallest
spray. This stem forms an angle of about 45 degree with the rim of the
container.
·
Hikae, the
lowest spray, denotes earth. This branch is about half as tall as the one
signifying man and extends very little beyond the diameter of the container,
forming an angle of about 75 degrees with the rim of the container. It is
placed opposite the branch signifying man and is used to balance the
arrangement.
Points
to remember
·
The Japanese use tall vases as well as
low bowls.
·
They always use an odd number of flowers,
as they believe that odd numbers are lucky as well as more aesthetic. Thus, in
all arrangements, three, five, or seven flower sprays are used.
·
There is no overcrowding and all the plant
materials are seen as separate units, but as a part of the whole.
Types
of ikebana flower arrangement
1. Rikka, a
‘standing’ classical Japanese floral arrangement. This formal flower
arrangement was originally seven-branched structures symbolizing the mythical
Mount Meru of Buddhist cosmology.
2. A
classical arrangement in a tall cylindrical vase with a flowing and natural
effect is called nageire. No kenzan is used in making the arrangement.
3. A
formal arrangement, which is the simpler version of Rikka, with fresh flowers,
is called the seika style which has strict rules
governing the lengths and angles of the stems.
4. When
a flat or low container is used, it is called a moribana style. It is an
informal arrangement in a shallow container in which a pin-holder is used as
mechanics.
5. A
contemporary style of doing ikebana is called morimono.
6. Miscellaneous style -
·
Parallel style/ European style/
contemporary/ free style
·
Dried flower arrangement
FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS ON A DINING TABLE:
• No such flowers should be chosen that are infected by insects.
• Aromatic or fragrant flowers should
not be used.
• The flower arrangement should be
small in size so that people sitting opposite can see each other.
• The colors of the flowers should be
chosen according to the container, and table layout theme. Very bright flowers
should be avoided.
GENERAL RULES
1. Consider the size of the blooms when choosing a design for arrangement. Large flowers, such as sunflowers or peonies require large displays such as the vertical or triangle design. Small delicate flowers require a small vase and may be displayed in a minimal design or as the central focus of a horizontal display.
2. The size of the vase or container
determines the height of the arrangement. The tallest blooms are displayed
three to four times time the height of the vase for the best appearance and
balance. In vertical displays, the vertical sprays are three to four times as
long as the height of the vase. Minimal displays do not incorporate these
rules, although the vase selected should be considerably smaller than the
central bloom.
3. Florists create floral arrangements
following eight basic designs. Horizontal flower arrangements created in
shallow containers feature one large central bloom, such as a rose, as the focal
point. Horizontal sprays spread to either side with fillers like baby breath
clustered near the central bloom. Vertical arrangements display tall flowers
with a variety of fillers to create a balance. Baby's breath, forget-me-nots, or
other airy sprays create attractive fillers. Crescent arrangements shaped like
a crescent moon feature curved branches and flowers like gladiolas. A
triangular arrangement features tall flowers in the center with smaller flowers
completing the triangle. Oval flower arrangements take advantage of both color
and size with the biggest brightest flowers in the center and gradually
decreasing hues to the sides. The minimal arrangement focuses on the central
flower with few fillers or smaller blooms. Hogarth's curve is a complex
arrangement shaped like an S.
Placement Of Flowers
1. Eye-level: On TV tops, tables, counters,
alcoves, etc.
2. High
level: Anything above the eye
level. Flowers used must be hanging or
trail down. It can also be suspended
from the ceiling.
3. Low
level: In this case, flowers and vases
must be huge and decorative. Even design
of landscape etc. driftwood, large and decorative vases can be used.
The
location of a flower arrangement affects the ‘principles of design’, which are explained as follows-
1.
Table
arrangement
- this refers to the arrangements used to decorate tables for
seated meals, banquets, buffets,
etc. These should be –
a)
Simple
– e.g. fruits placed in
a low container, two or three flowers and a few leaves in a small container, etc.
b)
Appropriate
in size – since
the table is in use for eating and not for showing flowers, the arrangement should be small and neat
and not so large and overflowing so as to fall into the plates, etc. It should not
be too dominating.
c)
Proper
in shape – flowers
should never interfere with the conversation at the dining table. A low arrangement is most suitable and the
design should look attractive from all sides. The shape of the table will
usually dictate the shape of the flower arrangement. A rectangular table may
need a design that is long, etc.
2.
Reception
table – Bold arrangements are made keeping in
view the large counters they have to
be put on and they should command a dominant position where they can be viewed
by a large number of people. Normally it should be front-facing.
3.
Guest
rooms – Strong smelling flowers should be
avoided and the arrangement should not be
large for a small room or vice-versa. This means that the arrangement
should be in size and proportion to the room and site. Most arrangements are
either placed on the coffee table or dining table (in suites) when they should be
round and on writing tables, usually with the back to the wall in which case
they can be front-facing.
It is important to note that flower
arrangements are kept at different eye levels which would affect the actual height of the arrangement.
As a rule, in a tall flower vase – height of the tallest floral material should
be one and a half to two times the length of the vase. In a higher-level placed
flower arrangements are kept above the eye level and have the largest stem
reduced below accepted measure so as to conform to the visual scale of
proportion.
In a lower flower arrangement should
not have the largest stem over and above the accepted scale.
Crescent shape – it is always placed along the wall and not at the center so that only one side is visible because the crescent arrangement is a one-sided arrangement.
Torch shape – this arrangement can be one-sided or both-sided and is placed on buffet table, corner table, and reception counter. The large ones are used in a banquet hall or lobby. It is one-sided, so it should always be placed against the wall. As it is a tall arrangement, it should not be used on the dining table.
Fan shape – it is a one-sided arrangement and is to be placed along the wall, side table, corner table, buffet table, etc.
Hogarth shape – it is also a one-sided arrangement and is to be placed along the wall or corner tables only.
THEMES
DEPICTIONS WITH THE HELP OF DIFFERENT FLOWERS SETTINGS
1. Vertical lines depicting the stately and
bold character.
2. Horizontal lines appear restful and
calm.
3. Circular patterns denote satisfaction
or completeness.
4. Diagonal suggests movement or force.
5. Radiating lines symbolize alertness
and activity.
6. Cascading or hanging lines stand for depressive mood.
7. Color schemes may be monochromatic or polychromatic;
·
Red Love and Bravery
·
Blue Serenity
·
Yellow Cheerfulness, Youthfulness
·
Orange Courage, Energy, and Hope
·
Magenta Richness and Luxury
·
Black Mysticism and Drama
·
White Purity and Delicateness
·
Grey Mildness Restraint
Bonsai is a horticultural art that is
used to beautify hotel interiors, especially lobbies and restaurants.
Bonsai literally means ‘a plant in a
tray’. It is a creative art where the raw material is a living thing – a tree
or a plant. In the bonsai school, the shape and properties of a full-grown tree, as found in nature, are sought to be copied exactly in miniature style
within the confines of a container.
Styles of Bonsai-
1. Informal
upright style
2. Windswept
style
3. Roots
over rock style
4. Cascade
style
5. Multiple
trunk style
6. Forest
style
7. Broom
style
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