Arranging a bouquet: from filler to focal flower
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Tijd nodig om dit artikel te lezen: 3 min
Summer is in full swing, and the cutting flowers in the garden are at their best. We can now often gather armfuls of flowers and create beautiful bouquets. But how do you start such a bouquet? Are there things you should consider, and how do you keep your bouquet fresh in a vase for a long time? We share all our tips in this blog post.
Picking flowers in the garden
A good bouquet begins in the garden. Pick early in the morning or late in the evening when it's still cool outside. If you pick during the day when it's very hot, like in full sun, flowers lose moisture quickly. They wilt faster and don't last as long in a vase. Also, don't use a blunt kitchen scissors, but opt for a sharp and clean knife or a flower scissors. This results in a much cleaner cut, allowing the flowers to absorb water better and longer. Pick when the flowers are just not fully open. At this stage, their vase life is longest.
Take a bucket of water and let the flowers rest in a cool place. This allows any small insects to escape from the flowers and lets them soak up plenty of water. Only then can you start arranging your bouquet.
What types of flowers do you need to create a successful bouquet?
The most important flowers in your bouquet are the focal flowers. When you first glance at a bouquet, your attention is drawn to a larger, more prominent type. Think of dahlias, large zinnias, or even sunflowers. They set the main colors in the bouquet and impart a certain style.
The structural plants add height, volume, and body to a bouquet. Consider airy cosmos, sprigs of blackberry, or delicate ornamental thistles. These plants keep your bouquet visually intriguing with their varied shapes and structures.
Finally, make use of fillers. These fillers create harmony in your bouquet, making everything come together as one. Think of baby's breath, yarrow, or wild carrot.
Learn more through our videos
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In this video, Angelo shares his tips for successfully picking flowers. What should you keep in mind, and how do the flowers stay vibrant in a vase for a long time?
How do flowers last long in a vase?
Once you've picked the flowers, you can start arranging them in a vase. But how do you ensure your bouquet stays beautiful and fresh for the longest time?
Start with a clean vase. Make sure there are no remnants or dirty water left from the previous bouquet. Refresh the water regularly, preferably every two or three days. The flowers will noticeably last longer.
Ensure the stems have clean cuts and always cut the stems at an angle: this allows them to absorb water better. Always use sharp pruning shears or a knife. Using a dull knife or shears will crush the stems, making them less able to absorb water.
Make sure no leaves are submerged in water. Remove every leaf from the stem so you have neat stems left. Use the leaves as mulch in the garden or toss them on the compost heap. When you leave leaves underwater, the water will become cloudy and dirty much faster. An added bonus is that your bouquet looks tidier in the vase.
Ensure the flowers have space in the vase. If you combine too many stems in a vase, they will mold and spoil more quickly.
As beautiful as it may be, don't place your bouquet in full sun. Give them a cool spot, preferably a bit in the shade. The full sun will cause your flowers to lose moisture too quickly, making the bouquet wither faster.
Alternatives to a vase
Not in the mood for a classic bouquet in a vase, but still want to experiment with flowers at home? Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to try.
Use a flower frog or kenzan. With this Japanese tool, you can arrange flowers upright in a dish or vase, allowing you to create playful constructions. Since it can be reused endlessly, unlike traditional floral foam, it's a true asset in the garden.
The sheaf method does require some skill. However, if you want the beautiful effect but have no idea where to start, use a Hanataba. With this bouquet maker, you arrange the flowers in the tool and give it a twist. In no time, you'll have a beautifully arranged bouquet. You can place it in a vase, but it also looks stunning in a low dish.
Make use of dried flowers. In the summer months, we can use an endless array of fresh flowers, but even in winter, you can get creative with blooms. Create a floral wreath with dried flowers or dive into crafting a classic bouquet; the possibilities are endless.