Arranging Christmas Flowers: What Items Do You need?

This post by Alan Page is part two of Christmas Flowers (with Economy and Style!).

Containers:

Newcomers to flower arranging may need to exercise a little imagination to transform every-day items into containers. In due course (when confidence is gained) these can be replaced with more durable containers. Small baskets always look good – and if you just like to leave flowers in a clear glass vase, try adding scrunched anodised aluminium wire (available in many colours) to keep the stems in position. For a bottle or a candle stick a Candle Cup to hold wet Floral Foam.

Floral Foam:

The most well-known brand is OASIS, but there are other manufacturers. For economy this may be used several times. After using a block for two arrangements turn it over and use the base. The correct way to moisten Floral Foam is to float it on water and allow it to take up moisture from the base. Use a sink as deep as the Floral Foam.

Other items you may need:

Candles:

There are two schools of thought about candles when used with flowers. One is that candles are meant to be lit, and should be lit when used for a party, etc. The other idea says that the complete candle is a component of the original design, and it should not be changed. At the end it is a matter of personal choice. If candles are lighted please always remember all the usual safety precautions. In particular never leave a lighted candle unattended, or where a child might knock it over, or near to flammable materials.

Candle Cups:

Intended for use with candle sticks, they are equally effective with bottles and other narrow-necked containers, cost about 40p.

Frogs:

Used to hold Floral Foam in position – cost about 5p.

Oasis Fix:

Sometimes called “Green Tack”, and sold in a roll. Used to stick items (such as Frogs) in position.

Oasis Tape:

A narrow sticky tape (usually green) used to hold Floral Foam in position, especially when a Frog cannot be used.

Spray Paints:

Come in many colours and metallic finishes. The Oasis range of spray paints can be used on fresh plant material – even flowers. The more commonly available spray paints used for Christmas decorations can of course be used for containers and dried items.