Chapter 5 :- Flower Arrangement

 Flower Arrangement:-  Flower arrangement is a tribute to nature and her profound creation – an attempt to establish a communion with nature, by capturing some of splendor and framing it in an individually conceived design. As such, it may also be considered an art, as it invokes the aesthetic faculties of the mind. But most of all, it is pastime that is rewarding and involving.

(A.) Flower Arrangement in Hotels:- 

Flower arrangements are done in the hotel because of:

• -Creating ambience and décor
• -Religious reasons
• -Amenities for VIP guests
• -Personalized service
• -To fit empty unattractive spaces— acts as a camouflage
• -Special functions

Who does flower arrangements in hotels?

• -Housekeeping is responsible for all flower arrangements and their placement in hotels
• -Large hotels have a horticulturist who looks after the entire gardening and florist who supplies and arranges flowers under the supervision of housekeepers
• -Some hotels also have contract service in which flowers and arrangements are brought in and taken away as per agreement

Flower arrangement in Hotels

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. 

(B.) Equipment and Materials required for Flower Arrangement:- 

Following are major Equipment and 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, 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, is a series of sharply pointed pins 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 four 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 a flower.
• Cut-flower preservatives is 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 litre of water.

CONTAINERS

These are receptacles that hold the flower arrangement. They may or may not be hidden by the plant material. The container must be waterproof and neutral colours such as soft grey, dull brown, offwhite, or earth colours are most suitable because they are inconspicuous and do not detract attention from flowers displayed. Theme and simplicity should be kept in mind while choosing the design of the container. Example – vases and jugs, basket, bowls and trays, wreath frame etc.

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.

SUPPORT

This refers to the structure on which the container stands. Example – tables, sideboards, alcoves, and shelves.

PLANT MATERIALS

These can be divided into 3 basic types

a) Flowers ( dominant/ focal/ point material) – This consists of bold flowers or clusters of small showy blooms. The dominant material provides a centre of interest. Example – Gerbera, Chrysanthemum, lilies, Anthurium, Tulips, Poppies, Roses, Dahlias, and Daffodils.

b) 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 colour to the display. Example – Asters, Ivy, Button Chrysanthemum, Carnations, Gypsophila (Baby’s breath), Limonium and Marguerites.

c) Foliages ( line material ) – This consists of tall stems, flowering spikes, or bold leaves that are used to create the basic framework or skeleton. This lining 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 Peruvian 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.

(C.)Conditioning of Plant Materials:- 

A flower or leaf cut from a plant has a short, though beautiful, life. 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.It is possible to prolong this for a little while by a few methods:-

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 the 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 aluminium containers for flowers.

18) Every 3 days, re-cut the stems, clean the vase, completely replace the water, and add more preservative.

(D.) Styles of Flower Arrangements:-

1. All-round arrangements –

This arrangement is designed to be seen from all sides and is therefore chosen for a table or a room centerpiece.


2. Facing arrangement/ flat-back arrangement –

It is designed to be seen only from the front and perhaps from the sides. It is therefore chosen for placement on a shelf or sideboard.


3. Mass style-

Little or no space is enclosed within the boundary of the arrangement. This style is originated in Europe.


4. Line style –

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 limited use of plant material with support often provided by a pin holder.


IKEBANA (Japanese/ Oriental flower arrangement): 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 to the central axis of the vase.


5. Triangular shape-

It is a popular shape for symmetrical arrangements. The first step is to establish lines of height and width, usually with flowers or foliage of finer form or paler colour. The next step is to establish a focal point of interest with large or darker-coloured flowers. Fill in with flowers of varied stem lengths, grouping colours.

· Left triangle- made in a shallow container with consecutive stem along the left side.

· Right triangle - like the left triangle arrangement, but the tallest stem on the right side of the container with consecutive stem.


6. Vertical line-

A very tall arrangement placed in long and cylindrical flower vase using a very long stemmed flower like torch lilies.


7. Line mass style -

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 asymmetrical and formal arrangement which requires more skill and experience.

· Fan shape - the fan or horizontal shape is a good line to follow when designing flowers for the centre of the table. It is a low arrangement, symmetrical and thus attractive from every angle.

· Hogarth or ‘S’ shape - this style was pioneered by an 18th 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 centre and just above and below the rim of the tall container.


8. Miscellaneous style -

· Parallel style/ European style

· Landscape style

· Foliage arrangement

· Dried flower arrangement


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 arrangement


3. INFORMAL ARRANGEMENT – this is asymmetrical and ‘free’.

4. MODERN OR ABSTRACT OR FREE-STYLE 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.

(E.) Principles of Design as applied to Flower Arrangement:-

1. Balance: Here ,physical as well as visual balance needs to be considered. Physical balance- 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. 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: (a) Dark flowers look heavier than pale ones. (b) Round flowers look heavier than trumpets and conical ones.
2. Proportion: As in all forms of art,the classic good proportion-the 'golden ratio'-is important in flower arrangements. Good proportion means the size of each element container,plant material, base;and accessories-should result in a pleasing, harmonious appearance. For the arrangement as a whole, everything should be in scale. 
3. Emphasis: 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 'center of interest '.
4. Rhythm: This involves using techniques and materials that guide the eye from one part of the display to another. 
5. Background: The arrangement may have good style and proportion;but if the background or setting in which it has been placed is unsuitable, it may lose its charm.
6. Texture: Plant material comes in various textures- glossy,velvety, dull,prickly, and so on.It is up to the skill of the arranger how she combines textures to achieve beauty in arrangements. 
7. Colour: Colour is a matter of personal taste, but the application of some general rules results in arrangements with good colour combinations. The basis of the use of colours is the colour wheel.

Key Terms :-

• Accessories- An accessory is an item of non-plant material that is included with or alongside the arrangement. 
• Base- An object 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. 
• Conditioning- This refers to the preparation of cut plant materials for a longer life, the filling of stems with water, and the prevention of wilting.
• Fillers- These are plant materials used to hide plant stems, the container edges, and,most importantly, the oasis. 
• Foliage- This usually refers to leafy plant materials in flower arrangements.
• Foyer- Lobby.
• Golden ratio- The ratio 2:3 as applied to design, where the shorter side measures two units and the longer three units. It is also called the "Greek oblong".
• Hogarth- This is very graceful style of S-shaped line arrangement in a tall container that was pioneered by an 18th century painter, William Hogarth. 
• Ikebana- The word literally means 'making flowers live ' in Japanese. In each arrangement, there is an imaginary triangle depicting the relationship between heaven, man,and earth. 
• Kenzan - These mechanics in flower arrangements are also called 'pin holders ' or 'needle-point holders '.A series of sharply pointed pins are firmly held in a solid lead base, which may be circular or rectangular. 
• Mechanics- These are items used to keep the flowers, foliage, and stems in place within the container. 
• Miniatures- These are small-scale flower arrangements measuring a maximum of 4 inches in height, width, and depth, thus requiring less material but a lot of skill.
• Moribana- This is an informal oriental flower arrangement in a shallow container, in which a pin-holder is used to portray landscapes or display large, colorful flowers. 
• Morimano- A type of oriental flower arrangement done in a basket with fruits and flowers. 
• Oasis- This is another name for 'florists foam'.
• Prong- This is the simplest type of floral foam anchor. 
• Ukibana- A floating oriental flower arrangement.