Floral Design

Tall Line Flower Arrangements

When arranging tall line flowers like Ontario Gladiolas, Snap Dragons and Irises, ideal proportions are important if you want to make a memorable statement. Choose a vase that is at least 1/3 the height of the flowers or if using a floor standing vase like the one in the photo, submerge the stems to the point where 2/3’s of the stems are visible above the vase. To secure the stems in this type of vase, tie the stems 1/3 from the base with a twist tie then position a discreet horizontal support like a chopstick (or use one of the trimmed stem ends if long enough) through the stems just under the tie to keep the arrangement from falling too far down the vase. Not much filler is required as line arrangements look best with space between the stems but branches such as Ontario grown Forsythia, Pussy Willow or Red Willow are appropriate companions.

Monochromatic Flower Accents
Ontario grown white Spray Tea Roses in a clear glass vase contribute to this monochromatic color statement of calm, uncluttered elegance. Where you put flowers is almost as important as how you arrange the individual stems. In this case the flower accent is subdued, blending in with the other elements so that nothing hogs the visual spotlight. Using a flower with a strong scent adds a subtle sensuality to this monochromatic décor idea.

Saturated Flower Color Demands Attention
When you want to make a mess disappear without really making it disappear, add a brightly colored flower arrangement, like these pink and yellow Spray Chrysanthemums in the orange teapot. The viewer focuses on the color, blocking any mess around it or the flowers magically transform the mess into a shabby chic design statement. In Ontario, Spray Chrysanthemums are available in painter’s palette of colors and shapes and make especially eye-catching, long lasting arrangements when combined with filler flowers like Goldenrod.