If you’ve been growing flowers in your garden, now is the time to start making flower bouquets.  I grow a cutting garden every year specifically to have flowers for myself and to give away.   I want to share some simple tips for arranging flowers.  If you don’t grow them yourself, you can pick up bouquets at your local farmer’s market and the grocery store.

Simple Tips for Arranging Flowers…

Cut your garden flowers early in the day

It is best to cut flowers in the cooler part of the day.  Early mornings or evenings work best.  If you know that you will be making flower arrangements head to the garden early.  However, this is a rule that I sometimes break because I am often making bouquets on the spur of the moment.  Also, cut your flower stems as long as possible.  You can always trim them shorter but the longer stems will give you more options.

Condition your flowers first

Flowers do well to be conditioned before using.  Cut the stems at an angle and place in a bucket of tepid water.  Keep your bucket in a cool area and just let them sit for an hour or two.  This gives them a chance to absorb some water before you work with them.  Now they’re ready to use.  Be sure to re-cut the stems when placing them in your vase.

Prep your water

As you begin to create your floral arrangements start with lukewarm water.  Add some floral food to the water or a few drops of bleach.  This helps to keep the water free of bacteria.

Use a lazy susan to make arranging easier

I often found that my arrangements were a little lopsided until I discovered using a lazy susan to arrange them.  That way you can turn the vase frequently to check all sides.  You can certainly do this without the lazy susan but it makes the process easier.

Choose the right size container

Make sure that your vase is the right size for your flowers.  You don’t want a container that is too large or too small.  Usually a medium size vase works well.  The flowers should be about 1 1/2 times the height of your vase.  Also balance the width with the height.

Start with the largest flowers first

As you begin to create your beautiful arrangements start with the sturdiest flowers first.  You can also use some branches or larger plant stems to create a framework for helping support the more fragile flowers.  Be sure to remove any foliage that will be below the waterline.  This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria from the decaying leaves.

Thin stemmed flowers might need support

Certain flower stems might need additional support.  A flower frog placed in your vase can help to support them.  Another option, especially if you are giving the flowers away, is to use floral tape to create a grid on the top of your vase.  Then place your flowers in the little holes you made. This works well for flowers like cosmos.  A third option would be to place a scrunched up piece of chicken wire into your vase to help hold the flowers upright.

Add in smaller flowers and green filler next

Continue to add in other flowers, again going with the sturdiest ones and working down to the most delicate ones that will need more support.  You can also add in some green plant stems for contrast.  Herb stems, ivy, berry branches and hosta leaves are good choices to add into your arrangement.  Try to add a variety of flowers, some round and sturdy while others might be wide and airy.  Choose some flowers for height as well.  Allowing some flowers or greens to drape over the side can also be attractive in your bouquet.

Use odd numbers of flowers…3, 5 or 7

Try to stick with this rule when using a small amount of flowers.  If your bouquet has a massive amount of flowers such as cosmos or daisies using odd numbers doesn’t matter as much.  If the flower is prominent in your bouquet then use an odd number.

Styling is an art not a science

There are no hard and fast rules of how many different types of flowers to use in your bouquets.  Take what you have available and use your eye to help  style your bouquets.  You can make bouquets with just one type of flower or make a kaleidoscope with many different varieties.  Your bouquets can be just one color family or they can use contrasting colors.  This is where your individual tastes come into play.  Try different combinations of flowers to find ones that are pleasing to you.  I enjoy looking through pictures of bouquets in books and online and I find beautiful arrangements.  But often I don’t have those particular flowers available.  So instead use a similar shape of flowers from your garden as a substitute.  Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Maintaining your bouquet

Try to display your flowers in an area that doesn’t get direct sunlight.  The heat will cause your flowers to fade and wilt more quickly.  It’s also a good idea to refresh your water every 2 to 3 days.  Again use lukewarm water with a little floral food or bleach.  Re-cut the stems before putting them into the fresh water.  This helps them to continue to absorb water and your flowers will last longer.

I enjoy having flowers growing in my garden but I’m especially fond of having bouquets in my home.  Growing and arranging your own flowers can save you time and money.  And choosing to give your flower bouquets away can be a day brightener for others.  Hopefully these tips can help you to get started arranging your own flower bouquets.