Arranging flowers is a fun-filled and beautiful hobby. Here are a few basic tips on flower arrangement:

Pick the Perfect Petals is our first and most important tip. When choosing your flowers from a florist or picking them from your garden; make sure that stems are upright, without signs of drooping. You want to choose flowers with buds that are just beginning to open. Check the flower for any spotting or discoloration on the leaves or petals, as these are signs of the flowers health. There is nothing more disappointing to arranging a beautiful array of flowers just to have them die a day or even hours later.

The second essential tip for ensuring that your flower arrangement lasts longer is to cut the stems at an angle, under water, with a sharp knife or even scissors. Using a dull instrument can damage the stems and make it difficult or impossible for the flowers to soak up enough water to remain healthy. This can dramatically shorten the time you have to enjoy your arrangement.

In order to keep your flower arrangement fresh be sure to remove any dead leaves that fall down into the vase. Dead, rotting plant material in the water can cause your flowers to wilt from thirst; the bacteria growth from decaying leaves means that your flowers can’t drink all they need to stay healthy and happy.

Three Thirds Tall rule is a great guideline to follow. As a general rule of thumb, you want your vase to be one third the height of your arrangement. For example if your vase is 5 inches tall, then you want your flowers to be around 15 inches tall. That way they stick up two-thirds higher out of your vase. If your flower is too short you will end up with a sad looking flower, and we know who wants a sad flower. If your flower is too tall your vase will have trouble standing up and may break. No one wants a homeless flower either.

Finally, it’s nice to combine contrasting colors in your arrangement. This will add depth and visual interest to what might otherwise be a boring bouquet. Combining different colors of the same flower works beautifully as well. You don’t want to use too many colors, of course. Keep it simple. You want complimentary colors, not a crazy, rainbow display.

Flower arranging is a great hobby but if you’re looking for a more professional finish check out our favourite Isle of Man florist. They might just give you some ideas for your own arrangements.