Читать книгу Slow Flowers - Debra Prinzing - Страница 9

THIS DESIGN TECHNIQUE ALLOWS YOU to showcase a single type of flower, with added interest from a sculptural twig framework. Fifteen just-picked daffodil stems fill a 6-inch cube vase. They are held in place by tightly-packed dogwood twigs that are lashed together with twine.

To make this design, start with a square or rectangular vase. Pour a layer of decorative pebbles into the bottom. Then line up several dozen twigs, cut to length so they completely cover the vase opening and rest on opposite edges of its rim. You may need sharp pruners to snip the twigs.

Secure the twigs with a loop of twine-wrapped wire, tied around the vase like a ribbon on a gift. Twine-wrapped wire is ideal for this step because it can be twisted taut and secure (you will need wire cutters to trim the pieces). Depending on the size of your vase, you will need to secure the twigs in two or three places.

Fill the vase with water before adding the flowers. Then insert the flower stems between the twigs, staggering their placement row by row. The tension holds the flowers erect. I used the classic trumpet-shaped daffodil, which was in bud when this arrangement was first made. Over the next several days, the flowers slowly opened, as if they were a living sculpture. There’s a restful, Zen-like quality to this very simple floral presentation.

Ingredients:

15 stems common daffodils, from my garden

Multiple lengths of coral-pink twig dogwood, cut approximately 2 inches wider than the vase opening. Any straight, woody branch will work, including vine maple, pussy willow or the colorful twig dogwood (Cornus sanguinea or C. sericea)

Vase:

6-inch tall x 6-inch square glass vase (this design adapts to any square or rectangular glass vase)

Other supplies:

Decorative pebbles

Twine-wrapped wire (available at craft stores in natural or green)

Design 101

Borrow inspiration: The idea for this bouquet came from a project featured in Design, a publication of The Flower Arranging Study Group of the Garden Club of America. Whenever you’re inspired by another designer’s technique, it’s important to give it your own twist rather than make a direct copy. For example, the original creation used florist’s foam inside the container, but I found it unnecessary, especially since the pebbles and twigs are enough to hold the daffodil stems in place.