I've recently opened a garden/flower shop and am looking for whimsical and unusual ideas for flower arranging. My gardens are full of whimsy and I'd like to continue that theme with my arrangements. Does anyone have any ideas/photos they can share? Also, I've never been to an official "flower arrangement/design" school to get the basics down in design and was wondering what you would recommend as a good resource. Internet sites? Books? Thanks for any input you can provide!
Whimsical Arrangements
Zinniagirl. I just posted this thread to this forum. Maybe this can be a good idea for you :) I've also included a link on a "how-to" :)
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/865067/
Hi Zinniagirl, One of my favourite books is called 'The complete Guide To Flower Arranging' by Jane Packer.
very easy to follow , with simple instructions and great pictures.
There are lots of different ideas here on cut flowers, check out the threads. Good Luck with your new venture!
Sis_E , Thanks for the link!
Hello Zinniagirl, zinnias just happen to be one of my favorites. Good luck with your shop. Sorry can't make any referrals as I have never looked at a flower arranging book, but good luck with your new venture. I am sure you can get a wealth of ideas from this forum.
you are welcome, Terriculture. Isn't that a cute idea? :D I am going to do it, only with silk flowers so it lasts longer :)
Cissy
Hi Cissy, Yes, it is a very cute idea! It would be nice to see your silk arrangement when you've made it. Lol!!
I have only made one arrangement with a 'dog' theme, that was the 'doggy bag' for the flowerpot cafe.
Great ideas and suggestions. Thank you!
Zinnia's are my favorite as well. They will not be ready here for another month or so. They last so long in arrangements and the colors can't be beat, especially the lime green ones!
Here's one I tried with my kids. It was fun!
here's the male version.....
Terri.......I hope to do one very soon. I'll post if I ever get it done. I love new ideas :)
Zinnia......those are adorable!! The flowers are so dainty. I love both of them! Clever vases :D
Hi Zinniagirl, Those look fantastic!! What a great idea.
'She' has a colourful, crazy and fun hairstyle. 'He' has a sensible haircut, great couple!!
Love them, thanks for sharing ideas.
Hi Cissy, look forward to your creation! What silk flowers will you use?
Terri, I am not sure yet. I will get them at my local crafts store...probably chrysanthamums, etc......like suggested in those pictures :D Wish I could determine which flowers would make a good Schnauzer face like this one LOL. This is my Schnauzer, Gunny!
Hi Gunny!
:D
Hello Gunny, cute pose.
Zinnia, ours won't be ready for a month or so either but have other stuff to play with in the meantime. Love those head shots, quite whimsical!
haighr - I look forward to seeing some pics of your zinnia's. Let me know when you get your first flower! Mine are only about 6 inches tall right now. I started them from seed about 3 weeks ago. I planted about 250 of them, mostly benary's giants in assorted colors. LOVE THEM!
I'll be sure to post zinnia. Mine are all thanks to mittsy. In years past I have had hundreds and each year am diligent in collecting seed from them for over winter. I tell you I had a grocery bag full of seeds this spring and planted them, but then the rains came and came and not a single one survived and there I was w/o zinnia seeds. Mittsy was so kind as to come to my rescue and send me some from her reserve and those are the ones I am babying now - she sent several varieties and they are about 2" now.
haighr.......I definately want to see your zinnias too! I love them. I have a couple of plants (not from seed). They are so colorful, easy to maintain, and last :)
Cissy
Hey Cissy, I'll keep you posted, gonna be a while yet, but as fast as the time is skipping by will likely come before I know it!
haighr - when is it time to collect the seeds from the zinnia's and how do you winter them over?
I buy my seeds every year from Johnny's Selected Seeds and I really should do my own as it would save alot of money. I sell most of my zinnia's but am left with alot that go to seed. Do you have to get them before frost hits?
PS - very sorry to hear about you losing yours to rain! It happened to me one year and it's so very disappointing. You were lucky to have someone save the day!
I let the heads dry out and then collect the seed and just keep them in a paper grocery bag over winter in the basement or garage. It is a lot of work separating the seed from the chaff, but worth it in the long run.
I will be carefully saving the seed from Ms. Mittsy who was so generous with hers. She sent me a lot of seed, but you know even with that I still have not seen a lot of growth and so will really savor the few that have had the will to survive.
Hi Zinniagirl,
I just purchased "Garden to Vase, Growing and using your own cut flowers," by Linda Beutler This book should be helpful as it covers basics of flower arranging and provides conditioning information on hundreds of flowers. I just started a cutting garden and am enjoying it immensely.
Good luck with your shop
Teresa
Thanks for the book recommendation Theresa. I will check it out.
Would love to see a picture of your cutting garden. Mine is just starting to blossom as I started everything from seed. I've been making some pretty bouquets out of my perennials while waiting!