ARRANGING CUT FLOWERS

 

ARRANGING CUT FLOWERS 

A writer in the Journal of Horticulture says about cut flowers: 
Study simplicity in arrangement. The more simple the arrangement of flowers, the easier it is for a gardener to insure a supply.  I do not make it a rule, but generally I do not mix different sorts of flowers together. 

It is also necessary to study the kind of glasses in selecting flowers to fill them. In large glasses or vases a cluster of small flowers is out of place, though on the other hand. it does not always follow that only the smaller flowers should be used to fill small glasses.

 If it is desired to display a Rhododendron truss, an Amaryllis, or a Cattleya to the best advantage,- select a smallish glass, which the individual will fill and do not try to improve really fine flowers of that sort by employing other foliage. Even a spray of Maidenhair will detract from the beauty of such flowers.

Another point:

 "Do not mix the  finer flowers with commoner sorts. Keep Eucharis and white Lapagerias to  associate with Orchids and with these add only finest Ferns- Adiantum Farleyense or A. scutum, or the dark green plumosus. 

With the commoner flowers it is not by any means an advantage to use Ferns alone for a setting. 

For large vases foliage of Rex Begonias, Callas, Hollyhock,s Ivy Pelargoniums & c. are all extremely useful and suitable. Leafage is in its way just as much admired as flowers, and there is no reason why gardeners should confine themselves to a few Ferns.

 As a rule, let every flower stand clear of its neighbor.

 We may make an exception to this rule, and show a glowing bunch of Pelargoniums on a setting of their own foliage, but generally lightness is to be commended. Speaking of the latter, reminds me that it is bad taste to mix dark colored varieties and those of a rosy shade together. Keep the latter to mix with light forms of Aida or other flowers. These help show off the beauty of each other, but if mixed with the crimson kinds, the effect of both is spoiled. 

"Much that has been written about vase furnishing applies with equal force to table decorations. There are three simple modes of decoration, which may either be separately employed, or conjointly.

 For small tables cut flowers are most suitable, and these may be either arranged in small glasses, or laid on the cloth.

 Tables to dine say from eight to a dozen and upwards, are generally decorated with plants, as well as flowers. The simplest way of using plants is to stand them in vessels of plate or some kind of earthenware, or to stand them on the table amid a bank of foliage and flowers.

In the latter case, the fewer flowers employed, the better. Nothing surpasses the common Selaginella Kraussiana as a groundwork, and if it is healthy and well grown, no Ferns will be required.

 As a rule half a dozen large blossoms round this will be sufficient. White pink or crimson flowers are most suitable. 

Chrysanthemums, Eucharises, Pelargoniums, and Camellias are very suitable for this purpose, but they must be good. Small plants are sometimes placed round the table crimson.

 Tulips, or three sprays of Lily of the Valley, or three plants of Rivinia humilis are well adapted for this purpose. These require no flowers amongst the moss. 

If foliage plants are used, then three Carnations round each or as many Bouvardias or double Primulas do well.

I much prefer to have all the plants alike. Small glasses, filled with flowers are very pretty. Flat glasses should be filled with single trusses of Pelargoniums backed with a leaf of the same, or a Chrysanthemum, Camellia, or Eucharis .

Tall narrow glasses are suitably filled with Lily of the Valley, small Pelargonium trusses, Bouvardias and Dendrobiums.   

References:

1.The Illustrated Vick's Magazine

2. THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON ALMANACK FOR 1868