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6. THE SETTING FOR YOUR ARRANGEMENT

What can plant material do for each room in your house ? - How can we use accessories ?

The principle objective of this book is to show the reader how flower decoration can be adapted as part of the design of your home; once the desired theme is established. It is always good to remember that flowers should neither detract from nor over power your interior. Use flower decoration for its own loveliness or perhaps even to draw attention to another object of interest.

This chapter will awaken us to the great versatility of floral deco­ration in the home.

Your Front Hall Figure 24

Twin bouquets of a variety of garden flowers greet your guests warmly as they enter or leave through your front hall. These are for­mal arrangements, designed to blend with the traditional interior in the illustration; taking into consideration, the contrast of flowers, with wallpaper and woodwork. During the winter, these bouquets may be replaced with dried plant material.

Accent on Antiques Figure 25

Here is a perfect example of the use of flowers to soften and en­hance the beauty of a cherished antique or two. Knowing of the pride with which many of us display our art pieces, the author would not ven­ture to embellish the surroundings of such pieces with an array of bright blossoms and luxurious foliage. It is however, very pleasing to the eye, to find the hard chisled lines of these French porcelain carv­ings supported in their beauty by the crisp whites and delicate greens of a simple arrangement of chrysanthemums.

The use of a flower arrangement here, enables us to display an­tique groupings without creating the atmosphere of a museum, where you want to increase the warmth and comfort of the home.

Perhaps the more adventurous flower arranger would like to ex­periment with antiques by reproducing in a floral piece, the rich flower patterns which are so significant of Dresden and Miessen.

Figure 25.   Accent on Antiques

Remember that this is one of the very rare occasions when we may use plant material to accent the beauty of another object, because flowers are naturally very haughty, and they just won't stand for it!

For Those Old French Doors Figure 26

There were few apartments or homes built in the early part of the century which did not boast of a French door or two. Many of us still have these around, standing useless with no other purpose than to fill an open space in the wall.

Here are a couple of ways to add purpose to them as part of the de­sign of your home.

A - Double paneled French door.

B - The addition of two antique candle holders remade to hold plant material.

C - The introduction of English or other ivy plants to cover the bare­ness and create interest where there was none.

D - Triple paneled French door with the introduction of two antique candle holders with a wider base soldered on the bottom of each to hold plant material. This very same effect may be reproduced by shaping an ordinary tin can.

E - Philodendron in the holders.

A bit of green moss and charcoal will add vigor and retain the health of your vines.

Summer Fireplace Figure 27

A - A bare fireplace in the summertime

B - A way to fill your fireplace with interest for that season is, to place a rich type of foliage in a pail of water concealed by the logs and fan it out gracefully to cover the space above them. Chicken-wire in the pail will make a suitable holder.

Orchids and Driftwood Figure 28

A - A piece of driftwood and Spanish moss, showing the basic lines of the design. There is color contrast in the rustic variegated browns of the wood and the gray green of the moss. The root system of a toppled tree would serve this purpose nicely.

B - Completed design showing spray orchids adding rich color and delicate texture to the composition. The orchids are placed in­dividually or in sprays in water filled vials. Note that they gradu­ate in size from full ones in the focal point and smaller ones to the outer branches. If a great many orchids are available, the focal point may be accented by groups of two and three. A rec­tangle of natural wood serves as a base to unify and anchor the arrangement.

Figure 26.   For Those French Doors

Figure 27.   Summer Fireplace

Figure 28.   Orchids and Driftwood

Figure 29.   Around the Clock

C - A vial of water with an orchid in it. List of Various Orchid Types Vanda,   Cymbidium,    Epidendrum,   Phalaenopsis,   Calanthe,  Cy-pripedium,     Dendrobium,   Odontoglossum    Oncidium.

Around the Clock Figure 29

A - Victorian glass piece reproduction

B - Design showing placement of foliage and flowers in vase.

C - Completed design of pink roses masses with white candytufts against a stalwart vertical line of larkspur and/or stock.

D - Twin arrangements are used very effectively with a mantle clock. The design is gracefully unified by flowing philodendron or sprays of smilax. A large wall mirror serves as an excellent backdrop.

Between the Lamps Figure 30

Here again is an antique setting, but in this case, flowers reign supreme.

1. - Container with chicken-wire. Entire unit is tied from front to back and from side to side with strong cord.
2. - Line and form design of arrangement.
3. - Snapdragons, tritomas, and birds of paradise form an ideal focal point for the setting of antique table, mirror and hurricane lamps.

Water Lilies Under Your Lamp Figure 31

A - A tall lamp can be an interesting accent in an arrangement.

B - Container placed in front of lamp showing position of three frogs.

C - Completed arrangement of wild swamp grass and one water lily with buds unified and accented by the black pebbles gracefully sur­rounding each grouping. When picking the grasses, select the choice ones which are rich in color and texture. You may rotate the plant material in this arrangement, by the season. (Refer to Chapter Vin)

Ming Tree Figure 32

A - Wooden board with circle of cardboard to keep out plaster.

B - Pour plaster to create a naturalized base, being careful not to pour any into the circle of cardboard.

C - You may allow one layer to dry and pour a second to achieve a nicely molded, natural effect. Use your fingers to create rough textures.

D - Place the branch of the ming tree into the hollow of cardboard and pour the plaster around it, securing it to the recently poured base.

Figure 30.   Between the Lamps

Figure 31.   Water Lilies Under Your Lamp

Figure 32.   Ming Tree

The base should dry firmly, so tilt the branch at it's permanent
angle or you will have to break the base and begin again.

E - Completed plaster base

F - Peruvian moss adds form and additional texture to the manzanita

branches. Carpet the base with a layer of rich green lichen moss.

Remove the board.

G - As an accent on an odd table.

H - Line and form design.   The manzanita branches should give the appearance of a minature wind swept tree.

Minature Shadow Boxes Figure 33

A - Shadow box

B - Showing indirect lighting. The color of your lighting has a great deal to do with the success or failure of the design. Yellow light­ing is most flattering to color. White light has a tendency to blanch the subject, giving it a palid look. Blue lights are excellent for mystic line arrangements. Experiment with colored gelatin over your bulbs and see how different light colors will change the entire atmosphere of your shadow boxes.

C - Side view of box showing border angle of frame.

D - Three examples of miniature arrangements with hands to show size.

MINIATURES

Minatures Are Always Interesting

How we marvel at a minute reproduction of anything. Greater yet is our wonder at a tiny copy of something which has life in its every swirl of a minature leaf or a bending branch no longer than the first two joints of your index finger; a flower arrangement.

In creating a miniature flower arrangement we must remember that the fundamentals of design are not altered. Every detail is in its cor­rect proportions; from the vase to the tiniest bud. The size should range from 4" to 6" (including the vase which should not be more than 2" in height) and all the rules of balance, color, line and form which would apply to a standard size arrangement, should apply to your miniature. Width and height depend upon the form of the container and the type of plant material being used.

The search for plant material and containers with which to create your designs will give you endless hours of interest and enjoyment. You will find plant materials among the commonest weeds and country wild flowers. Antique and curio shops offer a world of vases and mini­ature accessories from which to choose.

Figure 33.   Miniature Shadow Boxes

The Arrangement

Prepare your container to hold the plant material, in either of the following ways. Arranging the foliage foundation properly at the base of your container will hold the flowers in place. Soft clay or puffed up tissue paper may also be used for the same purpose. Keep in mind that the area in which you are working is very small. If you over­stuff it you will have a difficult time arranging the plant material.

In beginning your arrangement, ask yourself what material will give you the height, the focal point, and the foliage foundation. After se­lecting your material, start your design. Your plant materials and container should not detract from each other. They should comple­ment, balance and harmonize in line, color and form. A colorful glass coaster will set off your creation if chosen carefully to blend or con­trast pleasingly.

Suggestions For Plant Material

Autumn brings to the fields and woodlands, a host of dried materials in the form of plants turning to seed, drying leaves and branches and drying grasses. Here you will find an abundance of color, and texture for novel miniature arrangements.

Some other suggestions are;

For Line---Pine needles - Sweet clover - Wild grasses - Maiden­
hair fern - Foliage leaves - Dainty branches –

For Form---Sweetheart roses - Geranium buds - Ageratum (pink and blue) - Petunias (small growth & variety) – Violets

1. Dwarf marigolds &zinnias - Begonias - Tiny daisies
2. Bachelor buttons - The flowers of spirea - Feverfew

Some Suggestions For Novel Containers

Toy dishes - Interesting lipstick  tubes - Perfume bottles - Small cosmetic jars - ash trays.

Where to Place Your Finished Miniature Arrangements

The proper setting if possible, should be at eye level. The mantel and shelves make excellent displaying nooks. Shadow boxes thought­fully placed on the wall, complete with miniature accessories, will of­fer the opportunity to change arrangements to taste. Indirect lighting will accent the setting. Three dimensional proportion is most im­portant to the successful creation of your miniature flower arrange­ments.

Callas on the Coffee Table Figure 34

This is an example of the Moribana style of flower design. A - Simply designed glass top coffee table.

Figure 34.   Callas on the Coffee Table

B - Drawing showing the beauty of form and line in an arrangement of calla lilies and their own foliage in a glass bowl. Chicken-wire is used as a holder.

C - This arrangement, when placed diagonally, may be viewed with in­terest from all sides.

Daffodils in Your Bookends Figure 35

A - Pottery container and bookend combination showing position of two frogs.

B - This type of design is just the thing for that special set of four or five books which don't seem to fit anywhere. A small table will serve as excellent support for this exclusive bookshelf. The unit may also be placed in the center of an eye-level mantle.

Settings for Your Chinese Figurines Figure 36

A - Chinese Figurines

B - Oriental Containers

C - Example of Oriental arrangement using a partially hidden figurine in the focal point. D - Example   of   Oriental arrangement using a figurine in full view serving as an accent and a secondary point of interest.

CHINESE DISH GARDENS

Like Japan, China has also contributed to the development of floral arrangement. They have produced flower containers which are lovely in every hand-made, delicate detail; coming in a great variety of forms, textures and colors. These are ideal adopted homes for tropical and sub-tropical foliage plants; enriching their beauty in an Oriental set­ting.

This picturesque plant material does not produce blossoms. (With some exceptions) The absence of flowers is an asset to the design in this case because added color would tend to clash with and detract from the hues in your container, accessories and setting for the entire ar­rangement.

As in all flower arrangement, we must be careful to follow correct proportional rules and use varieties of textures which will blend har­moniously with the entire design. Foreign objects in a flower design, such as figurines, pagodas, etc., must be chosen with great care. They should be small enough not to detract from the foliage, but large enough to form a point of interest. Their colors should be as much a part of the design plan as the plant material. Select plants for their height, spread, color and form. Before attempting to plant your dish garden, experiment by placing a large enough sheet of blank paper on a table.

Figure 35.   Daffodils in Your Bookends

Figure 36.   For the Oriental Figurines

Turn your container upside down in the center of the paper and trace its outline. This will help you to visualize the limits and possibilities of the space in which you are going to work. Select the plants and without removing them from their individual pots, arrange them; group­ing taller plants in the back and gradually decreasing in size toward the front and sides. If the container is going to be seen from all points, place your taller plants in the center and decrease accordingly. Keep in mind that you are also seeking a pleasing combination of textures and forms.

Simplicity is one of the beauties of Oriental art. With this thought, you may place in the arrangement a tiny Chinese setting; consisting of perhaps a pagoda, pond and/or figurine; carefully selected  to scale.

Be certain of a good drain, because Chinese Bronze is susceptible to corrosion which will affect your plants unfavorably.

Your planting procedure is:

1. Layer of course gravel
2. Layer of fine gravel
3. Layer of sand

Creating interesting settings for the finished arrangements, will do a great deal to increase their beauty. If you wish to display your gar­den on the mantle, it is best to choose some tiny plants which will fall gracefully downward.   Trim vines to avoid long, straggly look.

The following items are suggestions for accessories to your design:

Teakwood stand on a large coaster Natural or colored straw mats Silk embroidery and doilies Chinese print on a scroll

A Chinese container which has been converted into a lamp gives an enchanting glow to the foliage when placed around it in the provided planting space.

In selecting your plants be sure to inquire how large they grow. Some grow very fast and will have to be replaced for they will set the entire unit off balance.

Here are some of the plants you may use:

Acorus gramineus variegates

Aglaonema spp.

Asparagus sprengeri (seedlings)

Buxus sempervirens suffruticosa

Dracaena godseffiana

Dracaena sanderiana

Euonymus fortunei

Helxine soleirolii

Maranta leuconeura

Pandanus veitchii, SMALL PLANTS

Peperomia obtusifolia

Peperomia sandersii

Philodendron, SMALL PLANTS Phoenix roebelinii, SMALL PLANTS Podocarpus neriifolia

Sansevieria, YOUNG PLANTS Syagrus weddelliana

Tradescantia Fluminensis

Buffet Arrangement Figure 37

A - Tulips and larkspur.

B - Iris and foliage added.

C - Completed arrangement with amarylis in the focal point.   Here is an example of wisely grouped flowers of variegated colors for use on the buffet.

Foliage Design for the Bedroom Figure 38

Rich foliage plants can add interesting design to your bedroom. Some of the plants which are ideal for this purpose are:

Sanseveria,     Peperonia,     Philodendron,      Cordatum,     Monstera deliciosa,    Ficus pandurata.

When the plant material is to cover an area of great length, such as the window sill or bed backing, two or three sections may be provided for planting trays.

Pretty Enough to Frame Figure 39

This is a novel way of brightening your antique oval frame, after repainting or gilding it.

A - Oval frame with glass

B - Straw flowers, Thistles, Queen Anne's Lace, Mullein, Status, Joe Pye Weed, Spiraea, and Cockscomb are some suggestions for ma­terial to be pressed in a telephone book.

C - Place your outline of the frame on a closely woven material of small pattern (not to detract from flowers). An interesting wall paper may also be used.

D - Cut out

E - Remove frame and glass. Paste the fabric or wall paper on the inner backing of the frame to serve as a background for the flower design.

In arranging your composition, be sure to place form flowers in the center or focal point, and lacy textures throughout the rest of the de­sign.   To insure a long lasting arrangement, be certain that all parts of the frame are secure, to avoid as much oxygen seepage as possible. Direct sunlight will fade your flowers.

Figure 37.   Buffet Arrangement

Figure 38.   Foliage Design

for the Bedroom

Enough to Frame

Brightening Up the Kitchen Window Figure 40

Here is an item which would have tremendous value in the develop­ment of an indoor garden. Although a garden of this type is primarily for house plants; you can grow annuals and perennials, providing you have the proper sun exposure. The variation of color and form will always provide bright new interest; for these are living plants going through their several periodical changes in size, shape and hue. Your color arrangement may be developed by the selection of kitchen cur­tains, pottery, windowbox; and the painting of the panal and the window. There are many different types of wall brackets. It is well to remem­ber that they serve as a frame and therefore should not shoot out and take up too much of the window area. The combination of window box and wall brackets acts as a unit in developing a pleasant picture.

It is easy to construct your own window box, should you find it diffi­cult to secure one of the proper size at the store. Although wood has a tendency to warp after a certain amount of watering, you may coun­teract this reaction to some extent by painting the inside of the box with pure linseed oil. Paint the outside the desired color. The con­tainer should be of limited height, due to the fact that plants are con­stantly growing. Length is not too important, however one which would fill the window space is most desirable.

Preparing the window box for planting

For proper drainage, a layer of course gravel should be placed at the bottom of the box. Well broken up green house pots may be used for this purpose.   On top of all place a layer of sand.

Preparation of soil for planting

Mix one part peat moss or leaf mold with two parts garden loam. It is advisable to add one teaspoon of fertilizer to each two quarts of soil.

Potting

Pots should not be too large. Put a drain of coarse gravel or broken crockery at the bottom. This is important for larger plants. Place a layer of soil in the pot, and carefully holding the plant in the middle of the container, gently sprinkle soil around the roots. Be sure to press the soil firmly around the plant; thus eliminating air pockets which will destroy the root system. Leave room for watering. As the plant grows re-potting is sometimes necessary for healthy growth.

Seasonal List of Plant Materials for Your Window Box Spring –

Begonias,    Heliotrope,    Hyacinth,    Geraniums,    Fuschia,

Tulips,    Daffodils.

Summer –

Begonias,    Fushchias,    Geraniums. Autumn –

Chrysanthemums,    Shrimp plant,    Cyclamen,    Azaleas. Winter –

Poinsettia,    Kalanchoe,   Primula,    Jerusalem Cherry, Azaleas,    Cyclamen.

A LITTLE TOUCH OF MEXICO

Cactus gardening is an enjoyable hobby in itself. The plants are hardy and require little care; always ready to add an interesting bit of color, texture or form to your window garden.

Succulents come from all parts of the world. They are not neces­sarily the inhabitants of desert regions. Today we find lovely varieties cultivated by many amateur flower enthusiasts who have made hobbies of cacti arrangements. This is an occupation with an unlimited hori­zon; because in the family, there are 125 Genera containing a total of twelve hundred species. The sizes of cacti range from one inch to forms thirty and sixty feet tall. Their habit of growth can be massive, upright, or branchy. Some have spines or are very thorny, others have thick, fleshy leaves and stems. They are sun worshipers; needing plenty of sun in which to thrive. Not only do cactus plants offer un­usual form and growth, their flowering period is a beautiful spectacle, producing blossoms of the loveliest colors and the quaintest varieties of form.

The rate of growth of cactus varies. Any container may be used in potting. There must be proper drainage to avoid over watering. The soil can be mixed one third sand, one third peat moss and one third soil. When potting the cacti, do not have the soil mixture too moist, for it will become lumpy causing air pockets. A bit of tape around the index finger and thumb will protect them from being pricked.

While planting, do not use any fertilizer. Careful watering is of the utmost importance. Allow one quarter of an inch from the top of the container for watering; always keeping the soil only slightly moist. During the summer the plants should receive a bit more water. This is the period of growth. Put a bit of charcoal in the base of the con­tainer.

List of cacti for growing purposes

Agave, Aloe, Crassula, Echeveria, Euphorbia, Haworthia, Kalanchoe, Mesembryanthemum, Rochea sedum, Sempervi-vum,    Stapelia

There are many different species types in each one of these groups.

Figure 40.   Brightening Up the Kitchen Window

Refer to Chapter XIII for illustrated instructions on how to make a salad bowl container for your dish garden.

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