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12. ACCENT ON FOLIAGE

What does foliage do for your arrangement? - Can you use foliage without flowers ?

The addition of foliage to your arrangement add the natural feeling of growth; which is one of the great beauties of plant material. It adds form, contrast in color and texture, all of which are taken into con­sideration when planning the design.

There is as much variety in form, color and texture in foliage as there is in flowers. It is amazing to the new comer to see what the accent on foliage will   offer the design.

The Japanese are old hands at the art of introducing the beauty of natural foliage to floral design. Foliage also offers a foundation upon which to build your vase arrangements.

Your local florist will be glad to show you the many available va­rieties of foliage which you may use in your arrangements.

Foliage types, like flowers, have their seasons; so be on the look­out for them in your garden as well as at the flower shop. Foliage house plants also provide a source for this material.

Aside from beautifying and accenting the arrangements of flowers, there are many varieties of foliage which, if properly placed, with little other accent or by themselves, will make lovely foliage designs.

The following charts are guides to some foliage types. The first name listed is that of the illustrated foliage. The additional names are of types which would create a similar effect if placed in an ar­rangement.

Figure 72

A - Boston fern - For a lacy effect and graceful line.

Oregon flat fern,     Maiden hair fern,    Holly fern, Bird's nest fern,    Asparagus fern.

B - English ivy - For graceful movement.

Philodendron,     Grape   ivy,     Smilax,     Clematis, Wisteria.

Figure 72.   Foliage Charts

Figure 73.   Foliage Charts

C - Loquat leaves - For height and mass.

Eucalyptus,    Copper beech,    Sweet gum, Japanese maple,    Sea grape,    Photinia, Mahonia,    Purple beech

D - Galax - For accent.

Cammellia foliage,   Pittosporum,    Coleus,    Be­gonia, Cyclamen,   Water lily pads,   Peperomia.

Figure 73

A - Rhododendron –

Mountain laurel,    Azalea,    Boxwood.

B - Lemon leaves - Nicely textured, usually available.

(Salal)

C - Oak - Comes in varieties.   Excellent for fall arrangements. Also

processed for winter decorations.

D - Huckleberry - Shiny surfaced, enduring.   Usually available.

Figure 74

A - Caladium   - Come in a great variety of colors.

Dieffenbachia,    Dracaena,   Rex begonia, Pandurata, Croton leaves,    Calla lily leaves,     Ficus.

B - White pine - Crisp, ideal for winter arrangements.

Spruce,    Hemlock. C - Arborvitae –

Juniper,     Cedar,    Whitecedar,       Varieties of yew. D - Magnolia    -

Skeletonized magnolia. Learn to recognize and use the abundant varieties of foliage.

Magnolia Leaves and Gladiolus Figure 75

A - A cluster of three large gladiolus.

B – Taped

C - Gladiolus taped into a cluster of magnolia leaves.

D - Completed arrangement showing the interesting combination.

Gladiolus and leaves may be sprayed with water for a dewy effect.

E - Diagram of form and line.

Figure 74.   Foliage Charts

Foliage Beauty Within Glass Figure 76

Many plants which normally will not thrive in the usual atmosphere of the home, will endure in this type of container. This glass enclo­sure acts as a Wardian case which offers ideal conditions for plant growth. An arrangement like this can be placed almost anywhere in the house. The local florist or nurseryman can suggest the proper plants.

A - Place the tall plants in the back of the container.   Place the soil at an angle for easier viewing of plant material.

B - Grouping of small plants

C - Space your plants to allow sufficient growth.

D - Example of a hanging glass container.   In this case the tall plants should be placed in the center to enable the entire design to be viewed from all sides.

Some suggested foliage plants for arrangements in glass.

Begonias, (dwarf varieties) Sempervivums, (small varieties) Sanseveria, (dwarf varieties) Cyperus alternifolius, (umbrella plant)    Maiden hair fern.    Wandering Jew,    Holly fern.

Loquat Leaves and Gerberas Daisies Figure 77

A - Line arrangement of loquat leaves.

B - Tape three Gerberas daisies in a group.

C - Attach group to center of cluster of loquat leaves with floral tape.

D - Dot each loquat cluster with a group of two or three daisies, and complete the design. Other star-like flowers will serve the pur­pose nicely. A bit of oil gently rubbed on the leaves, will add an exotic, glossy effect.

Figure 75.  Magnolia Leaves and Gladioli

D.

Figure 76.   Foliage Beauty Within Glass

Figure 77.   Loquat Leaves and Gerberas Daisies

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