The Art Of Botanical Design

The fascinating aspect of the art of botanical design is that it is an art which can be done without the need for botanical expertise or intricate classification; instead, it thrives on the interplay of balance, composition, and aesthetics. The simple resourcefulness found in nature, flowers growing by a roadside or even in ones own garden or yard can offer a unique outlet for creativity and self-expression. The art of flower arranging doesn’t call out for perfection as each blossom and bloom is unique, adding a tangle of pliable twigs around highly colored perennials or aquatic flowers can add a gravity defying abstract table top art piece. Or maybe you are inspired by more of a traditional arrangement of flowers and just enjoy an upright style of flowers looking cheerful and bright, experimenting with all of these ideas is part of the fun. The other perk is the often unveiling of glorious bouquet scents.

To start, have a great pair of shears and a sturdy base. Choosing a perfect container, vase, bowl, pitcher is the starting point of the arrangement. Adding a metal pin-holder, a half dome mesh dome cage, floral foam, shaped chicken wire or loosely crumbled floral netting placed in your container to support the stems is the next step to creating a great masterpiece. Just like the “Rule of Thirds” in Art composition and Photography, there is a “Golden Ratio” for floral arrangements. The guideline for creating an eye pleasing arrangement, whereas the arrangement is two and a half size bigger than its container. With all of this being said, sometimes just jumping in and using your own creative intuition without being stifled by rules can lead to creating a beautiful balanced, formal or informal, flower arrangement. So much of any art form is the artist journey experimenting with colors and textures and discovering natures language without the need for rules and words, then channeling this into a tangible form of expression.

Some people like to start at collecting flowers from a local farmers market or even a wholesale flower supply house. Others choose to take clipping from their own flower garden beds or bushes. Another technique for floral arrangement is called “Pot-et-Fleur” is the art of mixing cut flowers, foliage and houseplants to provide a cycle of changing seasonal color utilizing the already year round house plants. You can also make a great statement by taking tree branches and other greenery, or a single long branch (3-4ft) with extra large leaves and placing the greenery in an oversized vase with a small opening at the top. This is more of a dramatic artful approach and shatters the “Golden Ratio” of floral arrangement but it really adds a nice touch with modern, and mid-century furniture and decor.

However you choose to pursue your next botanical arrangement, just remember: Each arrangement is a fleeting moment of beauty, and yet, it leaves an everlasting impression. Its a celebration of nature and profound expression of our own creative spirit.

Happy designing everyone!