Flower Arrangements - Gerberas, Gladioli and Roses

Another month has gone by, and it's time for our October newsletter. It is lovely having the different seasons each year, because each one brings its own special flowers. Today I am going to show you how to create a triangular arrangement featuring gladioli, gerberas, carnations and alstroemeria.

This is a frontal design that is suitable for a mantle piece, pedestal or side table against the wall.

This style is a classical design and is appropriate for many different occasions.

A variety of different shapes are used such as spike flowers (gladioli), feature flowers (gerberas), form flowers (carnations) and alstroemeria (filler flowers).

The materials used in this arrangement are -

3 gladioli
3 gerberas
3 roses
5 carnations
Cream alstroemeria
Eucalyptus gum
Bay leaves
Urn
Florist foam
Pot tape
22 gauge wire

1. Soak the foam in water and place it in the container, having the edge of the foam sitting at least 2.5cm (1") above the edges of the container. Secure the foam in place with pot tape, crisscrossing it over the centre top of the foam and down the sides for about 2.5cm (1").
2. If gladiolis are different sizes, choose the one with the smallest buds for the centre. Gladioli stems often have lots of unopened buds at the end, and the colour of the flower petals are lower down in the stem. The buds at the top often tilt to one side and spoil the line of the arrangement. Cut the excessive buds off, as these will not open. Do not discard the buds, as these can be used later on. Cut the gladioli to the desired length and insert it in the centre back of the foam.

3. Cut number two gladioli to measure two thirds the length of number one and insert it to the right of number one gladioli, as shown.

4. Cut number three gladioli to measure two thirds of number two and insert it in the lower right side of the foam as shown.

5. Starting at the top, cut the foliage, bay leaf and eucalyptus gum to the desired length and insert them around the edges to form the basic outline shape.

6. The three gerberas are now inserted to form a diagonal line. Cut each one to the desired length. Gerbera stems often need wiring to help hold the heads erect, as they can become floppy after a few days. To do this, insert a long 22 gauge wire vertically up into the base of the gerbera head and wind the wire spirally two or three times down and around the stem.

7. If gerberas are different sizes, choose the smallest one for the top and cut the stem to the desired length and insert it in the back of the foam to the left of number one gladioli.

8. Cut number two gerbera to the desired length and insert it into the centre of the foam.

9. Cut number three gerbera the desired length and insert it into the lower right hand corner of the foam. Make sure there is an equal space between each gerbera head.

10. Cut pieces of foliage to measure slightly shorter than the flower heads and insert to cover the top of the foam, fanning it out to the sides. Turn the container around and insert short pieces of foliage into the back to cover the foam. Turn the arrangement back to the front again.

11. Cut the three roses to the desired length and insert in the lower left side of the foam.

12. Cut the carnations to the desired length and insert in the right side of the foam.

13. Cut the alstroemeria to the desired length and insert in the left side of the foam.

14. Insert any cut off gladioli tips evenly throughout the arrangement. I have used a few gerbera stems with the ends cut on a slant and inserted them amongst the flowers to help fill in and give extra interest.

15. Spray arrangement lightly with water.



Well that's it.

Take care and have a wonderful day!

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About the Author:

Authors Credits, This newsletter is written by Fay Chamoun who is the principal of Floral Art School of Australia and International floral Design School. The school was established in 1972. We have had thousands of students enrolled in our Floral Design Diploma Courses.

For full information on our courses please visit our website on http://www.floral-art-school.com.au or contact us on info@floral-art-school.com.au
 

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