 Gerberas,Gladioli and Roses
Hello Dear Subscribers,
Another month has gone by and its 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 arrangement 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 about 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 are
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 alstreomeria 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.
This arrangement is briefly explained. In our Floristry Diploma Course we explain each step in
detail with diagrams for each step, and measurements on how long to cut each stem and exactly where to
position each placement.
For full information on our Floristry Diploma Course please visit our website
on http://www.floral-art-school.com.au
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