Vertical Shape For Tall Arrangements

Press, Volume C, Issue 29672, 16 November 1961, Page 2

Vertical Shape For Tall Arrangements

(Bp

JAY GEE’

The vertical shape is another of the basic floral decorating outlines. Like the triangular shape, it is particularly suitable for placing against a wall on a sideboard or hall table. By its uncluttered appearance it gives an impression of coolness. A pinholder is used in a shallow vase. If nothing else suitable is available, a coupe plat* would do, or even an old sponge tin. Secure the pinholder to the container with three small knobs of plaMieme arranged in a triangle on its base. Care should be taken that the pinholder selected is not too small for the weight of flowers it will have to support. Take three long, tapering leaves, such as iris or young flax. The length of one of these should be one and a half times, or a little more, the width of the vase and the other two shortly shorter (but not the same length as each other).

Place the longest leaf (number one in the diagram) well back in the pinholder in a vertical position, with the other two leaves (numbers two and three) on either side, also upright. Avoid Symmetry Only five or seven flowers are required now (avoid even numbers of blooms in all arrangements—although balance is essential, exact symmetry is uninteresting). Ar-

range them in front of the leaves, in a vertical position, with buds or smaller blooms at the top. At the base of the arrangement, place flat, round leaves to cover the pinholder and give balance to the design. Use small stone* to fill in any gaps between these round leave* at the bottom ao as to hide the pinholder completely. Cfisoose stone* with an interesting shape and colour. They may be coated with clear varnish to enhance their appearance.

An attractive alternative is to use gold paint on the stone*, stirring it well first, a* the body of the paint sinks to the bottom of th* tin. Bub the paint off again with an old cloth while it is still wet and the surface is left with a pleasant gold blitter.

CaataM* Thi* rather at wit arrange* ment adapt* itself well to the use of contrasting colour*. In the hot summer months, dark green leaves and white flower* in a dark green or black container give an appearance of coolness to the whole room. Another striking colour combination would be a black bowl with pink or yellow flowers. Irises. chrysanthemum* when in season, or any of the daisy-type flower* would be suitable for the arrangement. ft (Copyright Reserved.)