Attractive Arrangement Of Broom And Stocks

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29724, 18 January 1962, Page 2

Attractive Arrangement Of Broom And Stocks

[By JAY GEE] An imaginative person can turn all kinds of articles to use in floral decorating. Recently, one of the uses to which driftwood may be put was described. Another useful and free material which may be gathered on picnic days to the beach is broom.

The simple arrangement sketched above employs broom with stocks. It is designed to be placed on a low table and would normally be put against a wall. However, it could also look attractive on a coffee table in the centre of a room. If this is done, care should be taken that it looks equally appealing from all sides. The container may be either a low dish capable of holding water or a plain flat plate on which a small tin is placed to hold the arrangement. Secure a pinholder with plasticine in the centre of the dish (or in the tin, if this is used). Choose several pieces of broom. The quantity will vary according to the size of the container used, but there

should be an odd number of pieces. Gently bend the longer pieces moulding them into graceful curves. Now take about five or six good heads of double stocks, preferably of the one colour (although, generally speaking, flowers of a single species usually tone in with each other regardless of their shades). Scrape the stems with a knife or scissors to remove the outer “skin.” This stops the formation of bacterial slime which will otherwise seal off the stem and prevent the flowers from taking in the water they need. Stand most of the broom upright at the back of the pinholder, sweeping across to one side (see diagram). The rest of the broom should then be put into place,

also secured at the back of the pinholder, but inclining out nearly horizontally to give width and balance at the base. These lower pieces should be shorter than those which are upright Arrange the stocks to form a focal point at the base, keeping them low so that they form a mass of colour and hide the pinholder or tin. One or two of their leaves may be placed among the flowers to complete the arrangement.

If the bowl is to be placed in the middle of the room rather than against the wall, the broom should be fastened in the centre of the pinholder and not at the back. More flowers will be needed so that they can be arranged with their leaves on both sides of the broom. It is a good idea to use the tin and flat dish instead of the shallow bowl in this case, as it is less likely to spill water if bumped. To finish off the effect, the arrangement may be complemented by a small ornament, such as a figure or even an ash tray, the same colour as the flowers and placed on the table alongside. (Copyright Reserved)