Arrangement For Jug Or Coffee Pot

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29764, 6 March 1962, Page 2

Arrangement For Jug Or Coffee Pot

IBy

JAY GEE]

A jug or coffee pot is a suitable container for the modern line arrangement shown in the sketch. The materials in this modification of the diagonal line are arranged to follow and accentuate the shape of the container. The arrangement is designed to be placed against the background of a wall.

A grey container would tone in pleasantly with the young eucalyptus leaves used, together with a bunch of small, pale pink crysanthemums. Take a eucalyptus branch and place it so its line continues the line of the highest point of the container —in this case, the spout of the jug (figure 1). This branch should be about one and a half times the height of the jug itself. A second eucalyptus branch goes in to sweep down over the handle (figure 2). Basic Line These two branches now shape flie basic line of the arrangement. Add the flowers, first one or two following the upward line, then some on the lower line, a few more on the upward line and so on, working all the time in towards the centre of the arrangement. Be sure all the leaves have been removed from the flowers before they have been put into place—they wilt quickly and contaminate the water. The eucalyptus supplies all the necessary foliage. Take care none of the flowers extend beyond the extremities of the eucalyptus branches. The longest stems should, in fact, be several inches shorter than the branches. The larger blooms should be well down in the arrangement towards the centre while most of the longer stems should carry only buds. Fill in between the flowers with more eucalyptus, keeping in mind all the time the desired outline. It is most important that there be a clearly defined line and not merely a vague bunching of flowers and leaves. Throw away some flowers and foliage rather than clutter the arrangement. Preserving Leaves Eucalyptus leaves can be preserved for use during the winter by standing the branches for three weeks before using them in a solution of two parte of warm water and one of glycerine. Beech leaves (which should be cut when they are just about to change colour) may be treated in the same way. Bruise and split the ends of the branches to allow them to draw up plenty of the mixture and have them standing in as deep a container as possible. An, arrangement such as that described may be done in a variety of containers and with many different kinds of flowers and foliage. Some jugs lend themselves to a reversal of the line, with the upward sweep rising above the handle and the lower sweep “pouring” from Ihe spout. A pewter beer mug makes an interesting container. If it is one of the German type that has a lid, the foliage can follow this upward line of tjie opened lid. If the container is of a dark colour, copper birch and

flowers of a contrasting colour (crysanthemums, small dahlias or daisies) could be used. Green foliage instead of the grey-blue eucalyptus would look attractive in a green container. (Copyright Reserved)