Flowers Need Planning

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 67, 21 March 1935, Page 10

Flowers Need Planning

COLOUR AND SETTING There are very few people who fail to appreciate the beauty of flowers and do not derive some pleasure from flower-decked surroundings. Floral gifts are a source of joy to every woman, but it is important to give flowers suitable for the occasion. Almost every variety may be arranged artistically for the table, but in the sick room heavily perfumed flowers should be avoided, and the delicate, more subtly perfumed blooms chosen. For decorative purposes the tali' long stemmed varieties, such as gladioli, dahlias and alstramerian lend themselves particularly well. Daintiness, of course, is the principal feature of the shoulder posy, for which the delicately coloured lacy varieties arc most suitable. The arrangement of flowers in the home is a matter worth a great deal of careful planning. The success of floral decoration depends largely upon the colour scheme and arrangement of the flowers in the room. Of course, the choice of vase plays an important part. Never have a jar looking top-heavy with largo blooms, or put small dainty flowers in a largo heavy vase. Great effect can often bo obtained if attention is paid to the setting ot: a bowl' of flowers. A plain dark background shows up the bright colouring of the blooms to advantage, while a patterned curtain hanging will often spoil their whole effect. The beauty of your flowmrs will bo accentuated if they stand on a polished surface, and a mirrow can bo cleverly employed in the same manner. In arranging a largo bowl it is best to start with a few upright blooms in the centre, and work gradually toward tho outer edge. In tho days of flat life, when gardens arc comparatively scarce, flowers are an expensive item, and housewives are auxious to mako them last as long as possible. Many peoplo make the mistako of changing tho water too often. Flowers that leavo the water clean and clear, such as bulbs, poppies and hydrangeas, thrivo better if tho water is not actually changed, but replenished as it is absorbed. Stocks, phlox, otc.j which leave the water thick and murky, should havo entirely fresh water every day. Woody stalks will absorb moisture much moro readily if slit with a sharp knife at tho ends, and the stems of varieties such as hydrangeas and poppies should bo either burned or plunged into boiling water to prevent the sap from escaping. All flowers require plenty of water, and as much of their stems as possible shoui'd be immersed. After picking it is wiso to leave them in a bath of water for a few hours beforo arranging in vases. Thero are many different substances which, when dissolved in tho water, arc said to prolong tho life of cut blooms. A handful of sugar in tho bowl somoi times helps, and a piece of ice in tho

water on a hot day is refreshing to some varieties. Lack of pure air will cause premature wilting, and flowers in an overheated room should bo removed during the night to a trough of cold water, and stood in a well-ventilated spot.