FLOWERS NEED PLANNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22045, 27 February 1935, Page 4

FLOWERS NEED PLANNING

COLOUR AND SETTING There are very few people who fail to appreciate tho beauty of flowers and do not derive some pleasure from flower-decked surroundings. I' loral gifts are a source of joy to every woman, but it is important to give flowers suitable foij 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 tall 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 are most suitable.

The arrangement of flowers in the home is a matter worth a great deal of careful planning. The success of floral decorations 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 large heavy vase. Great effect can often be obtained if attention is paid to the setting of 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 flowers will be accentuated if they stand on a polished surface, and a mirror can be cleverly employed in the same manner.

In arranging a large bowl it is best to start with a few upright blooms in the centre, and work gradually toward the outer edge. In these days of flat life, when gardens are comparatively scarce, flowers are an expensive item, and housewives are anxious to make them last as long as possible. Many people make the mistake of changing the water too often. Flowers that leave the water clean and clear, such as bulbs, poppies and hydrangeas, thrive better if the water is not actually changed, but replenished as it is absorbed. Stocks, phlox, etc., which leave the water thick and murky, should have entirely fresh water every day. Woody stalks will absorb moisture much more readily if slit with a shjirp knife at the ends, and the stems of varieties such as hydrangeas and poppies should he either burned or plunged into boiling water to prevent ,tho sap from escaping. All flowers require plenty of water, and as much of their stems as possible should he immersed. After, picking it is wise to ledve them in a hath of water for a few hours before arranging in vases.

There are many different substances which, when dissolved in the water, are said to prolong the life of cut blooms. A handful of sugar in the bowl sometimes helps, and a piece of ice in the water on 4 a hot day is refreshing to some varieties.

Lack of pure air will cause premature wilting, and flowers in an overheated room should be removed during the night to a trough of cold water, and stood in a well-ventilated spot.