Making your own bouquets and arrangements is one of the end results – and great joys – of growing flowers and plants. While it can be intimidating, the truth is it doesn’t take a ton of training (or secret super floral powers) to start creating beautiful arrangements.
So skip those expensive store-bought options and DIY your next bouquet. We’ve got a few tips to get you going.
Explore your yard and gather a diverse selection of flowers, including different colors, shapes, and sizes. Consider using a mix of focal flowers (larger, showier blooms), filler flowers (smaller flowers to add volume), and foliage for texture and greenery.
Once you’ve decided on your winners, harvest your flowers early in the morning or late in the day. This is when they are most well hydrated.
Use sharp, clean pruners or scissors to cut the stems at an angle, removing any foliage that would be submerged in the water. We love our Gardening Pruners for this step – easy gripping and consistently clean cuts are where it’s at.
Immediately place the stems in a bucket of water to keep them hydrated.
Select a container that complements the style and size of your bouquet. Your container should be wide and stable enough to hold the blooms. Our Botanical Keepers are designed to work with any standard glasses and vases. Clean the container thoroughly and fill it with fresh water.
You’re ready to start arranging! Start with the focal flowers. Insert stems into the holes of the Botanical Keeper (or spikes if you’re using a flower frog). Vary heights and angles and adjust until it looks pleasing to you.
Next, add the filler flowers and foliage, filling in the gaps to create a balanced composition. You can always trim the stems as needed to create variations in height. Place taller flowers towards the back and shorter ones towards the front. Mix different textures for some complexity and visual interest.
Once you're satisfied with the arrangement, place your bouquet in a cool, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight and drafts.
Every couple days, change the water every couple of days. To prolong the life of your bouquet even more, recut the stems at an angle – time to grab those Garden Shears and Pruners again! – and remove any wilted flowers or foliage.
Voilà. You did it! And we hope you keep experimenting and enjoying flower arranging. We’d love to see your arrangements! Tag @modsprout to share.
Happy Cultivating,
The Modern Sprout Team
