Floral Designs

Colonial Designs

Colonial refers to the time period between 1607 and 1700. The early colonist followed English floral trends and used products they brought with them when they came to America.
These early arrangements relied on what was available. Such as herbs, wildflowers, native shrubs and trees, fruits, gourds, pods and grasses. The arrangements were casual and open in a rounded mass without structure.
Colonist used common household containers such as ceramic pots, wooden bowls, baskets, glass bottles and metal containers.
Flowers available at this time were roses, daisies, lilacs, marigolds, sunflowers, baby’s breath. They also had bulb flowers such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and lilies.
As Williamsburg was established floral styles from other countries influenced colonial designs. These floral arrangements became more symmetrical and sophisticated. Fan and triangular arrangements became popular and would be 1 to 3 times the height of the container.
As more imports were coming into the colonies more styles of containers became available. During this time colonist used Chinese porcelain bowls, vases, and urns. Also available were delftware, wall pockets, five fingered vases, stoneware, and pewter or other metal chalices, mugs and bowls.
As the formal gardens were established the variety of flowers increased. Colonist used such flowers as Asters, Bee Balm, Bachelor’s Buttons, Black-eyed Susan’s, Celosia, Chrysanthemums, Foxglove, Goldenrod, Feverfew, Magnolia, Pansy, Peonies, Queen Ann’s lace. Roses, Rosemary, Sweet Williams, Viola, yarrow and many others.

Floor Designs

A Large Design staged on the floor. The schedule must state the allocated space, i.e. 3’ wide by 2’ deep, with a 4 foot height minimum. It is NOT a design staged on a pedestal or base even if the pedestal or base is incorporated into the design.

Tubular Arrangements

A Creative Design having dominant cylindrical forms throughout, composed of any material. Plant material and other optional components complete the design. See Handbook for Flower Shows page 77.

Low-Profile Arrangements

A low-profile arrangement is a three-dimensional design incorporating three (3) or more design techniques. (See Handbook for Flower Shows pages 79 & 80, for design techniques.) The completed arrangement must be four (4) times long and/or wide as it is high. Design to be viewed and judged from above.

Circular Arrangements

Circular Arrangements consists of flowers arranged in a round shape. The circular form is pleasing to the eye. This type of arrangement can be used on conference tables or on buffet tables.

Triangular Arrangements

Triangular Arrangements consists of flowers that form an equilateral or isosceles triangle. As the arrangement is intended for viewing from a single side, a center of interest (focus) is developed. This arrangement is beautiful and dignified and always in good taste for display.

Crescent Arrangements

Crescent Arrangements are informal pattern of arrangements in a curvaceous form more like a moon-shape.

Hogarth of “S” Shape Arrangements

Hogarth of “S” Shape Arrangements feature the beauty of graceful curved lines, that signify liveliness and activity and excite the attention of the viewer.

Vertical Line Arrangements

Vertical Line Arrangements are taller than they are wide; often used where display space is limited. They are created so that the flower portion is approximately 1-1/2 times the height of the container.

Horizontal Line Arrangements

Horizontal Line Arrangements are low arrangements where the length is usually 1½ times the length of the container. Since the arrangement is low it is suitable for center table decorations.

Fan Arrangement

Fan Arrangement This is a fairly large, one-sided arrangement suitable for a hall table, mantle, or buffet table. As its name implies, it is shaped like an open fan.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. In Ikebana the flowers and branches are arranged so that they appear in a beautiful, simple, and natural way. Ikebana is not only about two branches and three flowers in a ball. The interaction between the vase and the branches and the flowers are together creating the final harmony.

Underwater Arrangements

Underwater Arrangements are those where all or part of the design is underwater and exhibited in a transparent container. The purpose of these designs is to display the design in a pleasing and artistic manner.

Leaf Manipulation

Leaf Manipulations is an easy way to create interesting forms and textures which will enhance your floral designs.

Creative Designs Using Leaf Manipulation

Parallel Designs

Parallel Designs consists of three (3) or more groupings of plant material and optional components with a strong parallel placement in a single container and/or base. The three groupings of plant are not the same height. Multiple containers/bases may be used if combined to appear as one unit. Parallel direction may be vertical, horizontal or diagonal within the allotted space. The overall effect must appear parallel. Groupings need not be equidistant form each other. (Handbook for Flower Shows, page 75)