Simple Flower Arranging: Using Wet Flower Foam

I never used to be a flower guy, but over the last three years I have developed a love for flower arranging.  I treat my flower arranging much like everything in my house, simple and modern.  But getting that structurally clean look is not easy and can be a major headache.  The secret to getting them to look the way I want is flower foam.  Here’s how I use my foam:

Tools:

1. Wet Flower Foam
2. A large container or sink to soak foam
3. A large knife to cut foam
4. Flowers of your liking

NOTE: If you buy foam be sure you are buying the kind intended for “live” flower arranging. Styrofoam blocks are for dried and fake flowers. You will have a terrible mess of dead flowers otherwise!

Wet flower foam is sold in blocks

Using Flower Foam:

• Fill a large container or your sink with water and place your foam in the water.
• Allow foam to free float in a flat position.  There should be enough water to fill the brick and allow it to float free when fully saturated.  Don’t force the saturation or air pockets will form in the foam.  (NOTE:  Sometimes when I am in a rush, I’ll place something heavy on top of the foam in the bucket to speed up the process.)
• When foam is completely saturated with water (it sinks) you are now ready to start arranging.
• Cut your foam to fit your vase. The foam should be large enough to be wedged into place and extend 1″ above the rim of the vase. This allows for top and side placement of stems. You may have to wedge the foam into your vase in several pieces.
• Cut a wedge in the foam near the top of vase opening so you can add water daily.  Tuck the cut-out section in the side or back of the container as filler.
• Now you are ready to build your masterpiece.

Here are three of my favorite arrangements that look amazing and are super easy.

Soft and Pretty: Mix blush colored peonies with stems of white orchids

Loose and Sloppy: Loose Tulips make for an easy arrangement without flower foam.

White and Plush: White hydrangea and mums are held tight by flower foam hidden by large tropical leaves.

A few more flower arranging tips:

• Flower foam can often leave looses foam particles floating the water. Work with the foam carefully to avoid this. Changing water is sometimes necessary.
• For table centerpieces ALWAYS use low vases.
• Don’t try to make your arrangements perfect. Sometimes the imperfections are the best part.
• Often when you buy flowers at flower marts they will wrap the flowers in newspaper. Be sure the ink does not touch the petals if possible. The ink will rub off and ruin the flowers.
• Avoid strongly scented flowers or flowers with lots of pollen on dinner tables.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!