Spring Flowers 101 – Arranging…Feng Shui…and the Best Vases, Urns & Containers.

March 7, 2015

According to Feng Shui, a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing with the environment, flowers bring healing energy, good luck and blessings. I don’t dispute this one bit. Flowers always brighten the mood and pretty up the place—that’s healing.

FLOWER FENG SHUI 101

Love
Are you looking for love? Peonies are the answer—specifically red ones. Red is the color of excitement and passion. Feng Shui masters believe this flower promotes romance and attraction. Pink being the color of love, pink peonies are for couples wanting to keep their love strong and lasting. I’m thinking pink peonies in a red container in the boudoir.

Career
Is your career killing you? Do you dream of finding the perfect job? Orchids are the answer. They promote opportunity and success. Orchids are best displayed in the living room, where they can bestow luck and harmony on the entire family. Put a beautiful orchid in a brown (wood, clay, basket) container. Brown is grounding and nourishing.

Wealth
Do you dream of wealth and abundance? Chrysanthemums encourage prosperity. Feng Shui experts believe these bushy flowers represent strong harvests and a long and successful life. The color associated with money is yellow or gold. A large bouquet of chrysanthemums in a gold container is good energy for the home office.

Enlightenment
Are you looking for answers? The most powerful flower is the lotus. Crystal or clear vases magnify the intention set by what the vase holds. A lotus flower in a glass bowl sets your intention of enlightenment.

Having a few great containers on hand is essential. The vessel is every bit as important as the pizzazz. Armed with Feng Shui knowledge, we sought inspiration from Veranda…..

FLORAL ARRANGING 101

MAKE A PLAN: No matter what comes first, the flowers or the container, there should be a simpatico of size, style and texture. Before purchasing one OR both have a plan in mind. Do you want a large colorful display, an understated tussy-mussy or something in between?

CREATE THE SHAPE: Whether tall or small, start with the greenery to build a foundation. Place the flowers at different heights by cutting the stems and using a floral frog pin for a more organic placement. For a more traditional feel, try a rounded tight bouquet by cutting the stems similar lengths and crisscrossing them together in a small vase.

COLOR AND TEXTURE: A mixed bouquet usually contains one main color with two accent colors. Mix textures too by using puffy peony’s, small smooth sweet peas and wispy star shaped clematis. Put these soft flowers in a rustic metal container to further “mix it up”. For a more dramatic feel use one flower color in a bouquet like tight bunch white roses in a round crystal vase