Perpetual Potion

Last week Flower Design participated in the Event Planners’ Showcase, hosted by the Blaisdell Manor.  The theme was predominantly, but not exclusively, wedding receptions. We especially enjoyed seeing the work of Christine Anderson, owner of Christine’s Floral Touch. She, of course, uses fresh flowers, and does lovely work. Some of our work there has already been displayed on our face book page. (We also enjoyed the first-rate food from the Manor’s kitchen.)

We showed this vase in a previous
posting. Now containing an
arrangement of green calla
lilies, heliconia and vanda
orchids, it adds elegance
wherever it is placed,

Here is the vase we used in the Art in Bloom
show, now sporting an arrangement of
calla lilies and red ginger. It is flanked by
sophisticated compositions of stock
and ranunculus.

This montage is perfect for the bay
window of the Manor's Georgian
interior.

                

In addition to permanent botanicals, we exhibited a product that has not really caught on, yet, in the United States, but is very popular in other parts of the world.  Fully two-thirds of the “Likes” that we get on our business page come from abroad, and most of those are from Asia. We see styles and trends indigenous to other cultures. Beth is especially interested in the Japanese custom of using preserved flowers. These were once living blossoms that have been chemically treated to preserve their original look and feel.

This small composition of hydrangea
and roses in a martini glass is the
ideal accent for a small bar table.

This formal table setting is adorned
with a centerpiece composed of
preserved and dried elements.
It could be adapted for any
holiday or special occasion.

Another accent in a martini glass:
white rose petals around the rim
with a red rose and red dyed
hydrangea in the center.

Here orchids, roses and a pink calla lily
are nestled among some greens--all
preserved. Shown here in a hand made Ikebana
vase, this is a traditional Japanese
composition.

[All you non-chemists should skip this paragraph. Preserved flowers have had their  water extracted, leaving a carbohydrate substrate with active hydrogen atoms. The substrate is then infiltrated with reactive polymer acetals which link to the hydrogen atoms of the substrate to form three-dimensional polymeric networks. Whew.]

Another typical preserved Japanese arrangement:
colored roses and hydrangea with gypsophilia and ferns in a hand thrown pot.

Certain flowers respond to this treatment better than others. The most commonly preserved blossoms are roses, calla lilies, some orchids, gardenias and carnations. Flowers subjected to this procedure almost always have their stems removed. I imagine this is because the stems have thicker tissue and will not dry out as thoroughly as the blossom. To assemble these blooms into an arrangement then requires the stem to be replaced. This involves a technique of wrapping fine florists’ wire securely around the base of the blossom and then wrapping the wire with green florists’ tape to simulate a stem. This simulation does not look very authentic, so arrangements and bouquets are contrived to conceal the stems. When this is done skillfully, the result is a realistic looking floral composition. Because the blossoms are delicate and the wire is so fine, producing a quality product requires much, much practice.

The advantage these flowers offer is their longevity. Preserved flowers retain their look and feel for years. Some vendors claim the fresh appearance lasts forever. The technology is too new to support that claim, but experience shows that there are no signs of deterioration after three years. This is the ideal solution for the bride who wants to know how to preserve her wedding bouquet as a long-term keepsake. It is preserved before the wedding and, with proper care, will last for years.

A bridal bouquet with pink and white roses and
some greens added for contrast. With minimal
care, this bouquet will appear unchanged for years, both
visually and texturally.

Interestingly, this is a technique the Japanese continue trying to refine. There is a new patent for preserving flowers that uses esters (certain kinds of fat) in the preservation process. The patent claims to do a better job of retaining the original colors of the flowers. We are looking for sources that use this method, but the technology is very new and we haven’t been successful in locating a vendor selling specimens processed this way.

I did not originally plan to provide floral arrangements for weddings. That is a big job and floral design was to be a hobby that allowed me to express my creative side without becoming a full-time proposition. However, I will want to develop and maintain the skill of working with this interesting product and, so, may occasionally try my hand at composing a bridal bouquet. When expertly made, they are as beautiful as any fresh bouquet. I recently read a bride’s testimonial about her florist in which the bride complimented the freshness of the flowers in her bouquet by saying they still looked good five days after the wedding. I believe brides who carry preserved bouquets will sing these praises five years after the wedding.

In addition to wedding accessories, The Japanese use preserved flowers in small, decorative arrangements. These can be used as accent pieces in the home and are frequently given as gifts. The aesthetic conventions of these compositions are uniquely Asian, but I really like them. You will see the Japanese influence on arrangements on our web site from time to time, much like the little red purse on this page.

Hydrangea and red roses with baubles
in the form of a small purse constitute
a typical Japanese decorative
accoutrement.

Flowers on the Bay

The American Institute of Floral Design sponsored a symposium in San Francisco earlier this month. Bob and I flew out there to see what some of the most creative minds in the field of floral design were doing and to see what new trends were emerging. While I don’t usually work with live flowers, the artistry we saw there is certainly transferable to my work with permanent botanicals.

A lovely view of San Francisco

This monumental arrangement of Anthurium
like the roses, at left, suggest the
impressive display of fireworks we saw
the night before.

This cascade of roses is  similar in
approach to the Anthurium at right.
they both need a hotel lobby
to accomodate their scale.

Of course, when these professionals get together, they are going to be operating at the peak of their game. We saw amazing displays of talent. Many were so large they would only be appropriate for huge events.  Even with these experienced pros, blossoms were continually being replaced to maintain a fresh appearance. They were showy and festive, but not practical as design elements for the long term. It is the goal of Flower Design to provide the color and compositional beauty of floral arrangements that are cost effective due to their permanence.

Here green Anthurium and kale are supported
on a curled branch. 

Tropical greens, orchids and bamboo
create an Asian ambience that would
dominate just about any space it
occupied.

     

An extremely elegant arrangement
for a formal setting.

A simple non-floral arrangement
of kale and greens surprising in its impact.

Not all arrangements were over the top, size-wise. There were many table-top compositions that were exceedingly clever. Some were quite simple but still expressed a grace and charm that were compatible with the most elegant environment. Others were regal in bearing despite their diminutive size. Flowers are a naturally beautiful element that enhances our environment regardless of the scale; a skillful florist can elevate their natural beauty.

A clever idea based on Calla lilies,
orchids, horsetail, with other decorative
elements that unite the
composition.

The Czech composer, Dvorak, resided in the United States for a brief time in the late 19^th century. One natural wonder he wanted to experience was Niagara Falls. While there, he and his wife got into a discussion on the nature of beauty, specifically—which is more beautiful: the splendor of the Falls or Beethoven’s rendering of nature in his 6^th symphony. They agreed that Beethoven’s work surpassed the natural beauty because nature is unthinking while great art expresses beauty and consciousness. I’m not suggesting that a floral arrangement is on the same par with Beethoven’s music, but they do both exhibit a human contribution that complements nature.

After attending this symposium, I believe I would be available to create live arrangements on a limited basis.