Tips


  1. Always use clean vases and containers.
  2. Stems should be cut at a sharp angle and all leaves removed which will be under water in the vase. Submerged leaves will rot and create bacteria, shortening the life of your flowers.
  3. Always add cut flower food, to the vase water - it really does make a difference. Change the vase water (and flower food) every three to four days.
  4. When using open flowers such as Roses, Daffodils, Gerbera, etc., try to turn some of them at different angles to show a different shape. Never arrange all your flowers facing forwards - this is very boring!!
  5. Always allow some space between the flowers to prevent a crowded effect. Constance Spry always said one should leave room for the butterflies!
  6. Make sure that your colours are evenly balanced - this means not having more strong colours over one side of the arrangement than the other.

Trends


  1. Vintage inspirations are plentiful in the interior and fashion industries and Davenports to see this influence in floral designs – using bird cages, coloured cut glass and china cups as containers for simple arrangements of soft pink roses and scented foliages.
  2. Green is the new black!  Foliage is back, using lots of foliages of different shades and textures will create very impressive and abundant displays.
  3. Ethical choices are in the forefront of everyone’s mind and Davenports to use fairtrade or British flowers where possible to support communities and growers.
  4. Expect the unexpected in 2009, the bizarre and eccentric will be alive in flowers with bohemian and free spirited designs.  Oranges, purples, cerises and limes all clashing to create a folklore sensation.