How to Make a Natural Floral Arrangement

Natural Centerpiece

• 1

  Create a medium-sized arrangement suitable for a dining table centerpiece. The Floral Art School of Australia describes a natural floral design as "flowers and foliage are positioned in this arrangement to give a natural flowing look." Decide on colors to complement the room.

• 2

  Select flowers of varying sizes to creating the impression of a fresh country bouquet. Pick some greens, such as vines, leaves or ferns to fill in between flowers.

• 3

  Prepare the flowers. Rose G. Edinger of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden explains: "Flower and foliage stems that have been left out of water, even for a short period of time, seal up and inhibit the absorption of water." Cut the stems at an angle right away. Cutting the stems underwater provides maximum protection. Leave a few stems long to give the arrangement height in the center and cut the rest at varying lengths.

• 4

  Use a container that complements the flowers. Clean it well to protect the cut flowers from bacteria. Put the floral frog or pre-soaked foam in the bottom of the container.

• 5

  Design the floral display. Kent Kobayashi of the University of Hawaii at Maui recommends, "Have a shape of the arrangement in mind such as a pyramid or a ball shape. Shorten the stems to fit the general shape. Make sure the flower faces outward, and it is at the right angle for your shape." Stick to soft shapes for the natural look.

• 6

  Create the centerpiece. If using a frog, insert stems diagonally so they cross and support each other. If using floral foam, insert stems with a slow, steady pressure. Balance larger blooms with smaller ones. Start with large blooms at the bottom and toward the center; allow some to fall below the container's lip. Fill in with small flowers and greenery. Check the visual effect from all sides.