Selection and preparation of plant material

Selection of Plant Material

Understand the client’s preferences. Incorporate their favourite flowers and colours into the design when possible.
Pay attention to the occasion: certain flowers are more appropriate for weddings, others for funerals, birthdays, or other special events.
Always consider the time of year. Some flowers are only available in certain seasons, so make sure your selections are in keeping with the current season.
Evaluate the shape and size of the plant material. The design should be proportionately balanced, and the materials should fit the desired hand-tied design.

Preparation of Plant Material

The first step is to clean your materials. Remove any damaged or wilting leaves and flowers, as well as any dirt or insects.
Be sure to hydrate the flowers properly. Before arranging, soak them in a bath of water to ensure they don’t wilt quickly.
For certain designs, you may need to condition the stems. This could involve stripping the lower leaves or thorns, hardening off, or sealing the cut ends.
During assembly, keep materials cool and moist. This can help extend the freshness of your arrangement.
Once the design is complete, apply any finishing touches such as ribbons or other accessories. Your final design should be well-balanced, attractive, and catered to the client’s preferences and the event they are intended for.