So many readers have expressed interest in creating floral arrangements using flowers and foliage from their gardens. The items listed below are must-haves for your floral arranging toolbox. Start by purchasing a craft storage box with a handle to make organizing your supplies a breeze. Then, fill it with my favorite floral arranging supplies.
A craft storage box with a handle makes organizing your floral supplies a breeze.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Floral frogs give a sturdy base for securing flowers in an arrangement. Frogs are placed at the bottom of the vase or container, providing a good water supply for flowers and foliage.
Floral frogs come in all shapes and sizes.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
My favorite floral frog is a brass crab that belonged to my mother.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Floral foam keeps flowers in place and can replace flower frogs. Soak the foam well before making the arrangement. The foam can prolong the life of an arrangement better than a vase filled with just water.
- Floral or greening pins are used to secure flowers and greenery in arrangements. They are small U-shaped pins that come in various styles and lengths.
- Floral tape is a non-sticky tape that will stick to itself by pressure when stretched. It can be used to cover wires and to hold floral foam in place.
- Needle nose pliers are a must when bending or cutting floral wire.
- Sheet or Spanish moss is used to hide the foam or create a woodsy feel to an arrangement.
- Scissors or floral knife to make sharp 45-degree angle cuts on flower stems. The stem’s entire surface will be in contact with the water, allowing better absorption. I keep a pair specifically for flower arrangements in my storage box.
A pair of sharp scissors are needed to make a 45-degree angle cut on flower or foliage stems
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Vase collections of different shapes and sizes allow you to create a particular arrangement for a specific space in your home. An arrangement does not have to be huge; a small vase filled with flowers will create a happy moment.
Vases in all shapes and sizes will create an arrangement for a specific space in your home.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
A small vase filled with violas and spurge will create a happy moment on a table.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Water tubes are designed to hold water for individual flower stems. These tubes will help keep cut flowers fresh longer in designs that do not have a water reservoir, such as wreaths, hats, corsages, or presents.
- Wire is used to create bows and to support flower stems. Gauges run from a thinner, more pliable wire to a thicker, stiffer grade.
- Wire wooden picks are used to attach a bow or secure pinecones, seed pods, fruit, or other decorative items to a floral arrangement.
Floral tape, different gauge floral wire, water tubes, wooden wire picks, and floral pins are useful flower-arranging supplies.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Wire, tape, floral tubes, picks, and moss are useful tools for making floral arrangements.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Some hints for making your flower arrangement last longer:
- First, start with a clean vase or container. When I discard a faded arrangement, I always clean my vase with a 1-part bleach 10-part water solution to remove any bacteria, then rinse it with fresh water and thoroughly dry it before storing.
- Remove any leaves that will be below the water line. Foliage that is left underwater will rot and cause a bacterial build-up.
- Whether cutting flowers from your landscape or using flowers you purchased, always recut the stem to allow better water absorption.
- Change the water daily. Fresh water will make your arrangement last longer. Always use room-temperature water. If the water is too hot or too cold, this can damage plant tissue.
- Flower preservatives can be used to help prolong the arrangement’s life. Be sure to follow the directions on the packet for the amount to add, as it depends on the size of the vase or container you are using.
- Don’t place your arrangement in direct sunlight or near heat or air conditioning vents, ceiling fans, or open windows. A room with cooler temperatures versus high heat is best. Caution should be used when using fruit in an arrangement or placing an arrangement near a bowl of fruit, as fruit releases ethylene gas that can affect the life of your arrangement.
Just remember to use your imagination when creating a flower arrangement. Stroll around your garden to see what you can use to brighten your home.
A small china basket arrangement contains salvia, amsonia, Spanish bluebell, and dollar plant flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
A Japanese ikebana vessel displays Tahiti daffodils and Treasure azaleas.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
