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Although flowers don’t last long, the memory they bring lives on. A spontaneous but thoughtful gesture and a fleeting moment of happiness can lead to a lifetime of lasting impressions.
BLOOMS FOR THE RIGHT OCCASION
This is a matter of preference. The following is just a general guide:
• Roses are regarded as the flower of love and romance but are suitable for any occasion. They are often used to convey messages of the heart, which can be expressed by the colour and number of stalks in an arrangement. There are many varieties and colours to choose from, except black. Blue roses also don’t exist naturally but have been successfully cultivated through genetic engineering. Those sold at florists are most likely white roses which have been dyed blue.
• Carnations are suitable for Mother’s Day.
• Chrysanthemums are mostly used for prayers, tributes and condolences. Hybrids such as shasta daisies and coral reef cultivars are suitable for decorative and gift purposes.
• Besides roses, orchids, calla lilies and Oriental or Asiatic lilies such as the pure white casa blanca and pink stargazer lilies are good choices for weddings.
• Gerbera daisies, baby’s breath, statice, asters and sunflowers are popular as graduation bouquets.
• Ginger flowers, bromeliads, heliconias and Bird Of Paradise flowers can add a glamorous, exotic touch to your living space.
• Tulips, irises and daffodils are seasonal.
• Poinsettias, amaryllis, cherry blossoms, hyacinths and narcissus are festive flowers.
CREATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
• Table arrangements to decorate homes and venues for the reception, dinner or party table, and on the foyer or mantelpiece. The choice of flower type and colour will depend on the theme and decor of the celebration.
• Stand arrangements and wreaths at entrances or interiors to display congratulatory or condolence messages.
• Corsages — flower brooches for guests or wrist corsages for your dinner date.
DIY AT HOME
Group flowers of similar type, size and colour. Smaller flowers such as baby’s breath, asters and statice should enhance an arrangement, not overshadow it.
You don’t need to spend a lot buying stalks and stalks of flowers. A single bloom on a single stalk can be just as dramatic when placed in the right container or location. The container is just as important as the flower and both should complement each other.
The correct match with the right combination of colour and texture is important. You can use an antique sugar bowl, crystal vase, water jug, jam jar, milk or wine bottle, tin, bucket or basket. Use your imagination, have a little fun and follow your heart. Also, practice makes perfect.
DIY AT WEDDINGS
You can buy flowers cheaply from wholesalers and learn to make your own arrangements. Here are some tips:
• Bridal bouquet: Cascading style, arm sheaf, biedermeier, hand posy, nosegay.
• For bridesmaid and flower girls: Cone-shaped bouquets, wrist corsages or flower bracelets.
• For guests: Orchid corsages.
• For groom, best man and male guests: Boutonnieres or corsages.
• Traditional Malay wedding: Fresh flower arrangements for hantaran (dowry) trays, fragrant flower petals for bunga rampai (potpourri) and mandi bunga (flower bath).
• Western-style wedding: Rose petals for ceremony tosses.
MAKING CUT FLOWERS LAST LONGER
• As soon as you reach home, unwrap the flowers and remove excess leaves and thorns.
• No leaves should be left underwater.
• Use a sharp knife or scissors to make a diagonal cut on the stems. Place flowers in a container of clean water, away from heat, draught and ripening fruit. Allow to stand for at least an hour before you arrange them.
• Every two to three days, change the water and cut the stems again.
(Source: New Straits Times)
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