FLORIDA FEDERATION OF GARDEN CLUBS

DECORATIVE PARALLEL DESIGN

 Making a Summer Design!



Summer is a season full of celebration. Here is a project to create a simple DECORATIVE PARALLEL DESIGN. 

A "parallel" design has a natural, garden-style look; the plant material seems almost to be growing, as if in a garden bed.

Three upright groupings have been placed, repeating a vertical pattern with
space between each grouping. At the base of the design, foliage and flowers seem to be growing from the earth.

The grouping, which can be any number desired, can be of the same plant material, or can contain various components. Vegetative in feeling, this design is enjoyable for the beginning designer, or the more advanced arranger!

A parallel design has a structured, contemporary look and will make a lovely centerpiece for any summer occasion or celebration.

Supplies needed:

  • Low, rectangular bowl(could be oval or round, if desired)
  • Soaked floral foam, two-thirds of a block
  • Greenery - ivy, leatherleaf fern, plumosa fern, pittosporum
  • Snapdragons
  • Liatris
  • Mini-carnations
  • Spray roses
  • Daisy mums
A few stems of each will be enough to create the design.
Tips: Cut stems on a slant for better retention.
        Keep floral foam moist to prolong the life of the design
        Mist plant material occasionally.
        Prior to insertion, remove all leaves that will be below the "water-line" and into the foam.
        Floral foam is a green spongy block that absorbs water. It is used to hold plant materials in place.
        It can be cut easily with a knife. Do not  reuse the floral foam.

Easy Steps

  1. Begin by placing the floral foam into the container.
  2. Place the three vertical groupings by inserting stems into each grouping at a height that emphasizes the vertical "look" of the design.Keep the materials close in proximity so that a structural definition is achieved.
  3. Position the greenery along the base of the design, creating a "fluffy" and natural look. Stems will be cut short so that the greenery is low in the design.
  4. Cut the flower stems short and position randomly, yet in a balanced way, across the base of greenery that has been created.
That's it! A simple and lovely summer centerpiece:
a DECORATIVE PARALLEL DESIGN that celebrates the beauty of a summer garden.

HAVE FUN, AND  MAKE FRIENDS WITH FLOWERS!

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