Flower Arranging Tips Special Treatment For
Gerberas, Liliums And Violets
Fay Chamoun

We are fortunate that there are so many different varieties of
flowers available today that we can use in our floral designs.

There are tips and specialized treatment you can use for
certain flowers so they will last longer and to show them to
their best advantage in your flower arrangements.

Gerberas

Gerberas are large flat daisy like flowers that include shades
of orange, pink, red, yellow and white.

There is also a mini gerbera which is not so common that is a
much smaller variety.

Gerberas are very versatile and they can be used in many
different styles of arrangements. Because of their large flower
heads and bright colours they are perfect for modern floral
designs.

Give gerberas a long drink before arranging them.

If the stems are soft, snip off the ends of the stems and place
them in a bucket half filled with water.

A piece of chicken wire can be placed across the top of the
container and the flower stems inserted in the holes with the
heads resting flat against the top of the chicken wire. This
will help support the flower heads.

You can also use a piece of cardboard with holes made in it
instead of the chicken wire.
As the stems take up water, they will stiffen.

Leave the gerberas standing in the water for at least 4 hours
before arranging them.

Wiring Gerbera Stems:

After a few days, the heads of gerberas can sometimes go limp.

Wiring the stems before you arrange them will help the flower
heads stand upright in an arrangement.

To do this, insert the end of a long 22 gauge wire x 45cm
(18")vertically up into the base of the flower head for about
2.5cm (1") and wind the wire three or four times spirally down
and around the stem.

Cut off the excess wire level with the end of the stem.

Liliums

Liliums grow on long graceful stems and have open trumpet
shaped flowers and long pointed buds and come in many different
varieties.

They look wonderful used on their own in flower arrangements. A
tall classical container filled with liliums always looks
elegant.

Liliums also look great combined with other flowers in
traditional and modern style arrangements.

White liliums also look spectacular used in flowing cascade
bridal designs.

Tiger lilies in orange with brown spots are ideal for exotic
type arrangements.

Liliums have long stamens with anthers at the tips which are
covered with pollen. If the pollen comes into contact with
anything, including clothing or a tablecloth, it will stain it
with a brownish yellow stain. It is recommended you snip the
tips of the end of the stamens before arranging them.

For this reason, many florists remove the tips as soon as
liliums come into their shop.

If pollen does accidentally come in contact with fabric, brush
the pollen away with a soft brush or tissue and then place in
the sun for a few hours. Another method is to remove the pollen
with clear sticky tape.

Violets

These delightful small purple flowers are sold in a bunch
surrounded with their attractive heart shaped leaves. Violets
mainly drink through their faces. Snip off the ends of the
stems and then immerse the heads under water for a few seconds
and then place them in a small container of water.

Spray the violets each day with water. A few violets look
pretty used in dainty posies and circlets for bridal designs.

These are just a few specialized tips on flowers and their
care. In our Floristry Diploma Course you will learn hundreds
of professional tips and techniques on flower arranging and all
about the floristry industry.

Copyright Fay Chamoun © 2004

About The Author: Written by Fay Chamoun the principal of
Floral art School of Australia and International Floral Design
School. Floral Design Home Study Courses. Learn floral design
and floristry for a career or hobby.
http://www.floral-art-school.com.au



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