园艺专业英语Flower arranging basics.docVIP

Flower Arranging Basics Flower arrangements include many types such as bouquets, corsages, vase arrangements and basket arrangements; they can be used as decoration for all kinds of social occasions as well as everyday occasions. Beginners should be knowledgeable in all kinds of containers, tools and materials, the classification of flowers materials, the familiar geometric forms and the principles of design. Containers, tools and other materials Containers Containers must be capable of holding water for most floral design uses; containers that do not hold water can be used with permanent materials. Customarily containers are made of glass, glazed pottery, metal porcelain or plastic. Metal is unsuitable for directly holding flowers because floral preservatives react with most metals. Containers come in many shapes and sizes. The most commonly used types include vases, bowls, baskets, dishes, bowls and many more creative containers. Cutting tools Floral knife: This is used for cleanly cutting flower stems. The blade should be rigid and unbending. Florist shears: These are used for cutting light wire, cord, paper and ribbon. Pruning shears: These are used to cut heavy, hard woody plant materials that are difficult to cut with knives. Materials for anchoring Pin holders: These are made up of staggered, closely spaced pins anchored to a heavy base, usually lead. They are usually attached to the container with floral clay, with stems being pressed on to the pins. Foams: These are kinds of sponge like material. There are two categories: moisture holding foams and non-moisture holding foams. Moisture holding foams are used for a variety of fresh floral arrangement, while non-moisture holding foams are used for arrangement with dry flowers or artificial materials. They are manufactured in various shapes, such as cones, balls, wreaths, hearts, etc. Styrofoam: This closed-cell plastic foam material does not absorb water. It functions as an anchor for stems of dry flowers or