Notice the neat and attractive final form.
MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES
A desirable environment for a flower is low temperature (2–6º C/36–43º F, except for tropical flowers) and high humidity (80–90%). In such an environment, flowers maintain slower respiration, lower perspiration and less energy consumption. These conditions prolong the life of flowers. Although it is not always possible to provide such an ideal environment at home, you should try to put the flowers in an optimal environment to allow them to rest, at least at night or while you are away from home.
To keep cut flowers healthy, it is important to balance the water evaporating from the leaves and that being absorbed by the stems. High temperatures, dry air and direct sunlight all upset the balance. Keep flowers away from places where water tends to evaporate, such as a windowsill that receives direct sunlight and wind, or near the air current of an air conditioner. In addition, keep flowers away from ripe fruit and cigarette smoke because ethylene generated from these things make flowers wither quickly. Paying attention to the environment around the placement affects the condition of the floral arrangement and makes all the difference to its lifespan.
In order to enjoy an arrangement for as long as possible, and thereby witness the evolution of the flowers‘ life whose intrinsic beauty changes with each day, you need to take care of the arrangement every single day. Organic matter, which is constantly secreted from the cut ends of the stems, is transferred to the water in the container and causes bacteria to propagate. Such bacteria clogs up the ducts and hastens the demise of the flowers.
To protect cut flowers from bacteria, two treatments are essential—water change and stem trimming, both on a daily basis. Through these treatments, fresh water and nutrients are transferred to all parts of the flowers and their life is extended amazingly.
Glass tableware
WASHING THE STEMS When the surface of a flower stem is slimy, it is because the stem has started to decay and is growing bacteria. Decay causes the stem’s duct to clog. Wash the stems thoroughly each time the water is changed in an arrangement to get rid of the bacteria.
TRIMMING THE STEMS Apply the mizukiri technique (pages 8–9) for this treatment. Cut the end of the stem by 1–2 cm (³⁄8 – ¾ in) under clean water. By cutting the part of the duct filled with bacteria and scum to create a fresh cut end, the stem’s water absorption capability will rejuvenate.
Naturally, trimmed stems become shorter and shorter. The shorter the stem gets, the easier it absorbs water. You can enjoy flowers for a long time by removing finished flowers and redoing the arrangement, although you must regard it as almost a new arrangement. Because of the constant trimming, the total balance of the arrangement will gradually change and become different from the original.
WASHING THE CONTAINER A container that is not clean will make the water cloudy. Some invisible grime, such as scum from a prior arrangement, is often attached to the surface of a container that has not been used for a while. Such a container, if used as it is, may promote the growth of bacteria.
Wash the container with detergent and soak it well in clean water before using it for an arrangement. Also, at the time of arranging, add some drops of bleach to the water to prevent bacteria from growing. Wash the inside bottom of a container with extra care, since residue tends to remain in this area. After washing the container, let it drip dry naturally rather than use a towel that may add dust to the clean container.
finding the right containers
It is important that your choice of container suits the kind of floral arrangement you want to create. Think about the texture, volume and size of the arrangement, depending on the season you are in, as well as its placement, and the situation and occasion, whether festive or everyday.
Some containers automatically go well with a particular season. Here are a few examples.
In the warm spring sunlight, pastel colors or bright colored containers bring cheer to interiors.
In the summer, glass vases, baskets and metallic or shiny-surfaced containers look cool and soothing.
Ceramics or pottery and thick woven baskets provide an arrangement with a warm earthy feeling in the autumn.
Formal porcelain china may be used for some holiday celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year in winter.
Above are only some examples of moods that can be set by the choice of containers. Of course, glass containers can be used in all seasons, depending on the content or atmosphere of the arrangement. Hand-made ceramic containers, both classic and modern designs, can be used all year. Although some traditional ikebana schools have a set rule that a basket can only be used for a summer arrangement, such a convention need not apply in creating modern ikebana.
In making an arrangement, it is essential to pay attention to the color, the shape and the structure of the flowers and branches you are using. At the same time, it is also fun to consider the size, color, shape, style and texture of the containers for coordination with selected floral material. See “Harmony of Elements” on page 27.
When selecting combinations, the pairing of decorative containers and simple flowers should generally be harmonious. Sometimes, however, a clashing of the characteristics of the containers and flowers may generate unexpectedly exciting results.
Although flowers and a container may be perfectly matched and well coordinated in an arrangement, this does not automatically spell success. The relationship with the entire space or, more precisely, the reason for the existence of an arrangement in a particular place, should also be considered.
In order to express the thought you put into an arrangement more effectively, you should consider the place where the arrangement will be positioned and how it will be observed. The best position may not necessarily be the center of the table but, instead, at the end or edge of the table. In some cases, the best position does not have to be on the table at all but, rather, on the floor, or even hung on the wall. Depending on the circumstances, it might be best to view the arrangement from a high or low angle, or slightly from the side. Thus, it is very important to decide the height of an arrangement in relation to the viewers. Harmony between the arrangement and the space itself is the key. Once the coordination of the arrangement to the space is established, it may be necessary to make more adjustments to ensure the arrangement will be seen from the best angle. An interesting technique to change the angle of an arrangement on a flat surface is to place a small stone or wood chip under the edge of the container to intentionally tilt it. Such subtle tilting of the container can create movement or fortify the direction and add accent.
Various containers
Ceramic containers
As mentioned above, containers hung on the wall are interesting devices. Besides standard hanging containers, some types of vessels, such as bottles, tubes and pipes, or even ordinary vases can be hooked onto a wall. Containers affixed to the wall allow for unusual height and angle and have a dynamic and dramatic effect.
Vases for a single flower are useful for making quick and easy arrangements to decorate your room. When you pick a small flower in your yard or in a field, you can bring a sense of