Arrangements with a Meaning

Many beginners who enjoy arranging flowers in their own homes or churches are puzzled and disconcerted when they are asked to make an arrangement fit a title. 'Interpretative arranging' it is usually called, and to many beginners it seems as difficult to do as it is to say, with that awkward 'ta' in the middle.

Nowadays most exhibits in competitive shows are interpretive, because the class has a title. This may be quite simple, like 'Merry Christmas' or 'Summer Bounty', or more complicated such as 'Whirlwind' or 'Regency Opulence'.

Reach for the dictionary

Even if you feel quite certain you know what a title means, look up each word in a dictionary or Roget's Thesaurus. There may be a meaning unknown to you, and in any case the dictionary explanations may spark off quite a few ideas. Beginners often ask 'will it be alright to do this or that' for a certain title? The answer is there is no right way to interpret any subject. Each arranger will see it differently and this is what makes interpretative work so interesting. What matters is how well the arranger's idea is put over to the viewer, whether this a judge, another flower arranger or any member of the public.

Plant material matters most

It is very tempting to think first about what container or accessory you could use. 'I have that little figurine, brass candlestick, piece of black lace, ivory fan, theatre programme'-the thoughts go. Although every item in an interpretative design can, and should, play its part towards the total effect, it is the plant material that is most important. All the rest should play a supporting role. Flowers, leaves, fruit or driftwood may be chosen for their colour or shape, line or texture, or perhaps because of their long-standing associations and symbolism; for example, roses for England, lilies for purity, thorns for pain and suffering or oak leaves and laurels for heroes.

Colour

Colour is important and makes an immediate impact. A mood is established at once. Try to use colours that will best serve your interpretation, not just because you like them. Yellow and red are cheerful; grey and mauve are not. White symbolises purity and innocence; black is sophisticated, or a symbol of evil and death. Green is cool; gold suggests wealth and quality. Colour combinations also bring an immediate reaction. Strident, clashing reds create a very different effect from delicate pinks, creams and apricot. Tints generally suggest lightness and femininity and darker shades suggest solidity and strength.

Shapes and forms

The whole shape of the arrangement is important. It is hard to imagine anyone attempting to interpret 'Whirlwind' with a formal, rather static triangle, when the use of a line design would obviously be more suitable, yet there are many examples at every show where the exhibitor has given little thought to how much the overall shape can contribute to expressing the title. Within the

arrangement the shape of the plant materials used also plays a part. Large bulky flowers such as peonies suggest opulence, whereas gypsophila or Queen Anne's Lace are obviously delicate and airy. If your title suggests jubilation and pealing bells, then think of bell-shaped flowers.

Lines and spaces

If a title calls for movement, such as 'Whirlwind', 'Ballet' or 'Fiesta', plant material with curving lines can give the effect you need. The spaces that the lines create are also important in giving a feeling of lightness.

Verticallines however suggest strength, force and aspiration. Blade-shaped leaves, straight stems and tall pieces of driftwood give this effect.

The step towards interpretative arranging is not as great as beginners sometimes think. If you have arranged pink or blue flowers for a christening party or yellow for a golden wedding present, then you have already made a start. Even the simplest landscape design immediately says to anyone looking at it 'spring' or 'winter', 'seashore' or 'woodland', according to the plant material used. Be selective

Try to be selective. It is just not possible to include all the ideas you have had about the title, or all the accessories you have considered. Leave the viewer the excitement of the first impact of the arrangement and then of piecing together the clues you have woven into your story in plant material.

Horticultural societies are not just shows and projects, they are also people. They draw people together who are interested in growing better vegetables, in improving their lawns and beautifying their homes, as well as their city.

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

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