How to choose the perfect vase for your flowers
Ideally you'll get the proportions of stems versus vessel right and generally a vase should be either a third or half the height of your overall flower arrangement. Delve further into the rules of flower arranging, it's worth having a variety of styles of vases and jugs as the choice can make a big difference to the result of an arrangement.
Before you start arranging your flowers, have in mind where you're going to place your flower display and then choose a vase to match the space.
Essential vase shapes
Every flower arrangement should suit the occasion and its surroundings, from the colour scheme, to the style, shape and size of your bouquet. John Lewis and IKEA have a large selection of styles at varying price points, from budget to designer, so make a good starting point if you're shopping around. If you've got the space, try and store your vases in one place, on a shelf and visible. It's surprising how quickly you forget what you already own.
Hourglass vase
We love this shaped vase for tulips where you can let the flowers do their own thing. Roses and hydrangeas look great arranged in these vases, where the style is looser.
Fishbowl vase
This type of round bowl works well for hand-tied bouquets that are tightly put together. Make sure you cut the stems to suit the height of the vase. Once you've placed the bouquet into the vase, ease out the arrangement to create a domed effect.
Column vase
Go for height with long-stemmed flowers, such as lilies, gladioli and sunflowers, where the stems will get extra support.
Cube vase
This type of vase works well for compact designs and short stemmed flowers. You could opt to use just one type of flower and then fill several identical vases to run along a line.
Bud vases
Most of us have a few bud vases as they make good table arrangements, whether its a few small blooms or individual stems. Jam jars work well too or little glass jugs. A bud vase is perfect for a bedside table too.
Find inspiration on Instagram
Instagram is full of inspiring feeds when it comes to flower arranging and it's worth following your favourites to see their latest posts. Willow Crossley and her relaxed style is an endless source of creativity that is easy to copy at home.
How to make flowers last longer in a vase
You've mastered your arrangement and now you want to make sure you optimise the life of your flowers so that they'll last as long as possible. Here are a few things to remember:-
- Make sure you use a squeaky clean vase.
- Adding flower food to the water can prolong the life of your blooms.
- Be sure to trim any leaves on the stems before putting in the vase.
- Trim the stems.
- Change the water regularly so that it's clear and doesn't get smelly.
- Ideally you'll keep your flowers somewhere cool but this isn't always possible.
- As flowers wilt, prune deadheads.
