CHAPTER 13 — Containers, Mechanics, and Accessories

What should a floral container do?

Hold enough water, provide room for stems, and be heavy enough to support the arrangement

How should a container’s shape relate to an arrangement?

It should flow physically and visually with the design and help determine its form

How should container size be chosen?

Keep it in scale with the flowers, foliage, setting, and weight of the arrangement

How does container style affect a design?

It influences the arrangement’s style and mood and should harmonize with the flowers and decor

Which container colors are neutral in the guide?

Green, tan, gray, and brown; black and white can also be neutral

What do shiny, reflective containers suggest?

A formal, luxurious style

What do baskets and wooden crates suggest?

A casual, rugged, earthy style

What are advantages of glass containers?

They are common, affordable, versatile, elegant, and allow light to pass through

What is a disadvantage of glass containers?

The mechanics inside are visible, limiting the use of mechanical aids

What are advantages of plastic containers?

They are inexpensive, versatile, available in many styles, and hard to break

What is a disadvantage of plastic containers?

They are lightweight, so extra weight may be needed

What are advantages of baskets as containers?

They are inexpensive, charming, easy to recolor, and suit many flower combinations

What are disadvantages of baskets?

They can be unstable, difficult to transport, and need a liner and floral foam to hold water

What are advantages and disadvantages of ceramic containers?

They offer decorative designs for holidays and special events but elaborate styles can be expensive

What should you remember about terracotta pots?

They are cost-effective and garden-like, but their bottom hole means they need a liner

What are advantages and disadvantages of mache containers?

They are inexpensive and biodegradable, often used for funerals, but absorb water and become soggy

What are pros and cons of metal containers?

They look formal and elegant but can be expensive, leak, corrode, or react with floral preservatives

What should you remember about stoneware containers?

They are heavy and need a liner

What should you remember about wooden containers?

They need a liner

What should not be used as a floral-container liner?

Avoid tin foil; try to avoid plastic wrap too

Which color from the color wheel is most versatile for containers?

Green

What does mechanics mean in floral design?

Methods of construction

What is a foundation in floral design?

A support that helps flowers stay at their arranged angles and positions

What is a natural stem grid, or lacing?

Interlocking foliage and flower stems to hold flowers in position; a popular method

What is floral foam?

Porous material with a membrane that retains moisture, usually sold in green bricks

How much water does each floral foam brick hold?

About two quarts

How should floral foam be cut and fitted?

Cut with a knife to mostly fill the container, leaving space around the edges for water

How can floral foam be secured?

Wedge it into the container; waterproof tape can add security

What is a pin holder, needlepoint holder, or frog?

A heavy metal base with closely spaced upright pins that hold stems; expensive and often used for events

What is straight floral wire used for?

Strengthening weak stems, supporting heavy flower heads, and binding materials

What are common uses for straight floral wire?

Corsages, boutonnieres, hairpieces, and bridal bouquets; it is sold in 16-inch pieces

What are wire spools or paddles used for?

Longer lengths for binding large materials and making garlands and wreaths

What are crinkle wires used for?

Flexible, colorful wire mainly used in wearable arrangements

What is chicken wire used for?

Making grids, shaping topiaries and unusual forms, and supporting foam and flowers

How do metal and enameled chicken wire differ?

Metal is cheaper but visible and can rust; green enamel costs more, blends in, and does not rust

What is wire gauge?

A number describing wire diameter; a lower gauge number means thicker wire

What range of floral wire gauges is common?

About #16 to #30

What are advantages of green enameled wire?

It blends with stems and is easy to hide; it does not rust easily

What are adhesives used for in floral design?

Securing individual parts and adding decorative elements

How does floral tape stick?

Its waxy sides stick to each other

What is traditional floral tape used for?

Securing mechanics; it has adhesive on one side

What is Oasis floral adhesive used for?

A liquid glue for attaching flowers to corsages

What is floral putty used for?

Securing mechanics while allowing easier removal later

What is a caution when using a glue gun on flowers?

It can damage flowers, so use it sparingly

What are floral pins and picks used for?

Anchoring items, strengthening stems, securing moss, or anchoring foam in a container

What are floral paints and sprays used for?

Subtly changing the appearance of flowers, foliage, containers, or accessories

How far away should you spray floral paint or spray?

About 15–18 inches from the surface

What does anti-transpirant spray do?

Reduces water loss; popular for corsage and wedding designs

What are sealers used for?

Preventing dried materials from breaking

What are common floral accessories?

Ribbon, bows, plush toys, candles, balloons, pine cones, sticks, bamboo, and berries

What are advantages of satin acetate ribbon?

It is cost-effective, comes in many colors and widths, and has many uses

What is #3 ribbon commonly used for?

Corsages, bridal bouquets, small plants, planters, bud vases, and everyday arrangements

What is #9 ribbon commonly used for?

Corsages, bridal bouquets, pots 6 inches or larger, larger decorations, and presentation bouquets

What is #40 ribbon commonly used for?

Large designs such as casket sprays and funeral easels

What are taper candles?

Slim candles traditionally placed in candlesticks, narrower at the top than the bottom

What are pillar or column candles?

Wide, cylindrical candles

What are votive candles?

Small molded candles, often scented, usually placed in protective glass holders near centerpieces

Why use glowing lights instead of candles?

Indoors where candles are prohibited and outdoors when wind is a problem

What are clamshell boxes used for?

Storing corsages and boutonnieres; a little water spray helps maintain humidity

How is a lei made, according to the guide?

Flowers are sewn together using a lei needle and floss