Flower lovers, it’s almost time – the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show – the world’s most spectacular annual horticultural event – is right around the corner, and this year promises cutting-edge garden designs, blooming floral displays, and plenty more.
Ahead of the big day, Audrey Penin, a floral designer and a talented artisan of Europe’s leading craft workshop community, Wecandoo, has shared her top tips for the best floral arrangements at your fingertips.
How to make the perfect floral arrangements:
To make the perfect floral arrangements, I recommend using tape to create a grid over your container before arranging. Using a tape grid also gives support and structure, stopping your flowers from drooping over the vase and flopping over each other, making it easier to arrange flowers in a sustainable way if you do not have the florist tools. The grid also allows water to flow evenly to each stem, ensuring that all the flowers receive adequate hydration. This will also help prolong the life of your bouquet by keeping the flowers hydrated and fresh for longer!
How to make your flowers last longer:
The secret to a vibrant and long-lasting floral arrangement lies in the details. Begin by carefully conditioning your flowers – ensure the leaves are prepped and they’re above the water line, stems are cut at a 45-degree angle for optimal water intake and flowers are kept cool before arranging.
A small tip is to add a bit of baking soda if you don’t have the flower food solutions at hand. Lemon juice + sugar is another good alternative to a floral preservative.
Think carefully about where you put your flowers, avoid placing them in direct sunlight or close to a radiator and remember to change the water every two or three days, stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s a good idea to recut the stems too when you change the water. By following these steps, you can enjoy your beautiful flowers for longer!
How to dry your flowers once they’re past their best:
Not all blooms are created equal when it comes to drying! While some, like hydrangeas and limonium, dry beautifully and retain their vibrant colours, others, such as the seed pods, not as colourful but can be striking and add interesting textures and shapes. A general rule to follow is that flowers with sturdy petals and low moisture content tend to dry well.
The key to successful drying lies in the environment. You need to hang your flowers upside down, securing them with twine for optimal drying, in a cool, dark and dry space. It can take about 2-3 weeks for the flowers to be fully dried but it’s worth the wait!
What are the best flowers to bloom in May:
Peonies really come into their own in May! They’re such a versatile flower that works well in a variety of floral arrangements, be it a standalone bouquet, mixed with other spring blooms or incorporated into a centrepiece.
They’re my favourite because of their elegance and charm. Their large size and sturdy stems make them particularly well-suited for creating impactful arrangements that capture the essence of the season!
Audrey is based in London and host her own workshops that you can attend via Wecandoo.
Wecandoo only works with the best quality artisans and delivers workshops by those with a true passion and desire to share knowledge. All artisans are chosen for their expertise, having over two years of experience in their field, plus it being their main professional activity.