DO decide where you will place the flower arrangement before you make it so you can determine if the finished piece should be tall or wide or round & full.

DO select a container that is appropriate for the decor and/or theme of the arrangement. Consider the material the container is made of-brass, silver, glass, pottery, plastic; the shape-square, round, tall & slim, short & stout; & the style-sleek & modern, ornate & nostalgic, tailored & conservative, or free formed & artistic.

DO choose a vase that is in proportion to the flowers. Often the vase should make up one half to one-third the size of the total arrangement (for example, three-foot tall gladiolus needs a 12 - 18″ vase).

DO make sure the container has appropriate water retaining capacity in proportion to the quantity & size of the flowers [For example: sunflowers don’t fit in a bud vase].

DO use tall, oval shaped vases for arrangements which incorporate line flowers, such as Liatris (gayfeather), gladiolus, snapdragons, Delphinium, & bells of Ireland.

DO use vases with a belly (such as gingers jars or urns) for mass & filler flowers. Mass flowers include carnations, roses, lilies, sunflowers, daffodils, tulips, & chrysanthemums. Filler flowers include baby’s breath, statice, Queen Anne’s lace, waxflower, & Saponaria.

DO condition the flowers by cutting stems diagonally under the water. This prevents air bubbles forming, which can block water from being drawn up inside the flowers. The diagonal cut allows a wider surface for the flowers to drink. Remove all foliage from stems which will be under water. This discourages bacteria from forming due to decaying foliage in the vase water. You need to add the right amount of floral preservative to the vase water.

DO recut the flower stems every two to three days & change the vase water.

DON’T combine flowers which do not naturally blend well. Consider the morphology, texture, as well as the color. For example, bold, angular, shiny tropical flowers such as bird of paradise do not blend well with softer, delicate, ruffled flowers such as sweet peas.

DON’T use tall arrangements for dinner table centerpieces-& expect the guests to be able to see each other across the table!

DON’T set flowers in a drafty or warm place, such as in an open, sunny window or on top of the TV. The drafts & heat will cause the water to rapidly evaporate out of the flowers-& the vase-& leave you with a wilted bouquet.