Even seasoned gardeners, used to planting flowers in quantity, might be at a loss when it comes to arranging them. But experts insist that such floralphobia is easily surmounted. Half the battle is realizing that the goal doesn’t have to be something elaborate or perfectly “done.” The current vogue for more organic, looser, less-formal constructions may help explain the burgeoning interest. “There’s a world of possibilities between buying an arrangement from a florist and just sticking a bunch of tulips in a vase,” says Johnson.
VASE VARIETY
1 Footed urn This extra-high piece from Jamali deftly showcases cascading vines. ($14; jamaligarden.com)
2 Bottle A narrow opening in a Mexican recycled glass bottle is good for a single stem. Group a set of bottles together. ($64; canvashomestore.com)
3 Low bowl Float hibiscus in Uko Morita’s Wrinkle Basket or insert foam to build a low arrangement. ($150; saranyc.com)
4 Glass cylinder Aero Studios’s vase is invaluable for framing flowers with clean-looking stems, like tulips or amaryllis. ($90; areostudios.com)
5 Narrow-neck sphere Drop a few poppy stems in this Janus et Cie number to create a modern look. ($224; janusetcie.com)
6 Tall, narrow-neck flute Any blooms with long stems, even wildflowers, will rise to the occasion in an egg flute. ($275; johnpomp.com)
7 Classic florist’s vase The flared neck of the Shelburne vase is kind to the novice arranger; it practically lays out the flowers for you. ($125; simonpearce.com)
8 Bud vase Show off a leftover sprig or a clipping from your garden in this tiny pot. ($22; heathceramics.com)
9 Horizontal box Stage a dramatic centerpiec with a linear grid of flowers inside. ($1,324; janusetcie.com)
