Arranging Cut Flowers in a Vase:

• Fill the vase with water and be sure to add floral food
• Strip stems of leaves that will be below the water line
• Cut the stems of the flowers to about twice the height of your vase; cut a few stems 1-2 inches longer to create height at the centre of the bouquet
• Start arranging flowers around the rim of the vase, then gradually work toward the centre
• First place filler flowers (stems with many small flowers on them) and stems of foliage in the vase, criss-crossing them to create a grid that will help to keep the other flowers in place
• Follow by placing the remaining flowers, with the tallest stems in the centre of your bouquet
• Step back frequently to check the shape and proportions of the bouquet so you can adjust as necessary

Making a Bud Vase Arrangement:

• Small, narrow-necked vases are know as “bud vases”
• Fill a bud vase with water
• Select a beautiful cut flower bud or bloom, and cut stem to about twice the height of the vase
• Strip the leaves from the stem so that no leaves will be below the water line
• Place the flower in the vase; select a an upright stem or two of foliage or a curly willow twig to give the stem a little more support
• Add a few leaves at the rim of the vase to create a finished look

Making a Single Flower Arrangement:
Single flowers can be displayed beautifully in a bud vase, as described above, but you can also use other small vases and containers:

• Float a small bloom or two in a special glass or antique teacup
• Float larger flowers in glass or ceramic bowl
• Create Asian-inspired arrangements using deep trays filled with pebbles and water, and nestle the flower stem in between.