Flowers and happiness go hand-in-hand. Behavioral research studies confirm that flowers have the ability to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, improve mood, increase productivity, and enhance personal relationships. Maybe that’s why many floral companies, such as Metro Flower Market in Chantilly, actually saw an uptick in interest during the COVID pandemic.
“We’re making at least 200 deliveries a day,” says Margaret Fleegal, president and CEO of Metro Flower Market, which, along with its retail shop, Twinbrook Floral Design, has been in business 27 years.
“Business really magnified during COVID when customers couldn’t visit those they love,” says Fleegal.
Fleegal says she’s also seen increased interest in Metro Flower Market’s floral design classes, which are offered year-round. “These are professional-level courses developed and taught by Carol Caggiano, who is the floral design director for industry giant Teleflora.
“She’s an AIFD-certified, old-school designer, and she and her colleagues teach courses using the best of tried-and-true techniques.” says Fleegal.
Classes range from table centerpieces and wreaths to bouquets and corsages, with themes based on season, colors, and textures.
Fleegal says the classes attract students young and old, singles, couples, office teams, and even parties. Some students have a goal, such as making a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece, Christmas wreath, or bouquets for a wedding, but sometimes she gets students who are curious about becoming an actual florist.
“It’s a good introduction and a chance to see what it’s really like behind the scenes,” says Fleegal.”
Here, Fleegal shares her insider tips for outstanding DIY floral arrangements.
Choosing Your Blooms
Become acquainted with and consider the longevity and habits of different flowers.
For instance, carnations are affordable, come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and can last up to 25 days. Hydrangeas, while popular, quickly wilt if not given enough water. Peonies are very expensive out of season, and tulips continue growing once cut and will twist dramatically toward the nearest light source. Some rose varieties last much longer than others. Talk with your florist if you want recommendations.
Keeping It Contained
Choose a container that matches the size of the flowers you selected. Low, shallow containers will require using floral foam as an anchor.
Next, create a grid within the container in order to keep your flowers standing straight. Grids can be created with strips of floral tape crossed over the top of the container, or by simply intertwining the stems of the greenery filler in a cross pattern. Some designers place curly willow at the bottom of the vase. Flowers will be inserted in spaces within the grid.
Always place a waterproof surface between your container and wood furniture, as most containers leak after watering.
Courtesy Metro Flower Market
Artfully Arranged
With the grid and greens in place, add flowers one at a time. Designs vary, but typically larger heavy flowers are placed first at the bottom of the container, and taller flowers are spaced upward from there. The tallest blooms, like gladiolus, give height and are added last. You can make tall or heavy stems work with some wire reinforcement.
Balance the flowers within the greens, and then, lastly, decide where to add filler flowers for extra texture and color.
Perfectly Preserved
Keep the blooms out of direct sunlight, and use clean, disinfected tools to trim each stem as soon as you get home. Immediately place trimmed stems in cool water using a quality commercial floral preservative (it makes a huge difference, Fleegal says).
Afterwards, keep finished arrangements away from hot spots in your home. Most flowers prefer cooler temperatures. Add water daily, making sure every stem is submerged. If changing water, add more floral preservative. 4151 Lafayette Center Dr., Ste. 110, Chantilly
Feature image, © karnauhov/stock.adobe.com
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