Caring for Flowers
DIY Flower Arranging: Start with the Basics
By Rosa Fiora Editorial ·
Professional floristry is not about expensive tools — it is about understanding proportion, texture, and movement. Start with five stems of your focal flower (the star of the show), three stems of a secondary bloom for depth, and a generous handful of foliage for structure.
Hold the stems in your non-dominant hand at a 45-degree angle, adding each stem in a spiraling motion so they cross and support one another. The spiral technique is the foundation of hand-tied bouquets. Once you have your desired fullness, secure with twine or floral tape.
Trim the stems to a uniform length — roughly 1.5 times the height of your vase. Cut at an angle underwater to maximize hydration. Place in your vessel and adjust any stems that feel out of place.
The final secret: odd numbers. Three, five, seven, or nine focal stems always look more organic and natural than even numbers. Nature does not count in pairs.