On my online workbook this week: Finding the first few Wishful Thinkings under a tree
Dear

Urgh! Last week our new learning platform’s super fancy and brand new “send all” button and the Department for making Happy Emails (me) became a bit over enthusiastic about it finally being New Design Wednesday and all… and well… you will be glad to see that the issue is fixed and there is only one of me in your inbox again this week!

This week’s inspiration is the creative potential of even shriveled up stems. Wow… it is really, really hot here now. And my balcony gardens are officially at that end of summer stage where it is no longer possible for me to limit the environmental exposure. When that sweltering breeze blows just so it scorches some of my plants to the point where they simply shrivel into a crisp and there’s really not much I can do about it.

My tip for you this week about designing on those hottest days of summer. Summer designing is not meant for fussing with your plant material. They are under enough stress already and buds drop, petals bruise and wilt and shrivel up way too easily. Your summer designing efforts should focus on conditioning, deliberate techniques, empathy for your plant material and for yourself as the designer.

For me summer floral arrangements should be intentional rather than overdone. There are many ways of achieving this but my way is to give equal importance to my plant material and the space around and between my plant material. First I strip away anything that is not absolutely necessary to tell my floral story so that what I do add becomes even more precious. Stripping away clutter limits transpiration and you design in some open space to create an elegant flow for summer designs. Next I provide ample hydration by designing in deep, clear and cool water. I treat the water in my summer designs as a design element by deliberately designing empty water filled spaces into my arrangements to allow for reflection.

When the temperature is already making everything feel a bit stuffy, adding space in your design allows each and every aspect such as these gorgeously rich gladiolus flowers to be elevated, reflected upon and experienced.

Yes, you absolutely can insert the entire stem of gladiolus (see the picture above) to curve along the wreath. But by separating the flowers and removing any clutter you create a bit of much needed breathing space between them.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine