On my online workbook this week: Knot... that easy

Dear

This week's inspiration is when your plant material tells you how they want to be designed.

Oh yes, my tip for you is about floral placement. Let the willow knots decide that part for you. It is more important that the orchids remain hydrated than placing them in specific positions. By not trying too hard to control everything it usually turns out to look more natural which is always a good thing when working with flowers.

Look at the willow knots from the side to see where it dips into the low container. That is exactly where you want the short stemmed flowers to be so that they can be suspended to stand in the water. It really should be suspended. The ideal position is where the orchids simply hang or dangle in place with the cut end barely standing below in the water. Next look at how the flower head sits on its stem. Each orchid is slightly unique. Match the flower stem with the twist of the willow so that you can identify where to insert the stems so that they stand upright and are not kept at an angle to keep it from tipping out of the water below.

Use a bamboo stick to loosen up the twist in the willow to make a big enough gap for the more delicate flower stem so that the willow knot does not act like a tourniquet pinching the stem so that it can’t take up water. If the bamboo skewer stands snugly upright your flower will as well. It's a great way to test the position without overhandling the delicate flowers.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine