Floral arrangements and art

It can be difficult to create arrangements of greens and flowers from the garden for spaces adjacent to dramatic artwork. Or in this case, in the middle of two impressive — as well as very large — pieces. When I look at books on contemporary flower arrangements for ideas, I am most often struck by what overpowering combinations professional designers create for rooms with art. They are so over-the-top they grab all the attention.

I am more interested in trying to create something that is appealing in its own right but also subtly adds to the grouping rather than competing. I think this display works in terms of scale and weight but it is a bit bright. The bamboo and the Hakonechloa grass both wilted in a few days which was rather disappointing — especially since the bamboo in the vase at the opposite end of the room was still going strong.

I redid the grouping keeping the Hosta 'Inniswood' leaf and the tall umbrellla grass. I toned it all down with the addition of three arching stems of pale lavender Hosta flowers, a huge puckered blue gray leaf of Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' and a clump of Sedum 'Bertram Anderson' with its glaucous purple leaves. Alas, no photo of that final bouquet, but I know you gardeners can mentally picture it! (And yes, this wall is opposite the one with the Arts and Crafts oak buffet and Chinese pod vase in the prior post)

Comments

[Altoon]

I love this arrangement: it is simple and graceful and has a bit of surprise in the tall grass. It may be a little bright for the art around it, but for me it has the perfect sensibility. And the vase with bamboo in the previous post is stunning.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Well done. I agree that florists try to over do when they get a chance to display their work in a professional setting. I like your understated yet supporting look. I bet those purple leaves in the second one is grand.

[Julie Siegel]

Absolutely beautiful: what skill you have! Whenever I visit, I am always impressed by the arrangement you create in some small vase in the guest bathroom. In your gracious attention to detail, you succeed in making me feel special by drawing my attention and letting me slow down to observe: what luxury. Thank you.