STYLES OF

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
Like all art forms, flower arrangement has different styles and leading artists
in the field, are likely to prefer one style to another. Basically there are four
styles of flower arrangement.

WESTERN / TRADITIONAL
These are mass arrangements. They are often elaborate, with attractive
containers. Usually the arrangements have some kind of symmetry.

Japanese / ikebana
Simple, sober arrangements highlighting line, rhythm and mood. These
arrangements frequently have a religious symbolism that dates back to the
origins of this art.

FREESTYLE
Is based on the creativity of the individual, using a blend of both Western
and Japanese.

ABSTRACT
Are based on structural designs and geometrical patterns.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
Shears

Buckets

Needlepoint holders

Wiremesh

Oasis

Beeswax

Stem supporters

Accessories

Containers

Water sprinkler
CONDITIONING OF PLANT MATERIAL

When to cut

Immediate immersion

Water absorption

Cutting underwater

How to cut

Searing

Shearing

Clean equipment

Placement of arrangement

Water level and additives

 Japanese
SUB - Heaven
SUBJECT

SECONDARY SEC - Man

1½ to 2 X Vase

OBJ - Earth
OBJECT

SUBJECT 1½ to 2 X Vase
SECONDARY ⅔ of Subject 45°L
OBJECT ½ of Secondary 60°R

WESTERN
Front-facing

2. CREATE THE PARAMETERS FOR THE SHAPE

1. ESTABLISH THE HEIGHT OF ARRANGEMENT
Place stem as far back in the pinholder as possible

3. FILL IN THE OUTLINE TO CREATE A BACKDROP

If necessary build up successive backdrops in
front depending on the size of the arrangement

4. CREATE A FOCAL POINT 5. VARY THE ANGLE OF PLACEMENT

Add fillers wherever necessary This creates the three-dimensional effect
 WESTERN
All-round

2. ESTABLISH THE OUTLINE

1. ESTABLISH THE HEIGHT OF THE ARRANGEMENT Vary the angles to create consecutive ‘skirts’
Place the stem in the centre of the pinholder

3. COMPLETE THE ARRANGEMENT

Add fillers and line the base of the arrangement with ferns/leaves
Principles of FlowerArrangement
Design
Is the plan or shape of the composition as a whole. It is
necessary to be able to visualize an arrangement before actually
building it up, so that it will be suitable for the purpose for
which it is used. The design is determined by the site and
function as well as by the containers and plant material used.

Scale
means the size relationship between the component parts of a
composition, involving a good sense of proportion between plant
material, container, site and function, The accepted rule of scale
is determined by the tallest stem in the arrangement which
should extend beyond the rim of the container, 1½ ½ to 2 times
the width of a flat container or the height, in the case of a tall
container.
Balance
The components of balance are form (the size which creates
apparent weight) and colour (darker colours give an impression
of weight) and are generally positioned low in the arrangement.
Conversely, smaller flowers and lighter colours are positioned
towards the upper and outer ends of the arrangement.
Symmetrical or formal balance is achieved by an equal amount
of material being placed on either side of an imaginary vertical
line running through the centre of the arrangement. In
asymmetrical or informal balance, there is no actual repetition,
but a visual effect of balance is achieved.

When viewing an arrangement, the eye is first drawn to the

Focal Point in the arrangement, from where it travels in a
continuous line of Rhythm.

Focal Point
Is the central area from which the flowers and foliage appear
to emerge. The emphasis is highlighted by placing a larger,
brighter or darker accent flower or a cluster of flowers.

Rhythm
is the line along which the eye travels to appreciate the entire
arrangement, and return to the focal point.
Texture
refers to the plant materials used as well as the container.
Variations in texture are necessary to complement and enhance
each other.

Repetition
in colour and form is essential for the arrangement to look
harmonious, but it should not be carried out too far. If not
followed the arrangement looks incomplete. If overdone, it will
be monotonous and overcrowded.

Unity
ensures that all the component parts of the arrangement blend
and look as if they belong to each other,

Harmony
aims at avoiding all jarring notes. It ensures that the
container and materials blend easily and provide a pleasing
contrast with the background.
 TEST YOURSELF

1. List the principles of art applied to flower arrangement with a brief

explanation of each.
2. List the equipment required to carry out Flower Arrangement and
what they are used for.
3. How does the location of a flower arrangement affect the Principle
of Design?
4. Differentiate between:
Searing and Shearing.
Unity and Harmony in flower arrangement.
Ikebana and Traditional styles of flower arrangement.
5. Give the correct term for the following:
The Japanese term for a pinholder
The principle of flower arrangement achieved by using form and
colour correctly
Floral foam used as the base for arranging flowers.
A style combining the Japanese and Western Style Flower
Arrangement and incorporating individual creativity.
The line along which the eye travels in order to appreciate the
entire flower arrangement.
The name of the stem that represents ‘heaven’ in a Japanese
Flower Arrangement.
6. Name the flower:
It inspired the famous poem by William Wordsworth – ‘I
wandered lonely as a cloud….’
The subject of Van Gogh’s famous paintings.
It is our National flower.