The gift of a beautiful assortment of flowers is always a crowd pleaser over the festive season, and for florist Davina Prankerd, of Vida Flores, foraging is an ideal way to update your interiors without having to spend a lot of money.
Artfully arranged native plants and warm-coloured flowers are key elements for a modern update on traditional Christmas floral arrangements.
“Pick flowers and foliage in the early morning or later in the evening,” Davina advises. “When the weather is cooler your flowers will survive longer.”
Since starting the business in 2000, Davina has seen various floral trends come and go, much like fashion. Taking the time to slow down and create something special, however, is where her best ideas stem from.
“It’s important to take the time to enjoy arranging your flowers, because it’s an activity to feed your soul and is definitely not to be hurried,” she says from her airy Newmarket studio.
“When you’re arranging something special for Christmas, pick mindfully so as not to leave the actual plant with gaps as this will affect its growth. Take only what you need. When you’ve gathered everything, place directly into a bucket of fresh water and leave overnight for a good drink. If anything has wilted, use this as a guide if it will last or not.
Choose a mixture of textures, forms and colours from your foliages for a nice arrangement. For example, a beautiful flat leaf, a branch of fruit or berries, some leafy foliage or an interesting branch adds a point of interest. Purchase a couple of focal flowers to give a professional edge to your arrangement.”
When it comes to selecting the right vase or vessel, choose wisely, suggests Davina. “Something simple that won’t take the attention away from your arrangement. Sometimes a simple salad bowl can make a lovely flower container and remember it still needs to have good depth to hold enough water to keep your flowers well hydrated."
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Advertise with NZME.“Always cut your flowers and place straight into water. If using floral foam to hold your flowers in place, soak well before use, from 30-60 minutes would be good. Never let floral foam dry out when your flowers are in it.”
With a wealth of knowledge in the floristry business, Davina has been actively supporting those with a flair for floral arrangement through the Vida Flores Flowers School, with new classes scheduled for early 2018, to provide those with an interest in floral artistry the basic essential skills to create their own floral designs.
“Always remember to make a plan for the type of arrangement you want to make,” Davina adds. “Is it going to be seen from all around? Or is it going to sit on your dining table where you will need to be able to see over the top of it?”
Davina's Tips For Christmas Arrangements
1. Pick flowers and foliage in the early morning or evening. Picked when the weather is cooler, your flowers will survive longer.
2. Pick mindfully as to not leave the plant with gaps or to affect its growth. Only take what you need and leave some for another time.
3. Place flowers directly into a bucket of fresh water, leave overnight for a good drink.
4. Choose a mixture of textures, forms and colours.
5. Purchase a couple of focal flowers to give a professional edge.
6. Choose an interesting bowl, vase or pot: something simple that won't take the attention away from your arrangement.
7. If using floral foam to hold your flowers in place, soak well before use; at least 30-60 minutes would be good. Never let floral foam dry out when your flowers are in it.
8. Take the time to enjoy arranging your flowers.
