Flower arrangement, also known as floral design or floristry, involves the art and commerce of arranging flowers in various forms, with a history tracing back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Japanese ikebana is a unique style emphasizing minimalism and the spiritual connection with nature, using specific rules and shapes to convey meaning. Various bouquet types and flower uses are found across cultures, with dried flowers offering a long-lasting decorative option, and techniques for their preservation include air-drying, silica gel, and borax methods.

1. FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

2. • Flower arrangement is the art of arranging
flowers in vases, bowls, baskets or other
containers, or making bouquets and
compositions from cut flowers, foliages, herbs,
ornamental grasses and
other plant materials.It is commonly termed
as ‘floral design’ or ‘floristry.’
• It is the production, commerce and trade
in flowers. It encompasses flowercare and
handling, floral design or flower arranging,
merchandising, and display and flower delivery.

3. History of flower arrangement
• The ancient Egyptians were known to be the first
to introduce flower arrangement. They regularly
placed cut flowers in vases,[1] and highly stylized
arrangements were used during burials, for
processions, and simply as table decorations.
• Then came the Greeks and Romans. The ancient
Greeks used flowers and herbs for adornment.
They did not often use vases, focusing instead
on garlands and wreaths. They would place plant
material, such as olive branches, in terracotta.
The leafy branches were probably used for
weddings. They also tossed petals onto floors and
beds.

4. • Flowers were selected according to symbolic
meaning, with emphasis on religious
significance. The lotus flower or water lily, for
example, was considered sacred to Isis and was
often included in arrangements. Many other
flowers have been found in the tombs of the
ancient Egyptians, and garlands of flowers
were worn by loved ones and left at the
tombs.[2]These included blue scilla, poppy-
flowered anemone, Iris
sibirica, delphinium, narcissus, palm
tree, papyrus and rose.

5. • There are many styles of floral design. The
Eastern, Western, Zebra and European styles
have all influenced the commercial floral
industry as it is today. Ikebana is a Japanese
or eastern style of floral design and
incorporates the three main line placements of
heaven, man and earth. In contrast, the
European style emphasizes color and variety of
botanical materials not limited to just
blooming flowers, in mass gatherings of
multiple flowers. Western design historically is
characterized by symmetrical, asymmetrical,
horizontal, and vertical style of arrangements.

6. JAPANESE IKEBANA
• The name Japanese Ikebana is derived from
the japanese words ‘ikeru’ meaning "keep
alive, arrange flowers, living“ and ‘hana’
meaning "flower“. Together “giving life to
flowers” and “arranging flowers”.
• Japanese ikebana is a disciplined art in which
nature and humanity are brought together
rather than simply putting flowers in a
container.

7. • Usually the idea of floral arrangements is a collection
of parti coloured or multi coloured blooms but
ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant
such as its stem and leaves and draw emphasis
towards shape, line and form.
• Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain
rules governing its form. The artist's intention behind
each arrangement is shown through a piece's color
combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the
usually implied meaning of the arrangement.

8. • Another aspect present in ikebana is its employment
of minimalism. That is, an arrangement may consist of
only a minimal number of blooms interspersed among
stalks and leaves
• The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is
based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main
points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to
symbolizeheaven, earth, and man and in
others sun, moon, and earth. The container is a key
element of the composition, and various styles of
pottery may be used in their construction.

11. Spiritual aspects of Ikebana
• The spiritual aspect of ikebana is considered very
important to its practitioners.
• Silence is a must during practices of ikebana. It is a
time to appreciate things in nature that people often
overlook because of their busy lives. One becomes
more patient and tolerant of differences, not only in
nature, but also in general.
• Ikebana can inspire one to identify with beauty in all
art forms. This is also the time when one feels
closeness to nature which provides relaxation for the
mind, body, and soul.

12. The origin of Ikebana is thought to have come to
Japan as part of Buddhist practice when
Buddhism reached Japan in the 6th century.
Ikebana evolved from the Buddhist practice of
offering flowers to the spirits of the dead. The
first classical styles of Ikebana started in the
middle of the fifteenth century; the first students
and teachers of Ikebana were Buddhist priests
and members. As time passed, other schools
emerged, styles changed, and Ikebana became a
custom among the Japanese society.

13. The oldest school of Ikebana is Ikenobo which
was started by a priest in Kyoto who was so
skilled in flower arrangement that other
priests sought him out for instruction.

14. STYLES OF IKEBANA
• Ikebana in the beginning was very simple, constructed
from only a very few stems of flowers and evergreen
branches. This first form of ikebana is called Kuge
• The first styles were characterized by a tall, upright
central stem that had to be accompanied by two
shorter stems.
• The Rikka (standing flowers) style was developed as a
Buddhist expression of the beauty of nature. It includes
seven branches representing hills, waterfalls, valleys,
and other objects of nature arranged in a specific way.

15. • When the tea ceremony emerged, another style was
introduced. The style used for tea ceremony rooms was
called Chabana. The Chabana style is the opposite of
Momoyama style and emphasized rustic simplicity. The
simplicity of the Chabana in turn helped create the
Nageire or “thrown-in” style.
• Nageire is a non-structured design which led to the
development of the Seika or Shoka style. The style is
characterized by a tight bundle of stems that form a
triangular three-branched asymmetrical arrangement
which was considered classic.

16. • Seika or Shōka style consists of only three
main branches, known as 'ten' (heaven), 'chi'
(earth), and 'jin' (human). It is a simple style
that is designed to show the beauty and
uniqueness of the plant itself.
• Jiyūka is a free creative design. It is not
confined to flowers; every material can be
used.

17. • In the 20th century, with the advent
of modernism, the three schools of ikebana
partially gave way to what is commonly known
in Japan as Free Style.

18. Moribana upright style
• It is considered as the most basic structure in
ikebana. Moribana literally means “piled-up
flowers” that are arranged in a shallow vase or
suiban, compote, or basket. Moribana is
secured on kenzan or needlepoint holders,
also known as metal frogs.

20. Moribana slanting style
• It is the reversed arranging style that can be
used depending on the placement of the
display or shapes of the branches. Branches
that look beautiful when slanted are mostly
chosen for this arrangement. This style gives a
softer impression than the upright style.

22. Nageire upright style
• It is arranged in a narrow-mouthed, tall
container without using kenzan or
needlepoint holders. Nageire literally means
"thrown in". This is a simple arrangement that
can contain just one flower and does not use
frogs to hold the flower(s).

24. Nageire slanting style
• It presents a gentle touch and flexibility. It is
ideal for ikebana beginners.

26. Nageire cascading style
• These type of arrangements have the main
stem hanging lower than the rim of the vase.
A flexible material will create beautiful lines
balancing with flowers.

28. Heika style

29. Equipments used
• HASAMI : Hasami (clippers or scissors) are
used to cut flowers and stems to their desired
lengths. Although the way stems are cut
depends on the type of plant and
arrangement, most cuts are made at an angle.
This makes them easier to secure them in vase
and kenzan and makes the area for drawing
water larger.

31. • KABIN : Tall vase used in making heika
arrangements. Crosspieces are used to secure
stems at three points.

32. • UTSUWA : Low, shallow container for
moribana. A kenzan is used to secure the
stems and flowers.

33. • KENZAN : A holder with many sharp points
about 1 cm high into which flowers are
inserted so that they are fixed firmly.

34. procedure
• Use a shallow, simple bowl for ikebana.Place a floral frog (a
spiked holder for cut flowers) in a shallow bowl, tray or pot,
near one edge of the container. Use a bowl with very simple
lines, preferably one with no designs or ornamentation. Fill
the bowl halfway with water.
• Start with your longest branch or flower.Place your longest
branch or flowers near the top center of the floral frog,
leaning slightly to the left side. This flower represents heaven.
Take time to position the flower in a pleasing, graceful lin

35. • Place the medium-length branch or flowers toward the
bottom left of the floral frog. Lean the flower towards
the left, but at a steeper angle than the first flower. This
flower represents earth. Step back to examine your
arrangement from different angles, and adjust to
please your eye.
• Place the shortest branch or flower on the bottom right
side of the floral frog. Lean it slightly away from the
longest branch. This represents humankind. Remember
that in ikebana, empty space is as important as the
floral elements.

36. • Less is more in ikebana.Fill the arrangement in
with additional short flowers or greenery until
the floral frog is completely covered.
Remember, simplicity is key; the arrangement
should have an open, angular appearance.

37. boquet
• A flower bouquet is a collection of flowers in a
creative arrangement.
• Flower bouquets can be arranged for the
decor of homes or public buildings, or may be
handheld. Handheld bouquets are classified
by several different popular shapes and styles,
including nosegay, crescent, and cascading
bouquets.

38. • Flower bouquets are often given for special
occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.
They are also used extensively in weddings
• Bouquets arranged in vases or planters for
home decor can be arranged in either
traditional or modern styles. Symbolism may
be attached to the types of flowers used,
according to the culture.

39. • Types of Flowers

41. • A garland is a decorative wreath or cord, used
at festive occasions, which can be hung round
a person's neck, or on inanimate objects
like Christmas trees. Originally garlands were
made of flowers or leaves.

42. • In India, where flower garlands have an
important and traditional role in every festival,
the Gods are decorated with garlands made from
different fragrant flowers (often jasmine) and
leaves.[4] Both fragrant and non-fragrant flowers
and religiously-significant leaves are used to
make garlands to worship Hindu deities. Some of
those flowers are as
follows: jasmine, champaka, lotus, lillies, ashoka,
nerium/oleander, chrysanthemum, roses, hibiscu
s, pinwheel flowers, manoranjinietc.

43. • Apart from these, leaves and grasses
like arugampul,maruvakam, davanam, maachi,
paneer leaves, lavancha are also used for making
garlands. Also fruit, vegetables and sometimes
even currency notes are used for garlands, given
as thanksgiving. Also in wedding the couple wears
a wedding garland. In other occasions, it is used
to show respect to an individual person or statue
(murti).In Tamil Nadu marigold, nitya kalyani
flower garlands are used only for dead bodies or
burial rituals.In functions, garlands are used to
denote the main person(host).

44. Wedding garlands
• Exchanging garlands or vamala has a huge
significance for the couple, for the bride the
garland signifies that she will become a part of
the family after marriage and will be as close to
her in-laws as sugar is to water.
•
• For the groom, the act signifies that with the
exchange of garlands he will assume all the
responsibility for the bride and ensure her
comfort and happiness.

45. • Traditional wedding garlands are made of
sweet smelling and aromatic flowers like
roses, jasmines and lilies. These flowers signify
freshness and the sweet moments which the
couple will enjoy all their lives. So as the bride
and the groom exchange varmalas made of
fresh and dainty flowers their married life will
always be blessed with happiness, love and
kindness.

46. Types
• Oasis garlands
• It is cylinder-shaped oasis strung together
with a netting fabric. Simply soak in nutrient
treated water and fill with greens, flowers or
both.
• Decorative garlands
• Garlands used for decorating a

48. Why dry flowers?
• Dried flowers are a fun way to decorate home,
especially in the winter months when fresh
flowers from the garden aren't available. It's
really easy and inexpensive to dry flowers, and it
doesn't require any special skills or equipment to
air-dry flowers.
• Dried flower arrangements, when made with the
right kind of flowers, can last a long time.
Potpourris can also be made with dried flowers,
which will smell much nicer than the stuff that
can buy in stores.

49. Potpurri is a mixture of dried and
natural fragrant
plant materials to provide a gentle
scent inside
buildings.

50. How to dry flowers?
• Old methods of drying
Many plants retain their shape and color when air-
dried naturally.
Use of glycerine makes the preserved plant supple and
long-lasting. To use this method, the plant material
needs to be gathered in a fully hydrated state. Water
and glycerine are then mixed. The ratio of water to
glycerine should be 2:1. The water should be lukewarm
for better mixing and faster absorption. If the autumn
colors are showing, it may be too late to preserve them
in glycerine.

51. • Pressing
Pressing is a very easy way to preserve flowers
although the relief is lost and the flowers are flat.
Unglazed paper, such as newsprint or an old telephone
book, is best for pressing. Flowers are spread so they
do not overlap between several thicknesses of
newspaper. Additional layers of paper and flowers can
be built up and then covered with a board or piece of
cardboard before pressing down with a heavy object.
The time required for drying, depending on the flower
size or tissue content, can be anywhere from two to
four weeks.

54. Modern methods of drying
• Hanging flowers in ventilated area
There are several air-drying methods used to for different kinds of
flowers. The easiest and most effective way to dry most flowers is to tie
them in small bundles with twine, raffia or ribbons, and hang them upside
down, out of direct sunlight in a warm, well-ventilated place. Bunches
should contain one type of flower. Large flowers are dried individually. The
leaves stripped as soon as possible after picking. They retain moisture and
slow down the drying process. Wall hooks, poles or wires are placed at
least six inches from the ceiling. Heads should be staggered to allow
plenty of air to circulate. This prevents mildew and rot. It may be
necessary to re-tie bunches or individual flowers half way through the
drying process, because the stems tend to shrink as they dry. The drying
period can range from one week to several weeks depending on the type
of material, when and where it was harvested and the humidity of the
place where it is drying. The stems of hung flowers tend to dry unnaturally
straight and the flowers become very brittle

56. • Types of flowers that has to be drying using this
method:
Strawflowers
Goldenrod
Hydrangeas
Celosia (crested and plumed types)
Globe amaranth
Salvia
Xeranthemum

57. strawflower
Globe amaranth
goldenrod xeranthamum
celosia
hydrangeas
salvia

58. • Hot air drying in drying chamber
Compact flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums,
cornflowers and zinnias dry well in a fan-
assisted, convection chamber. Non-ventilated
chambers are not appropriate, because they generate
too much moisture. The material must be dried at a
low temperature (30-35˚Celsius), over many hours. The
flowers are slotted through holes in a wire mesh rack
leaving room for the stems to dangle below. The time
required depends upon the density of the flowers.

59. • Silica gel drying
Another trend is silica gel. Its initial cost is greater than that of borax-
sand or borax-cornmeal combinations, but silica gel can be used over and
over for many years. Silica gel dries flowers quickly, so it can be used to dry
more flowers during a single season than the same quantity of a borax
mixture. Silica gel is available under a number of trade names. It is white,
but some types contain blue crystals that act as an indicator of the
amount of moisture that has been absorbed. When these crystals are
clear blue, the material is dry. As moisture is absorbed from the flowers,
the crystals gradually turn pink. At that point, it is time to re-dry the
crystals before using them again. To dry the material, silica gel is spread on
open pans or cookie sheets in a layer ½ to ¾ inch thick. Materials to be
preserved are then baked in an oven at 250˚Celsius for about an hour, or
until the moisture-indicating crystals, if present, are blue again. Material is
then stirred several times while drying. Flowers dried in silica gel must be
placed in airtight containers. If a container is not sealed tightly, the silica
gel absorbs moisture from the air, and flowers dry too slowly or not at all.
A candy tin, plastic container, coffee can, large-mouth jar or any other
container with a tight-fitting lid may be used. If no containers with tight
lids are available, loose tops should be sealed with tape. Silica gel is
especially useful for drying fragile plants and flowers with delicate colors.

61. • Flowers that dry best in silica gel
are allium, anemone,
cornflower, roses, tulip and zinnia.

62. • Drying flowers with borax and cornmeal
Another method to dry flowers is to cover them with a
drying agent or desiccant. Flowers can be dried in
several materials. A mixture of 2 parts borax and 1 part
sand is an effective drying medium. The sand should be
fine, clean, and dry. While the sand-borax mix is an
effective drying agent, the weight of the sand tends to
flatten the flowers. A lighter drying medium consists of
equal parts borax and cornmeal. Add 1 or 2
tablespoons of uniodized salt per quart to both the
sand-borax and borax-cornmeal mixes to help retain
flower color during drying. Drying time for the borax
mixtures is approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

63. • Before drying flowers in a desiccant, remove all but 1
or 2 inches of the stem (dried stems are extremely
brittle) and fashion a false stem with florist wire. Use
20 or 24 gauge wire. Insert the wire through the stem
(if possible) and then up through the center of the
flower head. Make a small hook at the top of the wire
and pull it back into the center of the flower. This
method of wiring works well for daisies and zinnias.
Flowers with a hard base, such as roses, are wired
differently. Push the wire through the base of the
flower at a right angle to the stem. Both ends of the
wire are then bent downward. Cut off the wire stem
about 2 inches below the flower.

64. • The drying procedure for the various drying
agents is essentially the same. Place 1/2 to 1
inch of the drying material in the bottom of
the container. Spike flowers, such as
snapdragons, are laid horizontally on their
sides. Most flat-faced flowers are dried face
up. Gently sift the drying agent over and
around the flowers. Make sure the petals
remain in their natural position while
covering. Continue to add drying material until
the flower is completely covered.

65. • When drying flowers in a borax mixture, place the
container in a warm, dry place. Make sure the
container is tightly sealed when using silica gel. Check
the flowers periodically during the drying process.
Drying is complete when the flowers are crisp and dry
to the touch. Once the flowers are properly dried,
carefully remove the drying agent to prevent breakage.
(Dried flowers are rather brittle.) Fine residue can be
removed with a soft, dry artist's brush. Finally, add a
longer false stem to the dried flower. Cut a new wire to
the desired length and twist it around the short wire
that was placed through the flower. Starting at the
base of the flower, wrap green floral tape over the
wires. Once the stems are wrapped, the dried flowers
are ready for placement in dried arrangements.

66. • Drying flowers in the microwave
Flowers can be dried in the microwave by using silica
gels. Small flat buds and foliages are used in this
process. Herbs can also be microwaved dry, and then
stored for use later. The flowers are laid down on a
paper towel. These don’t need to be arranged in a
specific order, but should not layer or touch each other
on the towel. Place the paper towel with the flowers in
the microwave, and heat them on medium to high for
one minute. If they are still not dry after this time,
replace the used paper towel with a dry one and
repeat the process. Once all the moisture has been
taken out via the microwave, take them off the used
paper towel. Leave them to cool off for at least ten
minutes before using them for decorative project.

67. • Molecular sieve
Molecular sieve is a material containing tiny pores of a precise
and uniform size that is used as an absorbent for gases and liquids.
They are metal alumino silicates which have a crystalline structure
consisting of an assembly of tetrahedral. The tetrahedral are made
up of 4 oxygen atoms which occupy the summits surrounding
either 1 silicon atom or an aluminium atom placed in the center.
Compensating cations (sodium, potassium) make the hole
electrically neutral. The hole forms an assembly of small cells (or
pores) of uniform and known size, in which a molecule of smaller
size can be trapped by the phenomenon known as absorption. To
ensure the dehydration of the fresh natural flowers the mixture
of organic solvents is poured onto the hole until the level exceeds
the level of the flowers by about 2 cm. The water molecules are
progressively absorbed into the small cells or pores of the
molecular sieve. The receptacle is closed hermetically for a few
days. Once dried, the flower reabsorbs a little moisture of
atmospheric origin, and this increases its suppleness and
its plasticity.

68. • As molecular sieve relates to the long-term
preservation and treatment of cut flowers for
long duration, (i.e. continually maintaining their
decorative properties ), Vermont Flowers has
been using this method of preserving flowers
instead of the traditional silica gel more than 20
years ago. The advantage was a much more
professional regeneration of the molecular
sieves. Flowers which are particularly suitable for
such a treatment are roses, peonies, camellias,
marigolds, globeflowers,orchids, dahlias,
carnations, phloxes, summer
chrysanthemums, hollyhocks, and the like, and
other species with many petals or a fairly rigid
structure.

69. peony camellia orchid
dahlia carnation
holyhockSummer chrysanthumum phloxes
marigold

70. • Freeze drying
Originally introduced in 1813 by William Hyde Wollaston to the Royal
Society in London, it was not until the late 80's thefreeze-
drying industry discovered the allurement and longevity of freeze-dried
flowers. Freeze dried flowers are fresh flowers that have been specially
dried to preserve their natural shape and color. Freeze drying is
accomplished by a process called sublimation. It requires a special
freeze-drying machine. It involves first freezing the flowers at 100K for
at least 12 hours. A vacuum pump slowly pulls the moisture out of the
flowers as a vapor in one chamber, and then the vapor condenses as ice
in another chamber. Because of this process, the shape and natural
color of the flower is maintained. It has been found that certain flowers
retain their color well despite the fact they have been freeze-dried.
Apparently, such flowers retain their color due to the tissue
composition of the petals, leaves, and the like. Carnations, African
violets, roses, asparagus and other ferns, and baby's breath exhibit
good color retention notwithstanding the dehydration during the
freeze-drying process. Those floral pieces which either dull or fade from
dehydration may be given color by utilization of a florist's spray tint.
This spray coloring restores the lost color which, in the sealed
environment of the glass container of the final product, retains its given
color along with the natural color of the other pieces.

71. African violet
asparagus
Baby’s breath

73. • Vermont process
In 1989, Paul and Ginette Lambert who were then based in France conducted
a new research invented and patented the Vermont Process, which is a unique
technology of preserving Roses and Flowers that leave the flowers looking
natural by maintaining their original shape and brightness, but for the first
time also suppleness. Preservation of flowers involves a careful selection of
the desired flower varieties which are grown and hand-picked by specially
contracted farms then delivered to the factory for further sorting, grading and
finally processing. Preservation of foliage again involves the careful
identification and selection of appropriate foliage which are then grown and
supplied by specially contracted growers. Once delivered to the factory, the
foliage are ‘Eternised’ which is a process of absorption into the foliages with a
solution of glycerine, colorants and activators. Once eternised, the foliages are
soft and supple until when they are ready for making various arrangements
and bouquets. The preserved flowers and foliage are then combined together
with other components to make uniquely hand-made and beautiful bouquets,
topiaries, architectural sculptures, wall art, lampshades and many more
arrangements as designed by a team of internationally recognized floral and
interior decor designers. The finished product is meant to last for years if
appropriately cared for by keeping it away from direct sunlight, intense heat
and water. If need be, one should only gently dust it.