The IMA Galleries are going to be filled with endless cut flower inspiration this spring during Art in Bloom presented by Fifth Third Private Bank (March 31 through April 3) so we thought we would share some tips and tricks on how to create an arrangement at home. Hear from Marian Keith, Greenhouse Coordinator, as she takes you step by step through arranging a stunning floral display with affordable flowers you can find at the grocery store. Let’s get started! 

GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES 

CUTTING TOOL 

The most important thing about your cutting tool is that it is sharp and clean. Marian is using bypass pruners here. Most people have a pair at home, and they are perfect for the job. If you are going to use scissors, make sure they are super sharp, otherwise they can crush the stems and damage water uptake.  

A VESSEL 

Choosing your vase is largely preference, but again, make sure it is clean.  Marian recommends flowers extend 1 to 2 times the height of the vase.  

FLOWERS 

This is personal preference! Select flowers that appeal to you and your arrangement will bring you joy, but a nice rule of thumb is to choose at least three different elements: a BASE, a THRILLER and a FILLER. 

1. For this arrangement, Marian is using: 

• BASE: ROSES 

• THRILLER: SNAPDRAGONS 

• FILLER: WAX FLOWERS  

2. Select a variety of textures and shapes. 

3. Sticking to one color family for the primary flowers with small accents of a complementary color creates a cohesive look. 

• Marian chose cheerful yellow roses and bright yellow snapdragons. 

• Her filler is wax flowers with a note of purple. Purple is the complimentary color to yellow, so the wax flowers will help the yellow roses and snapdragons pop.  

PREPERATION IS KEY  

Taking just a few steps to prepare your stems can help extend the life of your arrangement by as much as 60%.  

1. Using your cutting tool, recut the stems a 45-degree angle. This maximizes the surface area for water uptake. After you trim the stems, return to cool water right away.  

2. Strip the foliage that will be under the water level. Extra leaves can cause bacteria to grow and will shorten the life of your arrangement.  

3. Add your pre-packaged flower food. Most grocery store flowers come with a packet of flower food. While it isn't necessary for all flowers, if it comes with your stems, Marian recommends using it! 

4. Fill your vase about 2/3 full of cool, clean water.  

GROW FOR IT! IT’S TIME TO START ARRANGING 

1. Create a foundation with your base flower.  

• Marian is cutting her roses in ascending height. 

If your arrangement is heavy with foliage and greenery, she recommends starting with that. Otherwise, start with your star! 

2. Now it’s time for your thriller! Your thriller will add some excitement to your arrangement.  

• Marian is going for an asymmetrical look, following the rule of thirds. The variety in height and texture adds visual interest, while the similar colors help connect each element. 

3. The filler will help to fill out the arrangement and add support to the loose stems.   

• Don’t be afraid to move things around and make changes to your arrangement! These elements are a helpful guide, but flower arranging is a creative process and takes practice to master. “The bottom line is, do what makes you happy,” says Marian. 

You can find Marian and her colleagues’ work on display in the soon-to-be reopening Clowes Pavilion in the IMA Galleries beginning March 26, where she will have an arrangement overflowing from a 1860s marble and bronze fountain.  You can find Marian and her colleagues’ work on display in the soon-to-be reopening Clowes Pavilion in the IMA Galleries beginning March 26, where she will have an arrangement overflowing from a 1860s marble and bronze fountain.  

EXHIBITION CREDITS: 

Art in Bloom is presented by Fifth Third Private Bank. Lead support provided by Joanna & Miles Batchelor; the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter; Meg Coyle; and Barnes & Thornburg LLP.