The process of flower arranging starts by conceptualising a design , and selecting the vessel that you are going to use . Whether you go for a glass vase , bucket or slightly more creative display , start by envisaging how the components will come together . Think about the overall look , the shape and the colour combinations . Are you looking for something flowing , natural and impulsive ? Or would you prefer a more structured , architectural design ? Will it be large ? Will it be small ? By narrowing down what it is you are looking to achieve , you ’ ll find it much easier to get started with the design process .

Choose your ingredients

Now is time to start thinking about the summer display ingredients and how they will work together , remember you ’ ll need to choose a combination of fillers as well as flowers . Start by focusing on the ‘ statement ’ blooms , these larger flowers are visually weighty and will create the foundations for the rest of the display ; dahlias , sunflowers , roses and peonies are the perfect place to start . Then you want to think about creating the height as this will contribute to a balanced , well-rounded shape ;

penstemons , delphiniums and oxgloves are great for adding depth . Next comes the foliage , otherwise known as the filler flowers , these are vital in adding texture and character to your display , while also complementing the other flowers . Common filler choices include forget-me-not , phlox , narcissus and of course eucalyptus , which looks great with pretty much everything . Finally comes the greenery ; often an afterthought , but vital when it comes to getting the balance just right , greenery will help to tie everything together . Starting your summer flower arrangement with the greenery will also create the perfect base for you to build on . Choose from a variety of shades , leaf shapes and textures – this is where your planning will come in use as you ’ ll hopefully know the direction you want to take which should make choosing that a little bit easier .

Arranging your masterpiece

The general rule of thumb is to start with the base and gradually work on building your arrangement . Always remember , it doesn ’ t matter if something isn ’ t quite right , you can just move things around until you achieve the look you want ; flower

arranging is about experimenting and having fun .

Greenery . Starting with the greenery will allow you to create the rough outline of the shape . Once that ’ s in , you can start adding to the piece gradually . You can also be clever and use the greenery to hide any wire that might be showing .

Big to Small . This is super important to remember if you want to get it right . Start by positioning the bigger blooms as these will become the focal point of the display . You can then build around these blooms with your chosen fillers ; this layering will create depth and interest . Always finish with the smallest , most delicate flowers ; these are great gap fillers and will create the look of movement , almost like they are floating across the top of the display .

Buy local

We can ’ t stress enough the importance of sourcing your flowers locally . It ’ s thought that almost 90 % of flowers on the shelves today , whether you shop at your local florist , supermarket or even wholesaler are imported from worldwide growers , some travelling

from as far as Kenya and Ethiopia . So , why should we be buying local ?

• British flowers are actually excellent value for money , you pay less for flowers that are in season and you ’ re guaranteed great quality .

• Supporting local growers is essential for the local economy and you ’ ll also be keeping the farmers happy and in business .

• The growth of British flowers encourages wildlife and biodiversity .

• You ’ ll get the best out of seasonal flowers . British flowers and foliage are best when in season , and putting your nose into a beautiful bouquet of local flowers is a different experience altogether .

The move towards sustainable growing is rapidly increasing , and Kent ’ s growers are plentiful with a great number of florists now growing their own seasonal flowers and foliage . Not only that , Kent is home to several flower farms , some of which run a PYO policy , so you should definitely check them out when you can !