5 Botanics for Airy Arrangements
Getting that airy and dreamy aesthetic in your floral designs is all about flower choice and placement - but for now, let's focus on choice: here's a short list of fool-proof Botanics to make your designs feel and look as light as a feather.
When adding these airy elements, don't be afraid to go tall to begin with and cut length from the stem if it just doesn't look right. Playing with proportion is another thing to consider (more on that another time).
Let your creative intuition flow. This can be easier said than done and takes practice, but to keep things simple start with these: use botanics you're naturally drawn to, and colour palettes that make your heart happy, be considerate of your design but don't overthink it.
It helps to briefly line draw an idea of the final shape you'd like to create (or simply have it in your head) before you begin.
Here are some favourite go-to floral elements that will give you that airy feel every time.
GERANIUM LEAVES
The beautiful curved lines and edges of geranium leaves allow for interesting shapes, create negative space in an arrangement and let light through the design.
CHAMOMILE & COSMOS
These dainty little daisies dance through designs creating dreamy lines and allowing light to filter through
GRASSES
Reminiscent of fields swaying in the golden sunset, the right grass choice for your arrangement will not only give you an airy aesthetic but also play on height in a nature inspired way.
SWEET PEA
An all time favourite. Sweet Peas are the perfect flower to create an airy base and design outline (omitting all or most foliage). The best way to do this: bundle a few stems together, creating different heights with the blooms, then cut the stems at the same length and place into your arrangement together. Repeat and repeat until you have a fluffy foundation of sweet peas at staggered heights.
FOXGLOVES & SNAP DRAGONS
The ones with less flowers. I'm a big fan of "line" flowers without all the blooms. The bulkier stems can be tricky to use and I often pluck off some of the flowers to thin them out. Using this shape brings height to your arrangement with lots of negative space to create that airy look.
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So there you have a handful of my go-to's for cloud-like designing. Hope this first of my Design Notes series helps you to create arrangements you love!