• Pattern: oval
• Line: vertical
• Container: tall, clear glass vase
• Stem support: glass marbles, a plastic grid, or a grid of interlocking foliage stems
• Flower shapes: all one type of flower or a combination of line, mass, and filler flowers. This arrangement can make effective use of mixed garden flowers as long as the stems are long and strong.
Step 1: If marbles or a plastic grid is being used, the vase should be filled or capped to begin. Fill approximately % of the vase with water. For a grid of interlocking stems, just fill the vase with water. No other preparation is needed. NOTE: It would be wise to add a preservative to the water to keep it clear and to inhibit microbial growth that will shorten the life of the flowers.
Step 2: Select foliage and flowers that have stems of sufficient length to reach to the bottom of the vase since the water level will drop over time.
Step 3: Place the majority of the foliage into the vase before adding the flowers. If a foliage grid is being created, turn the vase during placement so that a mesh of foliage is created within the container. That mesh will hold the flower stems in place when they are positioned.
Step 4: Measure the tallest flower to extend above the container about one and one-half times the height of the vase. Place it in the center of the foliage mass.
Step 5: Add additional flowers and foliage while turning the vase to create an egg-shaped oval. Position the flowers so that they all appear to be converging to the same central point within the vase. If mixed shapes and sizes are being used, place the largest blossoms at the base where they will emphasize the focal point.
Step 6: If desired, the arrangement can be finished by adding a bow at the base or by adding trailing foliage such as ivy to cascade from the base.
