If you receive a box of cut flowers, your introduction to flower arranging has begun. Like every worthwhile art in life, experience is the best teacher. The more you practice the art of flower arranging, the better you will like the outcome. It is purely aesthetical. If you like it, it is right.

The easiest shape to achieve in flower arranging is conical. Visit the floral shop of any grocery store and you will find flower arrangements are mostly conical followed by single stem arrangements. Nursery potted planters are also arranged this way. A tall spiky plant such as a dracaena or a large geranium takes center stage. It is then encircled with interesting foliage plants or flowering bushy plants such as marigolds or petunias. Finally three to five low growing plants or vines such as ivy, vinca, or sweet potato vine are planted to cascade over the edge of the pot.

Arranging cut flowers is a simple process. Store your flowers in a container of water in a cool place such as the fridge until you are ready to work with them. Choose a vase that is one third of the height of your tallest flower stem. Make sure the mouth of the vase is wide enough to accommodate the number of stems you are working with. If you have too many, arrange two flower displays. You will need:

• supplied green stems or cut some from your own garden to enhance the beauty of each individual flower stem
• a sharp clean pair of garden shears or scissors
• a block of floral foam if your vase is low and wide to support stems
• an assortment of cut flowers

The most commonly received flowers are a dozen roses. A good florist will have included some leatherback ferns, baby's breath and a small pouch of preservative. When your cut flowers arrive, take the time to revive them to their fullest. Cut a half inch off of bottom of stems and plunge into a container of water for about an hour. A fresh cut allows stems to soak up moisture. If you cannot arrange them after this time, place them in the fridge until you can get to them.

Fill your vase two thirds full of fresh clean water. Dissolve the package of preservative. Start by arranging greens in your vase. Always cut at least a half inch from bottom of a stem before adding to the vase. You are going for the conical shape that will support the flowers. Keep turning the vase as you add stems so that you achieve symmetry from all angles. You are now ready to begin adding flowers to your arrangement.

Count up the number of main flower stems you have available. This gives you an idea on spacing them around your arrangement. If stems are weak like gerbera daisies, slip them through a straw for stability . The greens will hide the straw. This trick works for bundling small flowers too. Once you have the major flowers added, you can now add minor fillers like baby's breath or berry clusters. Small flowers look better when clustered. When you are satisfied, pat yourself on the back. You have just accomplished flower arranging.

Next: Introduction To Flower Arranging - The Table Centerpiece