Fashion

Flower arranging is one of the most therapeutic activities you can do in isolation, here's your beginner's guide


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If you’ve participated in countless pub quizzes via Zoom, finally read that pile of books on your bedside table and watched every damn show streaming on Netflix right now and are looking for even more things to do in isolation, it might be time to get green-fingered.

If you need some convincing, allow us to draw your attention to a report in the Journal of Mental Health, which cited gardening as being able to reduce stress and improve mood, with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

If the idea of rooting through mounds of soil and patiently waiting for your eagerly-anticipated daffodils to make an appearance isn’t your vibe, flower arranging could be a good place to start. Indeed, as florist Rowan Blossom, author of Living With Flowers: Blooms & Bouquets for the Home, explains: “Flower arranging is an amazing hobby to take up during isolation as it’s something that requires very little ‘skill’, tools or artistic talent. Anyone can have a go and all you really need are some blooms, scissors and a bit of patience.

“It is something that will 100% improve with practise, so whilst we all have a little more time on our hands, it’s a lovely hobby to immerse yourself in. Think of it as a form of self-care; it is both relaxing and fulfilling as creating something with your hands is super satisfying.”

Rowan believes that flowers represent hope and joy, noting that they elevate your mood and help your interior feel fresh and vibrant – so all in all they are exactly what we need to be surrounding ourselves with at a time like this. “Whilst we are somewhat restricted with the time we can spend outdoors, it’s fabulous to bring a bit of nature into your home,” she said.

“I always think spotting a pop of colour in an unexpected nook is an instant boost, so I like dotting flowers in unusual places that will bring you a little moment of joy and transform the mundane, so expect to see blooms by the kitchen sink, to give you something pretty to look at whilst doing the washing up, and on bedside tables to scent the room whilst you sleep.”

  • The number one essential would be a good pair of sharp scissors or gardening secateurs. The best are made by the Japanese company Sakagen, they look cute but are samurai sword sharp so take care! For something a bit more purse-friendly, Oasis also make a good pair.
  • It’s always good to have a variety of vases and vessels so you can put together different sorts of arrangements – ranging from teeny bud vases up to milk jugs and big pickle jars. Get creative with what you have at home! Wash out jam jars and bottles when you’ve finished them and use them grouped together to create a sweet informal flower arrangement, perfect for a kitchen table. On the high street, Zara Home and John Lewis always have a brilliant selection.
  • The other thing you’re obviously going to need are flowers! If you have a garden, take snips from there, otherwise try and get a couple of bunches on your next trip to the supermarket for essentials. At the moment there are lots of lovely British Spring flowers that are available – tulips and daffodils in particular.


After flicking through Rowan’s book, which details the basics every florist should know, as well as simple guides to creating floral masterpieces for every occasion, these are the flower arranging hacks we’ve gleaned…

Old bottles and jam jars make the perfect vessels. Have a trawl through your cupboards and you’ll be surprised what may work. Add sprigs off foliage such as rosemary and eucalyptus offset with daffodils or sweet-pea flowers for an informal arrangement. Rowan loves dotting the dinky arrangements around her flat, including on her entrance table and clustered on the kitchen table for a casual centrepiece.

A jug of supermarket-bought blooms in your kitchen can brighten any day. One of Rowan’s go-to speedy floristry arrangements is popping a couple of bunches of supermarket-bought flowers (preferably in a single colour) into a ceramic jug. Leave it in the centre of your kitchen table and prepare to smile upon entry.

Tablescaping is the perfect way to jazz up mealtimes in lieu of dining at restaurants or attending events. As Rowan explains: “It doesn’t take many blooms to make an impact on your tablescape; a couple of tiny stems or sprigs of herbs or foliage from the garden cut low and popped into a little vase is all you need to transform your table. Think about the colours of your glassware/tableware/linen/napkins and use flowers to complement and enhance these – the more texture, pattern and colour, the bette. And don’t forget the candles; there is nothing more magical than eating by candelight, it transforms the table and your mood.”

Now you know the basics and benefits of flower arranging, Rowan and her sister and business partner, Briony, have recorded a few fun crafty how-to’s which they will be posting on IGTV soon. Follow @rowan_blossom and keep your eyes peeled.





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