Flower Arranging
A Third Age Crafts feature
by our Interests, Hobbies & Pastimes Editor

While we have for centuries picked and decorated our homes with flowers (the Egyptians did it some 4,500 years ago), it was not until the accession of William & Mary in 1668 that Flower Arranging became the popular activity it is today.

Today it is one of the most perennially popular of all the arts and crafts.

Although the principles of Flower Arranging might appear to be simple, there truly is an art to successful Flower Arranging. From choosing and correctly using the right foam to arranging the flowers as attractively as possible while ensuring they last as long as possible are all skills it takes time to learn.

The Encyclopaedia of Flower Arranging Techniques is a visual guide to creating flower arrangements for all occasions. Written by Marcia Hurst, Flower Arranging expert and the author of numerous Flower Arranging books, this excellent book covers every element of Flower Arranging; techniques, creating special occasion displays, how to combine your flowers with other decorative elements, how and where to use your arrangements and so much more.

The Encyclopaedia of Flower Arranging Techniques covers all the major design principles such as colour, balance and harmony and describes techniques such as wiring, topiary and preserving. There are flower arrangements for weddings, churches, tables and pedestals, posies and swags and every conceivable special occasion.

One independent reviewer said of this book: “This book is beautifully laid out, with plenty of pictures to guide you, with every theme you could think of. A great buy!”

For those in their Third Age who would like to learn more about Flower Arranging, Flower Arranging Courses are available in most areas.