ADDING FLORAL PUNCH!

When we look at a floral composition many of the principles and elements of design are clear and quite evident. Strong line, color impact, size, space, and even fragrance all play a role. However, often many of those principles play a less obvious role but are still equally as important. One of those is dominance. Dominance as defined by The AIFD Guide To Floral Design Terms, Techniques, and Traditions book is the visual organization within a design that emphasizes one or more aspects. When one element is emphasized, others are subordinate. A secondary principle of dominance is accent. Accent is detail added to a design to provide additional interest, affecting the total character of the composition. Just as in speech or cooking, accent adds a punch of interest. Accent can be something as simple as a piece of ribbon tied on to a handle of a basket or a bird’s nest added to a floral styling as an accessory. But accent can also be added by adding fresh flowers, foliage, branches or decorative grasses as well. This time of year provides many choices of accents to compliment the composition. As in cooking, it is important to remember to use accents with a light hand as you would spices keeping in mind that too many accents confuse the viewer and create a visual disharmony.
Love grass, Millet, Wheat, and Amaranthus are a few choices that can be added to an existing composition to spice up the presentation. While they may be less impactful in color, they contribute to the texture and can be used to enhance strong lines. Pumpkin Vine, Ornamental Peppers, and Pomegranates on a vine can add color impact as well as contrasting forms to a composition. Ornamental Kale which has a distinctive autumn flavor can also be an accent or used as a focal flower. Yarrow, with its golden yellow color and bumpy texture add color impact and form interest. Craspedia can also do the same although totally different in size and form. Echinacea Cones are an interest material that adds a subtle use of color, but adds textural interest similar to Scabiosa Pods. Cat Tails are a time honored harbinger of autumn and add strength when used as a line material. Safflower adds color as well as texture with its ‘Sussical’ form and vibrant orange color. Rosemary and Eucalyptus contribute to the fragrance of a floral composition.
With so many choices, it is sometimes difficult to show restraint and to use accents with a light and effective touch. Introduce your customers to some of this season’s finest Accents. Visit the Florabundance web site or call your Account Manager today to see what is available to spice up your designs!