A large dahlia arrangement
with WILLOW CROSSLEY
Lesson 11 of 43
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Willow makes a beautiful dahlia arrangement.
From the Lesson Workbook
A Large Dahlia Arrangement
Arrangements marry better together when there is a mix of different shapes and sizes. I recommend an open neck container as so many of the dahlias have chunky stems
When preparing for an arrangement, dahlias are picked first thing in the morning, given a good drink of water then seared in boiling water for twenty seconds.
The smaller and more fragile a plant is the less time you should sear it in water for. Don't be afraid of clashing, but also put a lighter dahlia in the bunch like a Café au Lait or a White Perfection.
Proportion wise, aim for one and a half times the height of the container. Crisscross the flowers initially across each other to make a grid. You can put a frog in the bottom to anchor your first couple of flowers. The petals do not want to be wet. Remember dahlias like a lot of water so monitor the water levels in the container.
When buying from a grower remember the firmer they are the fresher, and look at the backs of the dahlias to gauge how fresh there are. The container used in this lesson is from eBay.
Suggested Homework
Try to find some local dahlia growers!
Flowers Used
- Santa Claus
- Cafe Au Lait 'Mango Madness'
- Night butterfly
- White cosmos (purity)
- Thomas Edison
- Elonaye
- American Dawn
- Ott's thrill
- Eileen
- Edge of joy
- White perfection
- Jowey Linda
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Your Instructor
Willow Crossley
World-renowned florist, author and designer, known as the UK’s ‘Queen of Flowers’.
Willow Crossley is a professional floral stylist, creating wild and whimsical arrangements full of colour, pattern and movement for an array of top British brands (Jo Malone, OKA). She is the author of four books and is regularly featured in House & Garden and many other publications. Willow is passionate about the profound impact nature can have on how we feel, and has gained a substantial following for her down-to-earth and inclusive approach to floristry and gardening. Willow firmly advocates a sustainable approach to floristry, working with the seasons and sourcing locally grown stems wherever possible.
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