A meadow box - Part 1 - The mechanics

A Meadow Box - Part 1

The Mechanics

Essentially a long, rectangular arrangement, a 'meadow box' is an incredibly versatile display that can be used in a huge variety of ways. You could use them to line the aisle of a church, on window sills, staircases, or to dress a long banqueting table.

You Will Need:

• A watertight rectangular container - I am using one approx 1m long
• Chicken wire-coated or galvanised will be easier to work with
• Wire cutters
• Protective gloves
• Pot tape
• Water to fill your container
• Flowers and foliage
• Secateurs

Flowers & Greenery I Am Using

• Alliums
• Beech
• Cow parsley
• Delphiniums
• Eremurus
• Foxglove
• Honesty
• Mint
• Nigella
• Philadelphus
• Ranunculus

Step 1

Cut a section of chicken wire that is roughly the same length as your container.

Step 2

You now have two options. You can fold and roll the chicken wire into a tube-like shape, however this might not provide enough layers for a tall arrangement. The other option is to cut smaller sections and scrunch it up into balls that can be lined up in your container.

Step 3

Push your chicken wire into your container, folding the sharp ends in on themselves to protect yourself and the stems. Manipulate the wire to fill as much of the space within the container as possible, teasing it apart to achieve an open, layered structure.

Step 4

Take your pot tape, and wrap it around your container in a couple of places to secure the chicken wire in place. Consider the type of arrangement you will be making, and how you will disguise the tape. While it is waterproof once in place, it is essential pot tape is applied on a bone-dry surface, otherwise, it won't adhere.

Step 5

Fill your container with water - I would recommend filling it halfway, and then topping up with a watering can once the arrangement is complete and in situ.