Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Camp Chlorophyll!


Today's Project!


As most of you know, I'm a plant geek. I went to school for botany/plant taxonomy/horticultural science, followed by floral design school, followed by years of working as a florist and gardener.

I decided to try a new project for 2014...each month I'll do a botanical tutorial: design, holiday decor, gardening stuff, indoor plant collections, etc.


❧ CAMP CHLOROPHYLL! ❧



Not those kinds of plants!

For January 2014, I thought it would be great to start off with a really fun, simple, colorful and festive way to usher in the new year. It's a table centerpiece you can make at home with a plate, candle, hunks of oasis, and colorful flowers.



Step 1

Pick up some bright flowers with sturdy stems. I got roses, stock, and hydrangeas at Trader Joe's. You don't need to spend a ton of money for this project. Just getting some basics at the grocery store will work. If the weather was better, I would putter around outside and collect some branches and flowers from my garden to use.



 
Step 2

Soak the oasis (green foam blocks you can buy at a craft store, florist, or sometimes grocery shop).




Step 3

Condition the flowers. Recut the bottoms of the stems and soak in lukewarm water. You can add the packet of preservative if you want to.




Step 4

Get a nice big chunky candle and place it on a sturdy plate. NOT good china!




Step 5

Take the oasis and cut it into pieces that will fit around the candle.




Step 6

Cut flowers and foliage into pieces, make sure bottom of stem is stiff, not flimsy, or it won't pierce the oasis effectively.




Step 7

Start making a "nest" with foliage pieces.




Step 8

After inserting greens, start adding flowers. Make sure stems are in contact with oasis so they will absorb the moisture.




Step 9

Pack on flowers until all the oasis is hidden. 



 

Step 10

Spritz flowers with water to keep them fresh.




DONE!

Light candle and order take-out for dinner since you're now too exhausted to cook.



Gorgeous! You have now completed Task #1 at Camp Chlorophyll. Congrats!


Until next month,

Stay Green!

Penelope