Flowers - Softcover

Hillier, Malcolm

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0868243736 ISBN 13: 9780868243733

Publisher: Transworld Publishers (Division of Random House Australia), 1988

Synopsis

A practical guide to choosing and arranging fresh flowers, lavishly illustrated to give a season-by-season source book.

About this title

Review

Fresh flowers in your home add a deeply personal touch, whether you prefer a simple bouquet of sweet peas on your nightstand or an elegant arrangement of lilies in the foyer. Malcolm Hillier's book Flowers may well be the ultimate guide to floral design for both professionals and novices; the photography is beautiful, the tools and techniques are explained in detail, and the unusual A-to-Z plant directory will have you swooning with delight.

Within its 500 pages, this book contains both creative inspiration and practical tips. Different styles of arrangement are examined, from simple nosegays to timeless ikebana, and with each style, equal attention is paid to both overall form and specific plant suggestions. Instructions for various projects are included, and range from a time-consuming garland to a trendy wedding bouquet of peonies and feathers. Whimsical rose petal "cocktails" are charming, while a traditional holly-filled urn makes a perfect holiday centerpiece.

New students of flower arranging will want to start with the "practical techniques" chapter, or some of these projects may seem a bit overwhelming. This chapter shows the proper methods of choosing and treating flowers for long-lasting blooms, as well as wiring and gluing techniques. The step-by-step photos that accompany the straightforward instructions are a huge help; novices will be feeling like Martha Stewart in no time. The plant directory arranges blossoms by type, color, season, and scent, and includes special plants known for their dramatic effects or need for special treatment. This is the place to turn when you're designing a special color-coordinated bridal bouquet or seasonal arrangement; the suggestions include both classic and unusual plants, so no matter what style you're looking for, you're sure to find ideas. --Jill Lightner

From Booklist

This sumptuous book, with more than 2,000 photographs by Hayward, features 150 floral display ideas using fresh and dried flowers. Floral expert Hillier begins with a short history, discussing the uses of flowers in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle East, India, China, and Japan. He examines the growing interest in flower arrangement and floral art in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Europe and America, explaining elements of design (color, shape, and texture) and how to create displays for use in the home, for Thanksgiving and Christmas, at weddings, and in churches. He also explains what he calls flowers for giving (Valentine hearts, Easter nests, anniversary baskets, etc.). In a section on practical techniques, the author gives advice on tools and equipment, containers, picking and conditioning flowers, preserving material, and making bases, bouquets, headdresses, hoops, wrappings, and trimmings. This comprehensive how-to guide also contains a 167-page illustrated plant directory. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Transworld Publishers (Division of Random House Australia)
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0868243736
• ISBN 13: 9780868243733
• Binding: Paperback