Life & Style
Freddie’s Flower Show
Inspiration sprouted early for Freddie Garland. Born into a family of florists, he launched his delivery service from home, and now Freddie’s Flowers has bloomed internationally. Here, the horticultural hero shares his tips on creating a chic centrepiece.
Top Tips For A Stylish Summer Centrepiece
Use a kenzan for structure
A flower frog gives your arrangement sculptural shape and control – perfect for an architectural, modern look.
Pick an interesting vessel
Choose a low, characterful container – I love the jelly stand from Bettia Ceramica; it looks great, whilst allowing the flowers to be the main event.
Mix unusual flower combinations
Like anthuriums with peonies – bold with soft. For me, shape and colour are most important. Choose flowers for their curves, angles and colours rather than following any traditional ‘rules’.
Create a solid foundation
Start with three strong blooms (such as dahlias) to establish height and symmetry – they set your visual framework.
Use a mix of textures
Add airy elements like dill, ammi or viburnum to contrast the structure, giving the arrangement some floatiness.
Vary heights and angles
Place stems at different levels and lean them in different directions (stems are rarely upright). This creates a good flow and energy in the arrangement.
Use flower grouping for impact
Group a couple of flowers together to create areas of colour, then balance it on the opposite side.
Disguise the frog
Use foliage to hide your frog or chicken wire – peony leaves work well!
Extend the theme to your table
I like to have a theme running through the whole table, making sure my tableware works with the flower selection.
Experiment with bud vases
You can use shorter bud vases either to accompany your centrepiece, or on their own scattered down the table. Ensure you trim your flowers to differing heights to create depth.
