Workbench
Basics
Fruits
of your labor
Raid your produce department for
all-natural mechanics that showcase your creativity.
Capitalize on your link with the produce department by trying
out these creative and summery centerpieces that use melons as
their bases. These creations are perfect items to offer for
picnic dÈcor, Fourth of July, party arrangements and for sending
along with your store’s catering staff to show off the floral
department’s skills. Keep in mind, the melons will have a
limited display life, so suggest these arrangements only for
short-duration events.
COMING
UP DAISIES
These green-and-gold-centered spray chrysanthemums look as
if they popped naturally from this fresh watermelon basket,
with their arrangement at staggered heights. They are cut
short and inserted directly into the watermelon as their
source of hydration. A short shelf life makes this
arrangement best for parties, picnics or catered events,
where it can take center stage for a limited time.
HOW TO:
If needed, slice off the rounded bottom of the watermelon to
keep it stable. With the melon lengthwise, cut straight into
the watermelon just to the right of the center, stopping
halfway through. From the right end of the watermelon, slice
at a right angle until you meet the first cut, and lift out
the segment. Repeat on the left side. Carve enough of the
pink flesh out of the remaining semicircle to create a
“handle.”
MATERIALS: spray
chrysanthemums from favorite supplier; watermelon from
produce department.
|
|
MELON BURST
The elegant air of these ‘Apricot’ roses and Hypericum dress
up a simple cantaloupe carved into a container. The apricot
hue is a perfect choice for this orange-fleshed produce,
whose textured rind adds interest at the base. Because
floral foam holds the flowers in this display, it has a bit
longer shelf life but is also best used in the short term.
Casual but still classic, it’s perfect for parties or
catering functions.
HOW TO: If needed, cut a slice from the bottom of the
cantaloupe to create a firm base. Use a paper or foam cup as
a template for carving out a circular opening in the
cantaloupe’s top. Scoop out the flesh to the desired depth,
and insert soaked floral foam into the opening. Rose stems
are cut short and arranged into the foam, and Hypericum
accents the spaces between the roses.
MATERIALS: OASISÆ Floral Foam from Smithers-Oasis;
‘Apricot’ roses and Hypericum from favorite suppliers;
cantaloupe from produce department.
|
|
TROPICAL HONEYDEW
This honeydew half calls to mind an island retreat with its
tropical foliage and all-green palette. Sleek and spiky
textures make it modern and fun, and a layer of powdered
foam allows for just a few standout ingredients without the
mechanics showing. This, too, should be used quickly to get
the best showing from the fruit and flowers, perhaps at an
island-themed party or event or at a catered breakfast.
HOW TO: If needed, slice a bit from the bottom of the
honeydew melon to make a stable base. Cut a rectangle of
floral foam just smaller than the melon, and, using it as a
guide, carve out the same shape from the melon. Insert the
floral foam and shave the top even with the melon. Sprinkle
powdered foam into the gaps and across the top for an even
appearance. Then arrange the flowers and foliages.
|
 |
MATERIALS: Anthuriums and Eryngium ‘Supernova’ (sea
holly) from Orchids Direct; Lime Green OASISÆ RainbowÆ Foam
and RainbowÆ Foam Powder from Smithers-Oasis; Philodendron
leaf from favorite supplier; honeydew melon from produce
department.
|
 |
To
enjoy the rest of this issue, please go to the
Subscriptions page and get your copy of Super Floral
Retailing today!!!
|
