American Rose: "Rose Flower Arranging for your Home
By DANIELLE HAHN
Among the most enjoyable activities for rose gardeners is arranging flowers grown in the garden and displaying them at home. Sadly, many are intimidated by a perceived lack of talent or by suggested complexities and ‘rules,’ including the use of frogs, floral foam, tape, and other floral arranging mechanics. Yet, once this activity is attempted, most people quickly realize that it is both easy and enjoyable. The only tools needed are a vase to hold the arrangement, a large container in which to acclimate the flowers (while cutting and arranging), along with a sharp pair of cutting shears. Gloves are always helpful when working with roses.
Consider the room in which the finished bouquet will be showcased. This will help determine which vase or container should be used and will also help with the selection of roses. Just as small containers may be most appropriate for a powder room, other types and sizes of containers can be matched to the décor and style of other rooms. A tall crystal vase with straight sides might be appropriate for an entry hall using hybrid tea and grandiflora roses. Shrub roses, or roses with more delicate stems, do well in a container with pinched in sides, such as a canning jar, teapot, or pitcher.
Consider a silver tea pot for a romantic look in a formal living room. A turquoise bowl could be perfect in a country kitchen. Container size should be based on the number of roses in the arrangement. Fill it so that the arrangement displays itself, using just enough stems to fill the neck of the vase, neither cramming them too tightly, nor leaving too much space which allows the roses to shift within the vase.