FLOWER POWER
From trends to vases, expert tips will have you ruling your blossoms
Gardens in vibrant full bloom are one of the great glories of summer, and can be enjoyed both outside — and inside, where fresh flowers wield a powerful transformative effect, conferring simple charm or chic sophistication. Floral and event designer Holly Heider Chapple offers insights about everything from current trends in design — classic with a modern twist — to practical advice about how to select unique containers and vases.
Q What would you say are the top trends now in wedding design?
A Loose, airy and organic are the current vibes. I personally love muddy tones and a bit of brown in all of my creations. The brown makes lavender smoky, red moody and yellow golden. It also warms things up and softens the intensity of colour, which makes the look romantic and gives it an old-world feel.
Q What would you call this loose, garden style — modern or classic? Do you see any other trends on the horizon?
A I think the garden style is classic and we are starting to see a modern twist to this design style. The use of tropical foliages and flowers, mixed with garden blooms, is also an emerging trend.
Q Do you think that succulents are overused and cliché now? What’s a nice substitute for an outdoor dinner party?
A Succulents were overused for some time, but I still believe they can be used in an artful way. I appreciate the fact that they are hardy and can be replanted and repurposed.
For outdoor garden parties, I love a design my father called French gardens. This centrepiece is created by choosing a low shallow pot or planter and mixing in several different types of annuals, such as wave petunias, ivy, potato vine, herbs and other plants of interest from the garden centre.
Q There’s nothing more frustrating than buying fresh flowers that don’t open, or die quickly. How do you choose good blooms looking fresh?
A Buying flowers from reputable flower shops or local farmers’ markets is the key. Sadly, grocery-store flowers are considered loss leaders and they are not of high quality. In general, blooms that are tighter will last longer.
Q You like to stop by the side of the road and cut flowers. Do you have to ask permission to do that?
A I always ask permission if I am on someone’s private property. I have been known to trade flowers or baked goods. If I do see something on the side of the road in rural areas, as long as I am certain it is overgrowth and considered brush, I will take it. I’m an avid gardener and I know what is foraged material and what is someone’s planted property. That is key.
Q Why do peonies get ruined by rain when other flowers don’t?
A The rain weighs the flower down and since the blooms are so large, they typically end up on the ground. The density of the petals also holds in moisture, which will cause the bloom to decay. It’s best to get them out of the rain and enjoy them inside! If you are going to leave them outside, stake them up.
Q What flower design books do you recommend for those who want to learn more?
A I would highly recommend Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein (Chronicle, 2017) and The Flower Workshop by Ariella Chezar (Ten Speed Press, 2016). I also love books by Gregor Lersch and Hitomi Gilliam for a more artistic approach.
Q Do you have any advice or tips when ordering flowers to be sent for an occasion?
A I would give a list of flowers that you like, and flowers that you do not like. I would ask that the design be loose, airy and not contrived.
Q I’m underwhelmed with all but one of my vases. They are mostly hand-me-downs or came with bouquets. I’d like to buy one really good one that would go with lots of types of arrangements. Any suggestions for material, shape and size?
A I love to shop at antique shops or flea markets for unique containers. Make sure you choose a vessel that holds water, is deep enough for the stems and has a generous opening.
Q If you were to have only three vases, which shapes would you own?
A I would have to choose a compote bowl, champagne bucket and small cordial glasses.
Q What do you think of the look of tiny vases all over the table, each holding one stem?
A I love it! This is why I mentioned the tiny cordial glasses as one of my favourite containers.
Q Do you have any specific bouquets or potted plants that make a nice gift?
A Flowers from your local farmers’ market are always a good investment. While potted plants are great, I prefer to buy perennial plants or shrubs as gifts as they continue to come back each year when planted in the garden. It’s an annual reminder of your generosity.