DESIGN YOUR OWN…

1 PERFECT STYLING Measure your flowers against your chosen vase before you cut to get the right length, then trim the stems at an angle to help the water be better absorbed. Even if the flowers are around the right height for the vase, cut about 2.5cm from the bottom. Add strong stems first, and if you’re creating something particularly elaborate, hide a block of florists’ foam inside the vase and slot the stems into it to stop the arrangement falling apart.

2 VASE VARIATIONS Make sure you get the right size and shape to complement the flowers. A large round vase will suit a fuller arrangement while a tall, narrow shape will work with long stems for a tight, structured look. Go for vases in the same colour as the flowers for an elegant result. Find a wide selection of vases at westelm.co.uk.

3 TALL AND SMALL Mixing fuller blooms with smaller, delicate blossoms will bring balance and texture. The same goes for height. A variety of longer and shorter stems will create a less uniform and more interesting, natural display. 4 FAKE FOLIAGE Faux flowers are so much more realistic now – for a good selection of artificial designs and greenery, try The Flower Shop at neptune.co.uk. If you want to intersperse these with fresh flowers, a great option for out-of-season choices, cut the stems short so they can’t be spoilt by water when placed in the vase.

The similar style of the vases unites these three quite different arrangements. From left: garden roses with seeded eucalyptus; hydrangea, Dusty Miller and silver brunia; and Dusty Miller, ranunculus, hyacinth, astrantia and seeded eucalyptus. Visit...