One of the principle rules to be observed is to avoid placing those
flowers together which approach the same form or colour. Thus, in
arranging two round flowers, I invariably break the formality by
introducing some light spray. To facilitate a taste for grouping is the
cause of my introducing illustrations to this work. It will be observed
that I arrange spring flowers always alone. I am not so particular with
the flowers of every season, for art in cultivation has done so much in
furnishing us with specimens of various seasons, that it is no uncommon
thing to meet with a rose in spring that we should take for
"The last rose of summer."
In the florists' windows, in winter (I mean in Covent Garden), we may
perceive such perfections of nature that our imagination might be
tempted to suppose that the summer sun could alone have produced them.
I would recommend the early spring flowers to be arranged in flower pots
or in wicker baskets. In mixed groups, as a certain guide to those who
do not like to trust to their own taste for blending colours, I would
place lavender near pink; blue to red; white should approximate to
scarlet, and yellow to purple. The small flowers particularly essential
in separating the larger ones are white and yellow jasmine, nemophila
cineraria, verbenas, myrtle, honeysuckle, etc., etc. The pendent flowers
give great ease and elegance to a bouquet, and should be placed in
first. The neck of the vase should be well filled with dried moss, which
can be procured at the herbalists. Alabaster and glass vases are best
adapted for the reception of wax bouquets, except when they are intended
for the centre of a table, and then I prefer baskets of alabaster,
wicker, or gilt; glass shades are requisite to cover either. All, or any
of the last-named articles, I shall be happy to furnish to those who may
kindly think proper to favour me with orders, addressed to my residence,
35, Rathbone Place.