Ornamental Horticulture

Principles of flower arrangement

Flower arrangement is an art of arranging flowers in different styles.
Principles of flower arrangement

• Emphasis / Focal point
• Balance
• Scale / Proportion
• Rhythm
• Harmony and Unity

Emphasis / Focal point

• Central portion of arrangement from where flowers and foliage appear to be emerging.
• Larger and brighter flowers or flowers with unique shape are suitable as focal points.
• Focal point draws attention of viewer.
• One focal point is enough for a small arrangement while 3 or more focal points are important for a large one.

Balance

• A balanced arrangement has a distinct focal point.
• Balance may be symmetrical (geometrical) or asymmetrical.

Scale / Proportion

• Achieved by scaling the flowers from the focal point i.e. the smallest buds are placed farthest from the focal point.

Rhythm

• Rhythm is achieved through colour and gradation (size) of flowers
• The colour may be darkest at focal point and gradually lighter at the rims.

Harmony and Unity

• Blending of all the components is called harmony
• It is created when all the parts of the design blend together to form a single idea
• It is created by repetition of the components in the arrangements.