A simple cluster of nandina, sometimes called heavenly bamboo, provides a touch of fall and is a way to bring the outdoors inside as a pretty fall centerpiece.
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If the nandina shrub and its bright orange-red leaves is unfamiliar but sounds interesting, a flower arranging class could open new opportunities. Whether you are changing careers or pursuing an enjoyable hobby, floral arranging classes at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City offer 16 weeks of instruction.
Julia Laughlin teaches beginning floral arranging classes at OSU-Oklahoma City, where she is associate professor of horticulture. For 16 years, she has helped students learn how to work with flowers.
Students come to the classes for many reasons. Laughlin said some want to learn how to create arrangements for family weddings.
Classes focus on art principles and their application to floral design. Laughlin said fresh flowers, and silk flowers are used in the class.
Laughlin had several ideas for people who want to create a fall centerpiece, and she said simple, uncomplicated arrangements add beauty to any decor.
"Start by looking in your own yard,” Laughlin said. "Use apples and other fruit, wheat, dried grasses and gather pinecones, sweetgum balls and other seeds and seedheads. This is a good starting point, and will look pretty with mums. Go for a natural look, not too formal, and use herbs to add the dimension of scent.
Rosemary is a good choice, and basil is nice. Pick up acorns and nuts, and add them.”
Laughlin said people who enjoy flower arranging should plan and plant ahead to grow their own floral designs. This can be accomplished on a large scale, or as simple as planting a few pots of mums bought at the grocery store.
When the next season rolls around the mums will bloom, and you’ll be glad you didn’t throw them out. It takes just a few of the hardy mums to provide a splash of color in an arrangement.
The use of several small vases filled with just one or two flowers is popular now, Laughlin said. Combine an odd number of vases in different shapes and colors for a casual look.
"Keep it simple, natural, and enjoy what you are doing.”
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Flower preservation tips
Create a home preservative with these simple ingredients: One part lemon-lime carbonated soda (not diet) to two parts water, and a tablespoon of mouthwash per gallon. Do not use pennies or aspirin.
Source: Horticulture Dept. Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
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