What is the best way for a beginner to learn floral arranging?

Go get your old geometry book! All western Flower Arranging is based on geometric figures...the circle, the triangle, and the right angle.

Your container has a lot to do with which figure you will use. If you are making a vase arrangement, most likely you will use a circle type of arrangement. Look at the bunch of flower in that vase over there. Essentially, it is an ice cream cone type of look, right? So you design a circle arrangement. This is fairly easy to accomplish. The main focal point of the arrangement is the primary flowers. Roses, mums, bird of paradise, any large flower is the focal point. These should always be in groups of three..a triangle in you hand. Now add smaller flowers such as alstermeria, button mums, daisies, or baby's breath. Next add your greenery, all around the sides and throughout the rest of the bouquet. Make some flowers higher than the others to make your circle. Trim to fit your vase and you have an arrangement!

To work with a flatter vase, you have more options. Oasis, that green stuff that holds water so well, can be inserted into any container that will hold water. The same principle for the circle is for the triangle and the right angle shapes. Pick your primary color flower and put it at the center of the oasis. This bloom should be the tallest in the arrangement. Now add focal flower in a triangle line from the top bloom. "Fill in" with greenery, smaller flowers and you have the triangle arrangement. Take your time and work to get what is pleasing to you. Just remember that you have a triangle shape to it, front and back.

The Right angle shape takes more practice. Your arrangement should be off centered, and the largest blooms will take an L shape from one side of the container. Fill in the rest of the L shape like you do the triangle. Make a pair of these (mirror imaged) for a very dramatic look on a mantle, or side board.

The big thing is to practice! It takes time to see the shapes when you are learning. Use inexpensive flowers to practice with...no roses here unless you grow them yourself! Check out books at your local library to see arrangements and step by step instructions on how to do it.

Most of all, enjoy doing it! If you get frustrated, walk away. If it doesn't look right...walk away. Come back in 20 minutes or so and you'll like it better. You'll also see what needs to be changed. This is a new skill and must be practiced..so have fun!