Not even COVID can stop Canberra’s annual Floriade festival. Be inspired by this celebration of spring and sprinkle a floral flavour throughout your home.

Petal perfection

Pillow Talk flower buyer Jessica Wyatt says flower arrangements are emotive and bring feelings of joy and freshness to the home.

“Artificial flowers are a low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to fresh flowers,” Jessica says. “And they’re not restricted by seasonality or lifespan.”

According to Jessica, the perfect flower arrangement can be achieved in three easy steps:

STEP 1 – THE VASE

Think about the size and placement of your vase; these factors should influence the style, size and shape of your arrangement.

How will it be seen? From 360-degrees on a coffee table, from one side only or front on?

How tall and wide is your vase? The wider the vase, the more branches are required to create a full and complete look.

STEP 2 – THE HERO

Pick your hero flower first – one that draws you in and suits the overall look of your house.

Add a complementary stem to work with the hero, without overpowering it. Try greenery or another flower.

The final touch adds the “wow factor” – consider flower buds for texture, branches to raise the height, or a hanging stem for shape.

STEP 3 – REFRESH

Although artificial flowers last forever, don’t just set and forget. Renew your bouquet every season or two to keep your home feeling fresh.

To get the most out of your arrangement, rotate it throughout the house and try variations including splitting the arrangement in two, then bend or cut the stems, place in a smaller vase – perfect for a bedside table.

When you want to change things up, keep the greenery and add new flowers.

For more:

• Spring clean and declutter
• Make a statement with accent chairs
• Room to grow: children’s bedrooms