Suggestions for Flower Arrangement 
In the arranging of flowers, especially as to proportion and tj enver 
as to quantity, much, may he learned from the Japanese. As to q. arden 
proportion, a Japanese once told me that the flowers should make q ltjb 
two-thirds, the vase one-third of the composition. As to quan- 
tity, a frequent fault with us is the crowding of flowers — often 
into the wrong receptacle. If possible they should he so arranged 
as to stand as they grow. Those which are upright in growing 
should not be spread ungracefully in bowls or be compressed into 
low vases. Supported by Japanese turtles or placed in tall, 
slender jars, they should stand slim and straight like flowers in 
spring. Fat, summery flowers are lovely in great soft bunches 
of color and fragrance. 
The most beautiful combination of flowers may be ruined 
by the wrong vase. One should always consider, first, what vase 
will hold the flowers most comfortably for the flowers and, 
secondly, what vase, for example, a cool green glass, a crystal or 
a bronze — will serve best as a back-ground. If the flowers be 
pink and mauve, or blue and white, iridescent glass will give 
charming reflections of the rainbow tints. It is a very satisfac- 
tory plan to use flowers of only one color or of only one combi- 
nation of colors in a room. For this idea also I am indebted 
to my Japanese friend. 
A few combinations, in which I have found pleasure, are 
here given: 
Hemerocallis citrinas, dark Purple Iris and Spirea Yanliouttei in a 
clear green glass vase. 
White Larkspur — Annual. Gypsophila — Perennial. In large iridis- 
cent glass vases. (Nothing could be more graceful and cool looking on 
a hot summer night. The reflection of the flowers in the glass by candle 
light, under thin, lacy shades is exquisite.); 
White Koses and Pussy Willow 
Yellow Primroses — Primula Veris and Lavender Phlox — Divaricata. 
(Most suggestive of spring!) 
Pale yellow Daffodils and Pink Tulips — Darwin 
One or two sprays of Delphinium — Belladonna, in clear glass bowl 
with gold edge 
Mignonette, Forget-me-not and Pink or Purple Sweet Peas 
Scotch Prize Marigolds — gold and brown (from Farquhar), in small 
bronze vase 
White Koses in turquoise bowl. (The New Eookwood bowls are a 
perfect turquoise color.) 
White Pansies in a black bowl; Dark Purple Pansies in turquoise 
bowls; Dark Purple Pansies in white bowls; Black Pansies in light 
yellow bowls. 
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