Living Pictures by Carl Starker 
[Glads are not the easiest flowers to arrange. They 
are, however, one of the most rewarding. When inte- 
grated into an artistic composition by a master hand, 
they are scarcely to be surpassed. Where else can you 
find such inherent drama, such exuberant, lavish, and 
varied color? 
Recognizing our own limitations as arrangement 
artists and sensing the high potentiality of glads as 
arrangement material, we invited Carl Starker of 
Oregon to come to Minnesota last summer to show us 
what could be done with glads. He made up several 
dozen really stunning compositions, ten of which are 
reproduced in color in this catalog. More will follow 
next year. 
Mr. Starker, who is widely recognized throughout 
America as an outstanding floral artist, is the author 
of a book entitled Western Flower Arrangement, which 
is rated by Popular Gardening as one of the “100 best 
books for a_ horticultural library”. This may be 
ordered direct from the author at Jenning’s Lodge, 
Oregon. The price is $2.50. 
At our request Mr. Starker has kindly sent us the 
following illuminating analysis of the art of flower 
arrangement for use in this catalog. We are delighted 
to bring to our friends and customers such a fasci- 
nating and invaluable article to help them get the most 
enjoyment out of their glads. 
What follows is by Carl Starker.—C. F.] 
Flower arrangement is a creative art, just as painting 
or sculpture are, and the same principles that obtain in 
these arts are found in flower arrangement. We need 
balance, proportion, rhythm, proper scale, focal point, 
etc., to make a satisfying ensemble. 
If you are to practice the art of flower arrangement, 
the first thing to consider is the question of containers. 
You cannot expect to make interesting and beautiful 
arrangements unless you have containers which have 
good lines and pleasing shapes. This does not mean 
that you must spend a lot of money on them, for they 
often can be had quite reasonably, but they must be 
chosen carefully, and never purchased simply because 
they are a bargain. 
In buying containers, always keep in mind the place 
where you intend to use them. If your house is a 
modern one with low ceilings, you will want vases of 
a different type from those you would use in a large, 
old, high-ceilinged house. You should also think of 
your color scheme, and not buy containers which will 
strike a jarring note with your drapes or upholstery. 
It is much better to have a few really good contain- 
ers than many mediocre ones. Keep an eye out for 
interesting shapes, textures and colors. 
Any container too conspicuous in form, color, or 
texture is not desirable. Ornateness of shape or dec- 
oration will detract from the flower and call undue 
attention to the container. Your container should be 
like a piano accompaniment to a violin or vocal solo: 
an element which is necessary to its completeness, but 
one which you feel unconsciously. Tricky shapes and 
striking colors have a limited scope of usefulness. Pot- 
tery containers of simple shape and dull or warm, soft 
colors are easiest to use. Metal containers are a bit 
more difficult. Avoid a bright, highly polished vase. 
It will have too many highlights and reflections which 
will make it difficult to produce a unified, satisfying 
picture. 
Beware of containers with too small openings. They 
will not hold enough flowers, and it is almost impos- 
sible to get a good arrangement when stems are too 
crowded. If your water surface is large enough so that 
considerable water is exposed to the air, the flowers 
will last longer. 
The important thing about holders is to select one in 
harmony with the vase: heavy enough to hold the 
flowers, but simple enough to be unnoticed in the ar- 
rangement. Needle holders are always good. They 
can be stuck down with plastacine, which will hold 
well if applied to a dry surface. In using small or 
wiry stemmed material the use of rubber bands is 
advised. Make a grouping of several stems, secure 
with the rubber band, and insert as one element. With 
deep glass containers crushed chicken wire makes a 
good holder, or narrow strips of sheet lead can be 
wound around several stems and hooked over the edge 
of a narrow necked container. Whatever sort of hold- 
er you use, be sure it is invisible in the finished 
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