The Art of Conditioning: Vol. 1 The Basics

Preparation can be the most integral element of many things. But it’s often the part we try to skip, in order to get to the task we truly want to do.

We believe that conditioning is part of the ritual. Because not only does it help you to build your knowledge around flowers and foliage, it gives you a chance to observe and ponder on what you’d really like to create. Whether it’s choosing the focus flower of your design, or deciding you actually require a bigger vessel for your grand plan.

FIG I: Karl Blossfeldt

Conditioning is an opportunity to take some thinking time while you’re working with the raw material. Checking the condition of your stems, observing all their unique elements and becoming familiar with their characteristics.

The Art of Conditioning is a series of guides that highlights the importance of how to treat any flowers whether it’s from the supermarket or one of our very own Edits.

Conditioning Vl. 1 - The Basics

Starting with your vessel of choice, make sure it’s clean. A light wash with warm, soapy water will ensure any bacteria from previous arrangements is long gone.

Next, fill your vessel with fresh, clean water ready for your stems.

Separate your stems into groups, ideally laying them out on a surface that works for you, so you can see everything and pick up with ease.

Start removing the lower leaves from the stems, any leaves that sit in the water will start to rot creating bacteria, this can reduce vase life.

The water line in your vessel is a good place to judge how high to clean your stem if you’re ensure how high to go.

Continue with the rest of your groups, noting that each type of flower or foliage will require different levels of conditioning.

Trimming with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or sequiturs will ensure a neat cut. Generally speaking - cutting on an angle will provide a larger surface area for your stem to drink in water.

With all the stems conditioned and ready, trim as you go to create the heights you want and start to arrange.

Once finished, we suggest placing your arrangement away from any heat source and ideally not in direct sunlight to maximise display time. We would even suggest keeping away from fresh fruit for certain types of flowers.

Check water levels every few days and keep refreshing as required.