Photo Credit: David Pippin

Step 1: Secure a 2/3-block of wet floral foam in a watertight container with waterproof floral tape. Since the watertight container won’t be seen in your basket, wrap the tape around the container well, so the foam will be secure. Place the container in a basket that’s approximately the same size.

One of the fun things about floral design is you don’t just have endless plant-material options – you can play around with your container of choice, too. Vases are nice standbys, but don’t forget baskets! These make great attractive floral containers (and nice gifts, too). What’s more, a lot of people have baskets decorating their homes already. Why not fill them with colorful blooms and foliage instead of magazines and the kids’ toys? Here’s how:

Photo Credit: David Pippin

Step 2: As with all arrangements, establish the height, width and depth first. In this particular arrangement, I’ve established the height with the flower buds from garlic, and the width and depth have been established with Aucuba and Nandina. If you don’t have garlic flower buds, use some twigs from the garden. (Forsythia and maple work particularly well in the spring.) Other foliage types work, too. Experiment! And don’t forget to condition them before designing. (Remember Lesson 2?)

Photo Credit: David Pippin

Step 3: Fill in the rest of the foam with other foliage from plants like camellia, peony and Dusty Miller. Remember to stay within those height, width and depth lines.