Fruit and Flower Cubes Make it Hip to be Square

The secret to this creation is to use two vases that are only slightly different in size and that fit together neatly. Make it on the day that you need it, as the juice from the limes tends to seep out after a while; it should last for two or three days. This little arrangement will work well on a shelf in a small enclosed room, kitchen or bathroom, where the limes will create a lovely light scent.

Materials

Flowers and Fruit
8 red cockscomb flowers
4 fresh limes
8 green cockscomb flowers

Other Materials
1 large glass cube vase (6-by-6-inches)
1 slightly smaller glass cube vase (4 1/2-by-4 1/2-inches)
sharp knife
florist's scissors
raffia or garden string

Possible Substitutions
Sunflowers (for cockscomb); lemons (for limes)

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited

How to Arrange

1. Place one cube vase inside the other, slice the limes with a sharp knife and slot them into the gap between the vases. Use the knife to edge them into place on all four sides. Fill the inner vase only with water.

2. Make a hand-tied bouquet using the cockscomb flowers. Trim all the foliage from the stems, then arrange them in a simple spiral bouquet with a high binding point. Alternate each color as you build up the domed shape of the bouquet, and turn the bouquet in the same direction as you work. Manipulate the flower heads slightly by pressing them together to eliminate any gaps.

3. When you have added all the cockscomb, trim the stems so they can all sit in water, tie the bunch securely with raffia or garden string and place it in the inner vase.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Compact Cluster

These orange and green cockscomb flowers, with their dense, ruffled flower heads, provide texture and depth when grouped en masse. They are large-headed flowers, so only a few are needed for an impact.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited