Flowers: How to Create a Line Arrangement

The elegance of a line arrangement is reminiscent of Japanese-style simplicity

When creating a line arrangement, the most important thing to remember is that simple is better. Strong lines sweeping upward or in flowing curves are the identifying factors in a line arrangement. The arrangement is never crowded.

The container is another critical element; it is typically wide with a low profile. Line arrangements are not just about the container and the plants, however. The style must be balanced with white space and come alive with a sense of flow.

A line arrangement may have one, two, or more stems, but three is the most common balance. Balance is typically asymmetrical as one stem may transcend upward on the left and another will turn downward on the right. Line arrangements are enjoyed best from one angle only if the design is to be studied and appreciated.

The easiest way to develop a line design is to use a floral frog. Bunch the stems at the base together and put in position. From here, you will see how gravity affects the upper portions and can give a certain amount of guidance to the form.

At the base of the arrangement, you can add a minimal amount of unobtrusive filler material such as greenery or bark to conceal the frog.

Compotes are wonderful for line arrangements and even interesting wide-lipped vases can be used if they are first filled with sand or rock and the arrangement sits level with the top of the vase.

Gladiolus, snapdragon, yucca, cattails, and tall grasses and twigs with sparse branches are good examples of what can be used in a line arrangement.

The central base of the arrangement should be off-center and toward the back of the container. That will give more depth when viewing from the front. Use floral clay to anchor the frog.

A basic line arrangement might have one sturdy branch with buds that is upright. This is the focus branch and the others should not be as tall. The second and third (or more) pieces can also curve or flow in the same direction as the main piece. Or, they can create a complementary curve to each other - one left and one right.

There are many ways to create a line arrangement and many materials that will add the perfect space and drama.