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Step 1 To create a water source for the deli- cate blooms, wrap the stem ends with small pieces of wet Agra-Wool Natu- ral Floral Foam, cover the Agra-Wool with compostable cling wrap and secure the cling wrap to the flower stems with waxed twine or paper-cov- ered wire. (I used cotton, in the same manner, for the Ranunculus.) Step 4 Layer and weave stems of fresh honeysuckle and jasmine vines into the mesh structure, to form the desired shape and length for the bouquet. Secure the stems to the mesh with paper-covered wire or waxed twine. Step- By- Step Step 2 Pack a reusable bouquet holder with Agra- Wool. Cut a piece of gold floral mesh to the length and width you desire for the cascade (this one is 8 inches [eight-squares] wide). Bend 1 inch (one square) on each edge of the mesh at a 90-degree (right) angle to the wider surface of the mesh, along the entire length of the piece of mesh. Insert the handle of the bouquet holder through one end of the mesh structure, and mold that end of the mesh around the base of the bouquet holder. Lay stems of bleached dried/preserved Ruscus and oak leaves onto the surface and edges of the mesh structure, and secure the stems to the mesh with paper-covered wire or waxed twine. Step 3 Cover any exposed areas of the mesh structure with Spanish moss. Step 6 Continue to add and layer Dendrobium orchids, Ranunculus and Queen Anne's lace into the bouquet until you achieve the desired look, shape and fullness. Finally, add the Gardenia blooms. First, place a cling-wrapped Agra-Wool or cotton "bubble" to each of the Gardenia stem ends (process described in Step 1), and then wire and tape the stems, as needed, to create "stem" length. Wire the Gardenia "stems" to the mesh structure. DESIGN NOTE: This bouquet lasted two days out of the cooler, but with additional care and handling measures—misting the fresh botanicals with an antitranspirant spray, covering the bouquet with a light plastic and storing it in a floral cooler— it could be made a few days in advance. This same technique can be used for garlands, body decorations and other countless designs. Enjoy experimenting! Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 35 Next, weave stems of Dendrobium orchids, Ranunculus and Queen Anne's lace into the mesh, securing the stems to the mesh with paper-covered wire or waxed twine. Arrange longer stems directly into the bouquet holder. DESIGN TIP: Work from bottom of the mesh structure upward, until you reach the center of the structure. Then concentrate on the upper portion of the bouquet. Be sure to arrange stems to create a natural flow and rhythm.

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