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Step 1 To create a fl oatable base for the design, bind four equal lengths* of pool noodles together with zip ties. Bind the fi rst noodle to the second noodle, the second noodle to the third, and so on. Next, bind lengths of pool noodles around the edges of the "raft," atop the fi rst layer of pool noodles, to create a "well" for the arrangement container. * The number of pool noodles needed and their lengths will be determined by the desired size of the design. Step 2 Cover the outer edges of the pool noodle "raft," as well as any other surfaces of the pool noodles that would be visible, with banana leaves, securing them to the "raft" with greening pins. Alternatively, any large elongated leaves, such as Aspidistra, ti, ginger, Dracaena, etc., will also accomplish the task of camoufl aging the pool noodles. Step 4 Arrange fresh fl owers and foliages into the container, beginning with Japanese aralia leaves (or other large broad-leaf foliage such as Monstera, Alocasia, fan palm, etc.), to create a wide base that will extend beyond the edges of the pool-noodle "raft." When arranging the fl owers and additional foliages, create physical balance by evenly distributing the weight of the materials. Group fl owers and foliages—especially smaller blooms—to create maximum visual impact. Remember, this design will likely be viewed from a distance. Step 5 Tie at least two lengths of thick monofi lament (at least 25 pound test) to various places on the sides of the "raft"; these lines will enable you to anchor the fl oating design in the center of the pool by tying the ends to secure structures or other points around the edge of the pool, such as ladders, diving-board bases, etc. Alternatively, tie one end of a length of thicker monofi lament to the center of the bottom of the "raft" and the other end to a brick, a construction block/CMU or other heavy "weight." This anchor will rest of the pool fl oor, directly below the fl oating arrangement, so you need to know the pool depth at the center of the pool. NOTE: Even when painted the same color as the pool fl oor, these anchors are often still visible. Without anchor lines or weights, the fl oating arrangement will likely drift toward the pool skimmer(s)/fi ltration system. Step 3 Form chicken wire into a "pillow"-shaped structure, to fi t inside the rectangular arrangement container; this will be the design mechanic. Tape the chicken-wire structure into the container with waterproof tape. Fill the container with fl ower nutrient solution (or water). Step 6 Design multiple arrangements for a pool and/or fl oat individual fl owers, balloons or plastic orbs/ornaments in the water, to create greater impact. Weight single blooms, balloons or ornaments with monofi lament and metal fi shing weights or sinkers. DESIGN TIP: For additional drama at night, incorporate solar-powered yard/ pathway lights or landscape spotlights into the fl oating design. MATERIALS BOTANICALS • Helianthus annuus (sunfl ower, mirasol) • Ranunculus spp. Butterfl y ™ series (butterfl y buttercup, butterfl y crowfoot, butterfl y Ranunculus) • Nigella damascena (love-in-a-mist, devil-in-a-bush, wild fennel) • Musa acuminata (banana leaf, plantain leaf) • Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia, glossy-leaved paper plant) • Aucuba japonica (spotted laurel, Japanese laurel, gold-dust plant) • Asparagus virgatus (tree fern, tiki fern, broom fern) • Mentha spp. (mint) HARD GOODS • Polyethylene foam pool noodles • Lightweight rectangular container • OASIS ™ Florist Netting (chicken wire) • OASIS ® Waterproof Tape • OASIS ™ Greening Pins • Zip ties (long) • Monofi lament 39 Ste b Ste Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 39

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