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39 Step by Step T o create this fun centerpiece with a summery aesthetic, I incorporated halves and slices of two varieties of vibrantly hued fresh oranges into to the design, which I chose to coordinate with the fiery sunset colors of the bicolor 'Mia' spray roses. To achieve this interesting visual effect, I developed a unique "dual chamber" container, one of which contains the flower stems and separates their water source from that of the citrus slices. is arrangement illustrates two delightful ways to incorporate fruit into a floral design, and it will surely garner attention and cause conversation. is type of design is ideal for event work, where it can be marveled over up close and the fruit would not need to be long lasting. The incorporation of fresh fruit into floral designs adds texture, color, and lots of interest and excitement. Here is one clever method for doing so, which is sure to be marveled over. BOTANICALS • Rosa spp. 'Mia' (spray rose) • Hydrangea macrophylla (hortensia, French Hydrangea) • Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony, garden peony) • Eucalyptus parvula/ E. parvifolia (small-leaved gum, Kybean gum) • Citrus × sinensis (sweet orange) • Citrus × sinensis 'Blood Orange' (blood orange, raspberry orange) HARD GOODS • OASIS ® Bubble Ball, 8" • Long tom pot, cylinder vase or other similarly shaped container, 4" • OASIS ™ Florist Netting (chicken wire) • FloraLife ® Crowning Glory ® or DESIGN MASTER ® Foliage Sealer • Wood picks, 8" • Clove oil (optional) Step 1 Place a wad of chicken wire into a 4-inch long tom pot, cylinder vase or other similarly shaped container. The chicken wire is the mechanic into which you will arrange the cut flowers and foliage. Place the 4-inch container into the center of an 8-inch clear glass bubble ball, and fill it with properly proportioned flower nutrient solution. This inner container will keep the flower stems separated from the sliced fruit. Cut sweet oranges and blood oranges into thin, equal-sized slices, and place the orange slices into the bubble ball, surrounding the inner container. Add water into the bubble ball, to magnify the orange slices and keep them hydrated. Step 2 Arrange Hydrangea, peonies, spray roses and Eucalyptus into the inner container. Consider grouping the spray roses, for maximum visual impact. Step 3 Cut one or two oranges into halves, and insert an 8-inch wood pick into the bottom of each half. Spray the surface of the orange halves with an exterior-coating finishing spray, to seal the endocarp (pulp) of the fruit and reduce moisture loss. DESIGN TIP: Dip the pointed end of each wood pick into clove oil before inserting it into an orange. This will slow the deterioration of the orange half at the insertion point. Step 4 Place the wood-picked orange halves into the arrangement. MATERIALS Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 39

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