Ah, the alstroemerias, an unsung hero in the floral design world. These hardy and colorful blooms are often overlooked, but I’m here to share my love for them and hopefully, inspire you to incorporate them more into your designs. Let's dive deeper into the world of these brilliant flowers, assisted by four video tutorials that I have created for you.
The Understated Beauty and Resilience of Alstroemerias
In my many years as a floral designer, I've come to appreciate the understated beauty and resilience of alstroemerias. They are incredibly versatile flowers and can easily adapt to many styles and settings. From grand wedding ceremonies to intimate dinner table centerpieces, alstroemerias have never failed to add a perfect touch of elegance and charm.
The varieties I've had the pleasure of working with are courtesy of Tesselaar Alstroemeria, a company renowned for its fine-quality flowers. They've cultivated an impressive range of alstroemerias, each with its own unique personality. The fiery red Alstroemeria Noize, for instance, is a showstopper. When you want to create a bold, passionate statement, this is the variety to choose from.
The orange Alstroemeria Cinnamon and Alstroemeria Jaffa are perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. They evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, making them perfect for family gatherings or cozy indoor settings. And let's not forget the charming pink varieties - Alstroemeria Panorama, Alstroemeria Wonder Sweet, and Alstroemeria Stephanie. With their soft and delicate hues, they're perfect for evoking a sense of romantic allure and tenderness.
My Four Video Tutorials
In my recent video tutorials, I've made it my mission to showcase the versatility of these beautiful blooms. Each video features a different design concept, and I've had such a fantastic time playing around with the arrangements. I truly believe that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' when it comes to floral design; it's all about having fun and expressing yourself through the medium of flowers.
In the tutorials, I will lead you through spring, summer and leave you there where the summer ends. I explain my choice of materials and take you through my design process step-by-step. I hope that by watching, you'll feel inspired to experiment with your own designs and discover the joy of working with alstroemerias.
When it comes to choosing your alstroemerias, here's a vital tip to keep in mind: always go for the ones that are slightly open. I know it's tempting to buy them raw, especially if you're getting them straight from the grower, but trust me on this, slightly open is the way to go. The reason for this is simple: alstroemerias that are slightly open tend to stay strong and vibrant for a longer period.
And remember, floral design is not just about arranging flowers; it's about understanding them, their life cycles, and how they interact with their environment. Knowing these little details can make a big difference in your design work.
Tutorial 1 - Soft Transition From Spring to Summer
The light Alstroemeria Stephanie works really well with the wood as the base to express the transition of colors from spring to summer.
Tutorial 2 - An Italian Summer With a Woolen Orange Bowl
With this design, I show the real Italian summer. This powerful orange construction with polystyrene, thick wool, and Alstroemeria Jaffa is not so difficult to make.
Tutorial 3 - Summer-Ending Alstroemeria Panorama Bouquet
I was inspired by this Alstroemeria Panorama to make an end-of-summer bouquet when bright colors slowly fade into darker hues.
Tutorial 4 - The Dark Pink Arrangement
This darker piece heralds the change of seasons. The firm stems of the pink alstroemerias will surprise you in this round arrangement with wool and typha sticks and contrasting green anthuriums.
Instill Appreciation for Alstroemerias in My Students
In my floral design school, I always try to instill this appreciation for alstroemerias in my students. I find that once they start working with them, they quickly realize the potential of these incredible flowers. Alstroemerias are not just another addition to a bouquet or arrangement; they can be the stars of the show.
To wrap up, I want to reiterate how much I adore working with alstroemerias. They're a joy to handle, and a pleasure to arrange, and their extensive palette of intense and delicate colors is truly inspiring. I hope this blog post has sparked a similar passion in you. So the next time you're looking for a versatile, resilient, and stunning flower, don't forget about the humble alstroemeria.
In the world of floral design, it's essential to keep exploring, experimenting, and playing around with different flowers and design concepts. And in my experience, alstroemerias are one of the best flowers to experiment with. Their structure, color range, and durability make them a delightful canvas to unleash your creativity.
For those of you just starting on your floral design journey, alstroemerias offer a forgiving learning curve. They're sturdy enough to withstand a few mishandlings, and their long vase life gives you ample time to tweak and adjust your arrangements. Plus, their affordability means you can practice to your heart's content without breaking the bank.
For seasoned designers, alstroemerias present an exciting challenge to push your creative boundaries. Can you elevate this humble flower into a show-stopping centerpiece? Can you create an avant-garde design using only alstroemerias? I encourage you to take up these challenges and see where your creativity leads.
Tips for Working With Alstroemerias
Now, let me share a few more tips from my years of working with alstroemerias:
Hydration is key
Always hydrate your alstroemerias immediately upon arrival. They might look hardy, but like all flowers, they need plenty of water to stay fresh.
Consider the color theory
With such a wide range of colors available, alstroemerias offer a fantastic opportunity to play around with color theory. Whether you want to create a harmonious design using analogous colors or a striking arrangement with complementary colors, alstroemerias have got you covered.
Leverage the leaf
Don't forget about the alstroemeria's leaf! Its vibrant green color and unique shape can add texture and interest to your designs. They're not just filler; use them as an integral part of your design.
Experiment with form
Alstroemerias have a unique form with multiple blooms on each stem. This allows for various design possibilities, from emphasizing the vertical lines for a modern look to creating a gentle curve for a more traditional design.
Have Fun Playing Around With Alstroemerias
I hope these tips will help you in your journey with alstroemerias. I believe that every flower has its own story to tell, and as floral designers, it's our job to bring out that story in our arrangements.
In the end, it's all about enjoying the process. So, have fun playing around with alstroemerias, let your creativity run wild, and most importantly, keep exploring the wonderful world of floral design.
I eagerly look forward to seeing the amazing designs you will create with these wonderful blooms. Remember, every flower arrangement you make is a testament to your creativity and passion. So, don't be afraid to take risks and try something new. After all, that's what floral design is all about!
Until next time, keep blooming and keep inspiring. And remember, the world of floral design is as vibrant and varied as the flowers themselves. Happy designing!
Ivan Bergh
The flowers featured in these tutorials are Alstroemeria Cinnamon, Alstroemeria Jaffa, Alstroemeria Noize, Alstroemeria Panorama, Alstroemeria Stephanie, and Alstroemeria Wonder Sweet. These varieties and more are grown in the Netherlands by Tesselaar Alstroemeria. Video & Photography by Ivan Bergh Floral School.
