	AllExperts > Floral Arrangements
	Search

About Gina Samarotto. asla, apld
Expertise
I am a former National Garden Accredited Judge of Design and Horticulture and ran a design business for many years. I am a certified Master Gardener, American Society of Landscape Architects and Association of Professional Landscape Designers accredited and have worked for more than ten years as a professional designer. My work has appeared in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine as well as other publications. I am the recipient of more than two dozen design awards. I will happily accept floral, horticultural, interior design and garden design questions.

Experience

Education/Credentials
ALSA, APLD, NYS Certified Master Gardener, NGC Retired Judge

You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Floral Arrangements > Placing branches on top of a vase

Floral Arrangements - Placing branches on top of a vase

Expert: Gina Samarotto. asla, apld - 11/2/2009

Question
Hi,

I was wondering...

I really like the look of submerging orchids in water, but I was thinking of adding manzanita branches to the top of the vase. I know that I can probably use a lomey tray for the top, but I don't know if it'll hold, since branches are pretty heavy. Secondly, I wouldnt know how to cover the foam and tape.

Do you think this is possible?

Thanks!
Kat

Answer
Absolutely! You have to make sure your upper tray is A) deep enough to provide the support branches need (I would actually use a pin holder rather than foam to hold that weight, plus a pin holder won't require the same depth as foam macking the machanics far easier) and B) hide your mechanics but using TWO trays of slightly different sizes with the larger tray placed first, that one supporting a sheet of moss that will hide the upper tray which would be placed above the first. The trays will keep the water clean of moss and hide your mechanics, but be aware you're also blocking air to the water and orchids below which will impact their "shelf life".

Add to this Answer Ask a Question