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About Gina Samarotto. asla, apld
(Top Expert on this page)

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

Questions Answered By Expert  Gina Samarotto. asla, apld 
In Category  Floral Arrangements

SubjectDate Asked

blue wedding11/21/2009
  Q: I am helping plan a small renewal ceremony for two friends. They are very simple people and would ...
  A: I would love to see small scatterings of arrangements created in mercury glass tumblers and filled ...
dendrobium orchids in tower vases11/19/2009
  Q: My daughters wedding is fast approaching and I need to make sure the dendrobium orchids will fit in ...
  A: Yes, 8 to 10 will be a nice arrangement. You say you are looking at dendrobians... I would suggest ...
Placing branches on top of a vase11/2/2009
  Q: I was wondering... I really like the look of submerging orchids in water, but I was thinking of ...
  A: Absolutely! You have to make sure your upper tray is A) deep enough to provide the support ...
blooms in flight- flower show10/30/2009
  Q: I want to do a peacock in a mass arrangement do you have any suggestions. thanks ANSWER: If this is ...
  A: www.gardenclub.org is a great place to find the rules and regulations pertaining to Flower Shows. ...
blooms in flight- flower show10/30/2009
  Q: I want to do a peacock in a mass arrangement do you have any suggestions. thanks ANSWER: If this is ...
  A: The very first show I ever competed in, I made the mistake that TONS of first time exhibitors ...
blooms in flight- flower show10/28/2009
  Q: I want to do a peacock in a mass arrangement do you have any suggestions. thanks ANSWER: If this is ...
  A: From what I see in the class schedule, you can't use feathers or other found objects and must use ...
blooms in flight- flower show10/27/2009
  Q: I want to do a peacock in a mass arrangement do you have any suggestions. thanks
  A: If this is for a flower show, be sure your schedule allows for the use of found objects. Often ...
Artificial Arrangement10/19/2009
  Q: I recently saw an artificial orchid arrangement in a vase with a clear glue that the flowers were ...
  A: No, the hard setting variety is different; though also widely available. The hard setting kind is a ...
Artificial Arrangement10/18/2009
  Q: I recently saw an artificial orchid arrangement in a vase with a clear glue that the flowers were ...
  A: Wonder Water solution turns into a clear gel that looks like water, but is thick enough to firmly ...
Carnations ceterpeices9/13/2009
  Q: can you tell me how to make carnation centerpieces arranged in a half dome in a colored vase or a ...
  A: A semi sphere of wet foam affixed to the top ofyour vase with floral tape will work well. With an ...
floral spray paint9/11/2009
  Q: I am doing floral design for a wedding this weekend and received my flowers today. The orchids are ...
  A: I think I am feeling that you already know the answer..... Yes, it will cheapen the entire effect ...
how to preserve my flowers9/9/2009
  Q: Gina how are you thanks for helping me the last time.I am going to be getting 800.00 fresh roses and ...
  A: Conditioning flowers when you get them in from the wholesaler is imperative to their success! ...
using wet foam to make an arrangment8/29/2009
  Q: I have to make a centerpiece on a 32 inche trumpet vase using fresh roses, poeny and curley willow, ...
  A: You can use OASIS brand wet foam, and to affix it, simply use thin floral tape - the vinyl one ...
Hydrangea Flower Arrangement8/2/2009
  Q: I am getting married July 31 of next year and would like to use Annabelle hydrangeas from my ...
  A: Annabells are good, if they are conditioned properly. Try cutting them and immediately plunging ...
please help identify this flower7/26/2009
  Q: I recently cleaned out an area behind my garage of a thorn bush. Not 2 weeks after cleaning I ...
  A: What you have there is a native aurelian lily. Aurelian lilies are very fragrant and become even ...
please help identify this flower7/24/2009
  Q: I recently cleaned out an area behind my garage of a thorn bush. Not 2 weeks after cleaning I ...
  A: This looks as if it is an allium, though without seeing it in bloom I can't tell for certain. The ...
cylinder vase centrepieces7/20/2009
  Q: I have purchased several cylinder vases 60cms tall and 11cms diameter. I want to make centrepieces ...
  A: You'll have to soak the foam for the flowers to fare well. I would secure the sphere FIRST by using ...
cylinder vase centrepieces7/17/2009
  Q: I have purchased several cylinder vases 60cms tall and 11cms diameter. I want to make centrepieces ...
  A: Yes, bouquet holders will work. They can sink a bit into the vase if need be, the length of the ...
Flower problem7/17/2009
  Q: I am have a picture drawn with portraits of my family members and I wanted to have flowers that ...
  A: There are many options for you. Apple Blossoms symbolize steadfast relations... for instance. ...
decorating grape vine wreaths7/14/2009
  Q: any ideas to incorporate ribbon, silk flowers, bows, etc. into grapevine wreaths? ribbon first? ...
  A: When you are working with any kind of wreath, the bow will go last. When you're designing your ...
Directions for making a grave pillow7/10/2009
  Q: I have made Christmas grave blankets using chicken wire for the past few years. I am wanting to make ...
  A: Foam, given the outdoor conditions, is not the best choice. But to give the pillow some volume, you ...
Gladiola Centerpieces7/5/2009
  Q: My sister is getting married at the end of this summer. She wants dramatic centerpieces and wants ...
  A: Unless the base of the vase is VERY heavy, and the oasis is VERY securely mounted, the centerpiece ...
cutting hyrdrangeas for arrangements6/24/2009
  Q: Where (on the stem) should I cut my hydrangea blooms for cut flower arrangements? How should I ...
  A: Anywhere on the stem is fine to cut... you'd be better served to worry about what the pruned plant ...
Flowers for Tropical Arrangement6/1/2009
  Q: For entry into a flower show, what would be good selections for small tropical arrangement for a ...
  A: Given the size availability on a two person show table; I don't recommend the typical tropicals like ...
indoor gardenia5/31/2009
  Q: my indoor gardenia is thriving and blooming, but all the leaves are light green and lusterless. ...
  A: Acidify the soil with aluminum sulfate, iron sulfate, or wettable sulfur. Iron chelate may be used ...
Wedding arch DIY4/27/2009
  Q: I am getting married in 2012, so I do know that this may be very early in the making, however, I ...
  A: Doing "boutonnieres" is a great way to dress it! I would do fresh on the sides, and silk up top ...
Picnic centerpieces4/18/2009
  Q: I'm getting married on July 25th outside in our local city park. It's a gorgeous setting in front of ...
  A: Congratulations on your marriage! Sunflowers, that also come in deeper tones, would be great. So ...
snakeshead fritillaries3/29/2009
  Q: I have some growing in my garden and am told they make excellent cut flowers, however, if I cut them ...
  A: Snakehead lillies, or Fritillaria Meleagris; is a bulb that produces only one flower per season. If ...
Tall floral arrangement question3/18/2009
  Q: I wanted to take on the task of creating my own centerpieces for my wedding. I have 20" tall glass ...
  A: If you were using Styrofoam balls, you would cover them in moss, arrange your flowers so the stems ...
arrangment size/table size3/2/2009
  Q: question .. what size arrangment should be used on a wedding reception table measuring 38 inch ...
  A: As 38" isn't very large, I usually go with something tall rather than something wide. A small 6" ...
floral arrangement for headstone2/26/2009
  Q: I would like to design a floral arrangement for my mother headstone for "Mother's Day" in a pink ...
  A: I don't usually work with artificial flowers... but I think I can help. I would concentrate on ...
Calla lilly's in eiffel tower vase?2/5/2009
  Q: Here are the measurements: 24 in high the top diameter measures 2-1/8". The base measures 4-1/4" ...
  A: Good question! Eiffel Tower style vases are intended for dramatic display and Callas are perfect ...
POT PLANT HOLDER12/29/2008
  Q: i ASKED THIS QUESTION BEFORE BUT ONLY RECEIVED A RESPONSE THAT IT WAS ANSERED BEFORE AND I DID ...
  A: Without seeing the marking or the pot, there is no way I can tell you about the piece I am afraid. ...
Snow12/19/2008
  Q: Can snow help protect roots of a Hydrangea?
  A: While snow is a reasonably good insulator... it's volume is not predictable in most areas. A better ...
fruit/veggies in floral arrangements12/5/2008
  Q: is there a way to coat or preserve fruit and/or veggies to keep the color and or fresh look when ...
  A: You are talking about whole, not cut, fruit right? Not really much you can do. You could wax them, ...
Calla lily eiffel tower centerpiece11/12/2008
  Q: I would like to do a 28" eiffel tower centerpiece for my wedding. How many large calla lilies can I ...
  A: I'd have to know the size of the vase - diameter of the neck and stem, before I can tell you. You ...
tall cylinder vase11/6/2008
  Q: I am doing a fresh floral arrangement in a 24" tall glass cylinder vase. What is your advice on ...
  A: You wont be able to build your design laterally using the vase and water alone. My sugggestion is ...
bird of paradise and calla lilies10/26/2008
  Q: I would like to know how long it takes for a bird of paradise to open. I will be purchasing them ...
  A: Bird of Paradise (Strelizia)opens rather slowly... but normally come in an open bud since the flower ...
curly willow bush10/12/2008
  Q: I live in Southern Ontario and would like to know where this plant grows in this area. I am ...
  A: The first question is what is Southern Ontario's plant hardiness zone classified at. According to ...
carnation centerpiece question9/29/2008
  Q: I recently read your post re: carnation balls as centerpieces. How many carnations would you ...
  A: Good Morning! You'll need between 20 and 36 carnations per 8" sphere depending on the size of the ...
Wedding Florals - No cooler!9/19/2008
  Q: We're doing a wedding next weekend and the place that we store our florals fell through ...
  A: First of all, NO! This wont spell disaster! Second of all, where in the country are you? If you ...
1920s style arrangements9/8/2008
  Q: I'm researching for a friend who wants to do a 1920s Art Deco style ball. Where can I find - or do ...
  A: Art Deco is a phenomenally fun theme to work with! Color is the key here... stay within a palate of ...
Topiary7/3/2008
  Q: I would like to create a few topiaries no larger than 3 feet in height shaped like animals for my ...
  A: Topiaries, particularly very elaborate animal ones, are great fun; but they are also a very time ...
cut peony flowers6/11/2008
  Q: Please can you tell me the best way to get peony blooms to open quickly.
  A: You see ants on peonies for a reason.. they eat the nectar that seals the bud shut! Other than ...
Floral design class or school6/3/2008
  Q: I prepare floral arrangements for my church each sunday, I am self taught. I want my flowers to be ...
  A: Congratulations on your new career! What I can tell you is this... do not waste your time or money ...
Selling silk arrangements5/16/2008
  Q: I need advice on how to sell silk arrangements online. My job is slowing down for the summer and I ...
  A: It's difficult to do since the shipping is always an issue. However, what I would suggest is that ...
sunflowers5/14/2008
  Q: Are all sunflowers yellow? If not what other colors are they?
  A: The sunflowers, or Helianthus annuus, is an annual plant native to the Americas in the family ...
Lace Bug5/13/2008
  Q: What is the choice of controlfor this pest on a pieris japonica? and where do they over winter? How ...
  A: It was absolutely my pleasure and thank you for your very kind words!!
Preseve a rose4/19/2008
  Q: I'm doing flower arrangements for my friend's upcoming wedding. I'll quickly run through my ...
  A: In cool water and in a cool room, there is no reason why the roses should have popped for quickly. ...
Hydrangeus4/16/2008
  Q: I just put some hydrangeas in an oasis, and they wilted a few hours later. Do they work in oasis, ...
  A: No, Hydrangeas don't do well in wet foam. Theyneed a great deal of water drawn quickly. The best ...
My Calla Lilli4/6/2008
  Q: I my husband got me a calla lilli the other day. I noticed that the soil was dry and wanted to re ...
  A: Unfortunately, you should never transplant or otherwise disturb the root system of any plant while ...
Church Pew Ends3/31/2008
  Q: I'm organising and arranging my own wedding flowers. Luckily I'm quite savvy with bouquets, ...
  A: I've always chosen to use pull bows, but I do like to put fresh foliage and / or blooms in the ...
Semi permanent arrangements with moss3/30/2008
  Q: I am looking for directions for the construction of a "moss mound" in a container to use in my ...
  A: If you are looking for a dried arrangement, they are readily available pre made. Or, you can simply ...
casket saddle3/12/2008
  Q: Recently I drove my mother to the cemetery to check on her brother's grave. Near by his plot is an ...
  A: Ostensibly, you could use one for an arrangement that was to hug over another object. I've used ...
Casket Spray2/13/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you have a directions sheet that will help me put a casket spray together. I want ...
  A: There is something called a casket saddle available at floral wholesalers. Caged to fit over the ...
White Roses2/4/2008
  Q: ..I am looking for a white rose that is large for hand held bridesmaid bouquets. Any Suggestions? ...
  A: What a super question! You've done your homework. Try Bingqing, a new rose cultivar. The flower is ...
tall silk flowers in tall vases2/3/2008
  Q: We want to arrange tall silk hydrangeas in a tall clear vase for a wedding. We can't seem to keep ...
  A: I believe you had asked this previously... so it's great that you've provided enough information ...
colour match for table2/3/2008
  Q: I have bought a painting by Gish of still life with plums. My drapes are about the same blue. What ...
  A: I'd love to see you use complimentary colors and textures rather than going too "matchy" with the ...
How to make an floral arrangement1/28/2008
  Q: I need to know how to make my silk flowers come together in a 16 inch vase I have roses, wisterias, ...
  A: If the opening of the container is small, you can't really use foam unless you use the container as ...
Hydrangea in oasis1/28/2008
  Q: What is the best way to condition hydrangea's for use in oasis in wedding arrangements. (I will be ...
  A: When not conditioned properly, Hydrangea will drop their head and not be very appealing. A good ...
tall vase arrangements1/27/2008
  Q: What else can I use instead of filling the whole vase with floral foam? Is there any other way to ...
  A: For tall stems with heft, such as the ones you mentioned, foam isn't necessary. You can simply cut ...
Tall round centerpieces1/26/2008
  Q: I want to have tall centerpieces for my wedding- round carnation balls on top of pilsner vases. How ...
  A: It's definitely doable! First, don't limit yourself to pilsners. Any tall, cylindrical vase will ...
white rose1/25/2008
  Q: I am trying to find a large ivory rose that opens fast and full. Any suggestions? ANSWER: Sure! ...
  A: I would accept delivery on Tuesday, cut the stems and put the roses UP TO THEIR NECKS in room ...
hydrangea bouquet1/22/2008
  Q: Are hydrangeas difficult to use for a wedding bouquet? First, will it be difficult to get ...
  A: First off, you should be able to readily order Hydrangea, but make sure you give yourself a good two ...
Live topieries1/13/2008
  Q: I have an old metal reindeer used at christmas with lights. I want to make a live (plant) topiery ...
  A: Simply fill the forms with live sheet moss (available at your wholesaler or through your florist by ...
Using Arum Lilies and Peacock Feathers1/7/2008
  Q: I would like to use Arum Lilies and Peacock Feathers in my arrangements for my centrepieces for my ...
  A: Given the length of the feathers, it isn't practicle to use them in a traditional way. It would be ...
rustic birch poles12/31/2007
  Q: I am looking for white birch trees to face the wall of a bar and am having so much difficulty. I ...
  A: Without knowing where you live, it's tough... but I can tell you that East Coast Floral Supply Co. ...
floral12/19/2007
  Q: ive just started to do floral arrangements at home . is there anyone who sells to the public on the ...
  A: Sure Linda, there are lots of vendors. Simply do a Google search on floral supply to see who's in ...
Roses12/15/2007
  Q: Help! I am getting married on 28th december doing my own flowers. I have just learned that ...
  A: First of all, try to find another supplier. I have never heard of anyone only delivering every six ...
floral color and type of flower11/25/2007
  Q: I need your help. I want to know what type of flowers and floral colors would go well with a gold, ...
  A: Ivory: Ivory Roses, Casablanca Lily, White Delphinium, White Hypericum Berry, white tulip, Celosia, ...
floral color and type of flower11/21/2007
  Q: I need your help. I want to know what type of flowers and floral colors would go well with a gold, ...
  A: Types of flowers are difficult, as I don't know what look you are trying for... that being said; in ...
Grave Blanket11/18/2007
  Q: I see that you have answered this question twice, but could you please tell me if you think that ...
  A: Yes, the oasis will help. No question about it. Remember, too... with your Christmas tree as well ...
Grave blanket11/8/2007
  Q: I want to make a grave blanket i had never heard of one before untill a soldier here passed, I had ...
  A: If you wanted to screen the blanket, you could use flexible plastic fencing with a half inch grid. ...
faux pumpkin and silk flower arrangement11/7/2007
  Q: I am making these centerpieces for our covered dish dinner at school and I am having trouble getting ...
  A: If I am understanding you correctly, it sounds as if the floral foam is being kicked out of the ...
Gardenias for wedding bouquets11/3/2007
  Q: I am doing a small wedding bouquet for my girlsfriend wedding. Could you please advise me on how to ...
  A: I absolutely love helping people with bouquets! Congratulations to your friend and kudos to you for ...
pricing10/31/2007
  Q: Gina...I am thinking of starting up in my home...any suggestions on what would be best....just doing ...
  A: Congratulations on your new venture! When I did special occasion florals as the main part of my ...
manchanics of flat grave blankets10/25/2007
  Q: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE MY OWN LAYING ON THE GROUND GRAVE BLANKETS. I HAVE SEEN SOME THE FORM WAS ...
  A: If I were to do a grave blanket, I would avoid wood due to the impractibility and weight in ...
wilting funeral spray10/20/2007
  Q: Gina..I am excited to find your website...I am very interested as to how I can improve my designer ...
  A: Windy, I am sorry about your grandfather. I believe what happened was the oasis dried out. Oasis ...
Making casket Spray10/20/2007
  Q: I want to make a casket spray for a funeral and I have never done it before. This was a very ...
  A: I am sorry I just received this today, or I would have answered sooner. My condolences to you. To ...
Church/Chapel Arrangements10/16/2007
  Q: I have been appointed the head of the Art and Environment committee at my school, which means that I ...
  A: Using your church's tax id, first find a wholesaler in your area where you can purchase Oasis foam, ...
Drying Calla Lilies10/10/2007
  Q: I received a boquet of calla lilies from my boyfriend and i absolutely love them. I was wondering ...
  A: I am afraid that Callas are one of the most difficult flowers to preserve successfully. The only ...
calla lilies10/9/2007
  Q: How to insert calla lilles in wet foam bouquet holder without breaking the stems?
  A: You want to wire and tape the stems first. Take floral wire, inset through the stem about 1/8th of ...
St Patrick's Day colorful arrangements10/6/2007
  Q: Our annual school fundraiser is close to St Patrick's Day. Trying to keep close to the Catholic ...
  A: I'd love to see the vases, that would help a lot! Blue is a tough color. There isn't much to work ...
exotic flower9/21/2007
  Q: Please can you identify these beautiful flowers? Photographed in Catifornia? We don't see many in ...
  A: I'd be happy to! That's a Canna. It's a lovely plant used seasonly for gardeners here in New York, ...
flowers9/13/2007
  Q: i am currently studying floristry and need to find information of different flowers and foilage can ...
  A: Congratulations on your new endeavors, I wish you much luck. In answering your question, I think ...
Eiffel Tower Vase9/8/2007
  Q: I'm planning to do half high floral centerpieces and low centerpieces. My problem is that I can't ...
  A: Angelus, I hope you were able to come up with the concepts you were looking for. If I may provide ...
saddle arrangements9/7/2007
  Q: My dear aunt just passed away suddenly and she was the one who made all the saddles for our deceased ...
  A: Susan, I wanted to check back with you and see if I could be of further assistance. Again, my ...
wedding bouquets9/2/2007
  Q: Is there a website that I can go to that has many pictures of bouquets with tulips for a wedding?
  A: Websites including Martha Stewarts have galleries where you'll have access to photos. As it ...
flower arrangements8/31/2007
  Q: my friend is doing the flowers for her son's wedding because they have a very small budget. The ...
  A: First thing you should know is that those vases should be weighted to keep them balanced and ...
grapevine garland8/30/2007
  Q: I am trying to decorate the tops of my kitchen cabinets with grapevine garland and red berries. The ...
  A: Without knowing if you are using natural or artificial vine, it's hard for me to say. If it's ...
calla lillies tubers8/30/2007
  Q: can they be put in pots and kept growing in doors when frost arrive?
  A: As with most tubers, bulbs and rhizomes, you can winter over Callas by taking them out of the soil ...
best vases8/26/2007
  Q: Hi what is the most versatile shaped vase? Also what shape would you recommend for taller flowers ...
  A: With tall, thin vases; your plant material should be 150% taller than the container itself. So with ...
hydrangeacare8/20/2007
  Q: I would like to dry my hydrangea blooms when should I pick the blooms and what is the process to ...
  A: Good Morning! You'll want to cut blooms when they've fully opened, but before they wilt at all. ...
floral arrangement8/14/2007
  Q: I am about to train a student bout floral arrangement but it is my first time to enter a contest as ...
  A: It would depend on who the show is governed by. NGC (National Garden Club) rules for show exhibits ...

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