A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design

Now available in paperback, A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design is a fresh approach to an ancient art. Exquisite photography and illustrations join with a unique, comprehensive theory to reveal the beauty of flowers and their role as teachers of floral design. Practical, hands-on information about color, the science of lighting, floral care, containers, construction, and alternative techniques complements the concept. A wide-ranging photo gallery provides stunning examples of floral designs, from Continental to Asian to contemporary in spirit, and demonstrates great ideas for casual living, parties, and weddings. A visual delight grounded in practical understanding, this book is directed toward the advanced practitioner but is equally accessible to the floral designer who is just beginning.

Media reviews of this book:

"The Christian Science Monitor's "The Year's Best Garden Books." A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design devotes about half of its pages to explaining the basics of flower arranging without becoming too simplistic. Then comes a photo gallery of beautiful arrangements, which gives examples of how the principles can be applied. My favorite: a very simple wreath of violets. What an appealing use of a plant that many gardeners consider a weed."

—Judy Lowe, Christian Science Monitor, December 4, 2002

"A fine survey culminating over thirty years experience in consulting, teaching, and creating custom floral designs."

—James A. Cox, Bookwatch, November 2002

"From her over thirty years of experience in consulting, teaching and creating custom floral designs, she introduces the designer to insider techniques and her floral inspirations are shown in excellent color photography."

—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, November 2002

"From [the author's] over thirty years of experience in consulting, teaching, and creating custom floral designs, she introduces us to insider techniques ... Her floral inspirations are shown in excellent color photography."

—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, August 2002

"Nearly every page is filled with color photographs ... Above all, de Jong-Stout encourages you to enjoy floral creations."

—Gwen Schoen, Sacramento Bee, May 4, 2002

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Customer reviews of this book:

"It is a very special book. I enjoy reading it."

—Hermine L. from Yeadon, Pennsylvania, May 8, 2006

An excerpt from this book:

In floral design, there is no better teacher than the flower itself. This is the essential maxim. In a flower's perfection, we instinctively recognize the infinite creativity and wisdom of nature. By looking closely at each flower, we take the first step in discovering how best to display its beauty, arrange its placement, and find possible companions in a floral design. Our introduction to this journey of discovery is an exquisite magnolia blossom from the gardens of Filolir in Woodside, California. This blossom exemplifies the basic rules of floral art. The harmony of "color," "form," and "function" that defines this flower is the hallmark of timeless design ...

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