Reviews:
Book Description
The flower arranger's bible from the bestselling floral designer. Simple or complex, discreet or exuberant, colorful or quiet, masses of inspired ideas fill the pages of this beautiful volume. Designs for every room in the home and every occasion are shown, from simple arrangements to brighten up your kitchen to elaborate displays for special dinner parties. Thanksgiving and other holiday themes are showcased, as are ideas for weddings and church occasions and flower gifts for birthdays, Mother's Day, and Valentine's day. Wealth Of Techniques: All practical aspects of flower design are clearly explained and illustrated, including assembling your essential kit; choosing and adapting containers; and selecting, buying, and preparing material. Step-by-step action shots guide you through all the key techniques, from making wreath bases and drying your favorite flowers to enhancing special bouquets with trimmings and wrapping. An extensive A-Z catalog of plants provides an accessible, quick-reference source that will serve both experienced arrangers and complete beginners. All plants are shown photographically to aid identification, and essential flower arranging information is given on vase life, special attributes, and care requirements. Preserved material and other ingredients, such as shells and feathers, are also featured.
Amazon.com
Fresh flowers in your home add a deeply personal touch, whether you prefer a simple bouquet of sweet peas on your nightstand or an elegant arrangement of lilies in the foyer. Malcolm Hillier's book Flowers may well be the ultimate guide to floral design for both professionals and novices; the photography is beautiful, the tools and techniques are explained in detail, and the unusual A-to-Z plant directory will have you swooning with delight. Within its 500 pages, this book contains both creative inspiration and practical tips. Different styles of arrangement are examined, from simple nosegays to timeless ikebana, and with each style, equal attention is paid to both overall form and specific plant suggestions. Instructions for various projects are included, and range from a time-consuming garland to a trendy wedding bouquet of peonies and feathers. Whimsical rose petal "cocktails" are charming, while a traditional holly-filled urn makes a perfect holiday centerpiece. New students of flower arranging will want to start with the "practical techniques" chapter, or some of these projects may seem a bit overwhelming. This chapter shows the proper methods of choosing and treating flowers for long-lasting blooms, as well as wiring and gluing techniques. The step-by-step photos that accompany the straightforward instructions are a huge help; novices will be feeling like Martha Stewart in no time. The plant directory arranges blossoms by type, color, season, and scent, and includes special plants known for their dramatic effects or need for special treatment. This is the place to turn when you're designing a special color-coordinated bridal bouquet or seasonal arrangement; the suggestions include both classic and unusual plants, so no matter what style you're looking for, you're sure to find ideas. --Jill Lightner
Customer Reviews:
Review #1: Excellent!
2008-03-18 
I've been working as a flower designer for a while and decided to get this book mostly because it looked pretty and comprehensive. I was not disappointed. The book is fabulous and it has a little bit of everything, including tools. I like it a lot and highly recommend it for anyone interested in Flower Design.
Review #2: Amazing!!!
2008-01-20
This book is simply a must have in your library. Malcolm Hillier is one of the most talented in the industry. beautiful book!
Review #3: Vibrant floral education
2007-05-03 
The plant directory was extensive, but I would have liked a little more information on the growth cycle of the plants or the zones in which they grow. The basics are all there and I would suggest to anyone buying the book that they do read the introductory chapters. The floral arrangements are absolutely beautiful and the author also gives alternatives to the arrangements to suit your taste. Very nice.
Review #4: A very visually rich book
2005-01-08
This is a very wonderful book, which the Floral Design Institute uses as a supplement "textbook" to their syllabus. It is rather heavy but well worth every page as the book is packed with beautiful arrangements and spilling with creative ideas. There aren't a lot of step-by-step instructions on mechanics, but the book gets the point of selecting different material colors and textures across - which, in my opinion, is a significant factor to consider when it comes to floral arranging.
Review #5: lovely, but it's more of a recipe book, really...
2004-10-03 
This is a gorgeous book, with gorgeous flowers. However, it's less of a learning tool, then a recipe book. While it does grace upon a few floral design basics, it doesn't spend a great deal of time on it. The raw information it conveys is pretty light, having more to do with warm, neutral, and stark colors, as well as a few techniques on drying flowers and taping them (etc). The bulk of the book is taken up by pictures of arrangements, and little "recipes" on how to make them. A good book for someone who doesn't want to learn the mechanics of floral design, a good book for the coffee table -- but ultimately, not a good book for someone who wants to study design on a more advanced or technical level. |
