Flower Porn, page 1
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CONTENTS
HOW TO USE THIS eBOOK
HELLO, I’M KAI!
THE LIFE OF A FLORIST
A MODERN APPROACH TO FLORAL DESIGN
FLOWER PORN FLOWER KEY
TECHNIQUES
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
WINTER
FLORISTRY THROUGH THE SEASONS
CREATING YOUR COLOUR PALETTE
HOW TO SHOP FLOWER MARKETS
FLOWER DIRECTORY
RESOURCES
INDEX OF FLOWER NAMES
THANK YOU!
COPYRIGHT
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Hello, I’m Kai!
I was born in Melbourne, Australia, into a suburban house with a large garden filled with flowers, and this is where my love of all things floral began. My dad, a renovator, spent most of his spare time in the garden. Out front, we had lavender, rosemary, and a lemon tree, and I could smell the David Austin roses he planted as their fragrance drifted through my bedroom window.
Fresh flowers were a constant theme of my early years. Thanks to my Latvian heritage, it was customary to celebrate every occasion with them, from birthdays to anniversaries. They were everywhere: we took bouquets to greet friends at the airport, wore floral crowns for midsummer, and hung wreaths at Christmas. My mum always brought freshly cut flowers into the house and I still have strong memories of the freesias and lilies she would arrange in our kitchen.
But it was when I moved to London that I considered a career in floristry. Spontaneously, I booked myself onto a course in Covent Garden, and within the month had dived head first into this new world. The course was very traditional, and my rebellious attitude and messy, unconventional creations came under criticism as I challenged ideas about colours and styles.
After graduating, I interned everywhere I could to get experience. I worked in London (including a stint at Liberty) and then in New York, where I freelanced for some of the city’s top-tier designers. I saw first-hand what full creative freedom looked like, and from there, I was able to develop my unique style.
MY LADYGARDEN
After living and working in New York, I wanted to bring the city’s inventive and sculptural approach to floral design back to London. I returned determined to inject fun into the traditional world of floristry and started a floral design studio called My Ladygarden. Since starting out in my kitchen in Hackney in 2020, My Ladygarden has grown astronomically – I create for brands, events, and weddings, run workshops and a flower school, and I now have an open studio in Islington and an online store.
My Ladygarden is more than just a florist: at its core, it’s a celebration of colour, creativity, and experimental design. Flower Porn shares my passion for this playful, modern approach to floristry. I hope it will transform your love for flowers into a crafted, hands-on skill.
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The life of a florist
The life of a florist is intriguing. People often say, “It must be so calming to play with flowers all day.” But it’s not easy work! There are hours of heavy lifting, loading vans, unloading vans, going up tricky loading bays, quickly getting over your fear of heights to climb up crazily tall ladders, and the spreadsheets. Oh, the spreadsheets! It’s not (ahem) all roses…
But, jokes aside, it truly is one of the most beautiful forms of self-expression, and with a great team, glorious flowers, and fun briefs, it’s all worth it. You get a sense of instant gratification from preparing your blooms. When you’re in the flow of creating, with your favourite music playing, beautiful colours all around you, and the sun shining, it is hard not to pinch yourself with gratitude.
My Ladygarden has grown at incredible speed, evolving at every turn. From my kitchen in Hackney Central to the spare room of my flat in Hackney Downs, and from the first tiny unit in Dalston to my current two-level space in Islington, no two days in (or out of!) the studio are ever the same.
On some days I find myself preparing quotes and taking calls with clients. On others, I’m suspending chicken wire at event venues to bring an installation to life. I have learned that there are certain items you should never leave the studio without: secateurs and scissors, a dustpan and brush, refuse bags, cable ties, a first aid kit, coffee, and a good attitude! One of the most important lessons for any florist to learn is to (try and) always stay calm, as inevitably, some things will not go to plan. We’re quick to think on our feet and problem-solve. And that’s partly what makes it so fun. There’s always a new challenge. And for someone with an endless stream of ideas, it’s perfect.
We live in an era where you can create floristry, floral art, floral design – whichever name you prefer – however you like. Gone are the days when Valentine’s Day was strictly about red roses, and Mother’s Day was confined to pink and yellow tones. Floristry truly is a personal form of expression, and it connects you to those who receive your creations like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.
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A modern approach to
FLORAL DESIGN
Taking a step back from traditional “rules”, Flower Porn immerses you in the world of floral design by celebrating the seasons and – crucially – colour. The techniques and flower recipes in this book are intended to inspire and encourage florists of all levels. Let’s get started…
The designs in these pages centre around playful colour palettes and the time of year. I work with tonal-inspired aesthetics in mind and my creations alter with the seasons as different blooms become available.
While the florals and colours change, every design remains true to my joyful signature style. No matter what level of floristry experience you have, this book will give you the confidence to find your style and engage with your creative side.
THE FOUNDATIONS
It’s time to grab some flowers and have a play! First up, the flower key (overleaf) walks you through the four key elements to consider when you’re creating. It’s my floral 101 and will help you put together beautiful, atmospheric arrangements.
Next, it’s practical “mechanics” – the materials, tools, and techniques you’ll need to support your flowers and hold them in place. The how-to guides you’ll find in the Techniques chapter teach you core floristry skills and provide general tips and design advice, so you can be imaginative with your own arrangements and confidently recreate – or customize – the projects in the seasonal chapters.
I’ll show you how to create five signature designs: a spiralled bouquet, a vase arrangement, a statement arrangement, a tablescape, and a suspended cloud. You’ll also find bonus instructions for a timeless flower crown and a cute, contemporary buttonhole.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter bring everything together. Inspired by my time in Melbourne, London, New York, and Paris – and the delicious food and drinks I enjoyed there! – these chapters are filled with my crafted colour palettes, favourite seasonal florals, and more than 20 unique flower recipes. I hope you’ll enjoy making the designs you’ll find here – or that you’ll use them as inspiration for your own creations. Colour is central to my work and these chapters also explore how my palettes resonate with memory and meaning. For advice on putting colour palettes together, turn to Creating your colour palette.
THE FLOWERS
I source my flowers from several commercial suppliers, plus my local flower market. To find my top tips on making the most of a trip to a market near you see How to shop flower markets. Finally, the directory on Structural moments, Textural blooms, Statement blooms, and Small blooms showcases substitutes you can make so you can use the florals you find at your local florist – or ones you can forage – to stay true to the aesthetic of the recipes.
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Flower Porn
FLOWER KEY
The floral designs in this book have a mix of blooms with different qualities: structural, textural, statement, and small. When you work with these four elements in mind and combine them with intention, you’ll instantly elevate your creation.
Each flower recipe in this book features a combination of these elements (although not every recipe includes all four). This key introduces you to the elements and explains how they work within an arrangement. The flower directory (Structural moments, Textural blooms, Statement blooms, and Small blooms) will empower you to shake up your flower selections, so you can work with what’s available in your part of the world. Look beside my seasonal flower picks at the start of each chapter, and next to each bloom on the recipe pages, to find the role particular flowers play in each design.
REINVENT YOUR FLORALS
The same flower can bring different qualities to different designs. For instance, a carnation might be the perfect small bloom for a hand-tied bouquet, while in a statement arrangement, carnations might be
STRUCTURAL
Structural moments are so important. Often used to create the base of an arrangement, they are the starting point for many of my signature designs. My go-to flower is usually a hydrangea, but dahlias, delphiniums, and anthuriums work well too.
TEXTURAL
Layer these flowers to add dimension and a tactile quality to your work. You’ll find varying flower sizes in this category, from bold fritillaries and firework-like gypsophila to dreamy asparagus fern and floofy smoke bush. Textural blooms are incredibly powerful and will help you create interesting and dynamic designs.
STATEMENT
The big boys – the razzamatazz of the flower world! We’re talking about the larger-than-life, exciting, and wacky flowers that love to steal the show. And we love them for it. Orchids, peonies, anthuriums, calla lilies, and roses often take this starring role.
SMALL
A bloom like a gerbera, safflower, ranunculus, or lisianthus will help to fill gaps within your arrangements – their heads can fit into the smallest spaces! You should also use small blooms when working on delicate items, such as buttonholes and flower crowns, as they’re easier to manipulate.
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TECHNIQUES
Techniques | Contents
GET THE TOOLS
HOW TO CONDITION & HYDRATE
WORKING WITH DIFFERENT FLOWERS
HOW TO REFLEX ROSES
A NOTE ON ROSES
HOW TO REFLEX TULIPS
A NOTE ON POPPIES
SPIRALLED BOUQUET
HOW TO CREATE A SPIRALLED BOUQUET
VASE ARRANGEMENT
HOW TO CREATE A VASE ARRANGEMENT
STATEMENT ARRANGEMENT
HOW TO CREATE A STATEMENT ARRANGEMENT
TABLESCAPE
HOW TO CREATE A TABLESCAPE
SUSPENDED CLOUD
HOW TO CREATE A SUSPENDED CLOUD
HOW TO CREATE A BUTTONHOLE
HOW TO CREATE A FLOWER CROWN
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Get the
TOOLS
Here are some handy tools that will help you on your floral journey.
Heavy-duty fishing wire will help you create the illusion of a floating floral cloud; it is invisible at a distance and can support weights up to 5kg/11lb.
Pot tape is used to create a grid over the mouth of a vase to support your stems. It’s super tacky and sturdy, but it doesn’t stick to itself when wet, so make sure the vase is clean and dry before you begin.
Floral tape, made of paper and self-adhesive when stretched, is used to tape stems together. It’s ideal for delicate pieces like buttonholes.
Chicken wire is used to create support structures for your flowers; scrunch it together to make loops for the stems to sit in.
Stub wire comes in various thicknesses. It’s used to create the base of flower crowns and traditionally for wiring buttonholes.
Floral frogs, a.k.a. Kenzan flower frogs or ikebana pin holders, are used to create dramatic lines in designs.
Cable ties strengthen the chicken wire structures that support suspended clouds.
Twine is used when making hand-tied bouquets to tie the stems together. Three wraps around the bunch with a double knot should do the trick.
Secateurs are essential, so invest in a good pair. Look after them and be careful – they are sharp!
Rose strippers are handy when you’re conditioning roses. When the little bumps are dragged along a stem, they remove leaves and thorns without hurting your hands.
OTHER USEFUL ITEMS
Floral gum, a.k.a. floral putty, is used to secure your floral frog to the base of a vase or bowl.
Dutch or painters’ buckets are vital for storage; they are tall and will support your stems as they hydrate.
Florist gloves should be worn if you have sensitive skin, or if you would like protection from thorny stems.
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How to
CONDITION & HYDRATE
Conditioning or “processing” flowers is floristry speak for preparing your floral materials. Essentially it means ensuring each stem is clean before you work it into your design. The process minimizes the growth of bacteria that cause your blooms to wilt. Conditioning also gives flowers the chance to hydrate well, and proper hydration will encourage their longevity and increase their lifespan. Conditioning and hydrating are key primary steps for all floral designs, from bouquets and buttonholes, to arrangements and installations.
YOU’LL NEED
Sharp scissors or secateurs, gloves (optional), vase or bucket
DURATION
10 minutes per 30 flowers, plus 60 minutes hydrating
PERFORM
Whenever working with fresh flowers, prior to arranging.
Kai’s tips
As a general rule, condition at least halfway up the flower stem. I prefer to clean at least two-thirds up the stem to achieve a more flower-heavy, less-green aesthetic.
Techniques | HOW TO CONDITION & HYDRATE
1 Take a flower stem (image a). Strip wilted and lower leaves, remove any thorns, and ensure the stem is free of dirt. When working with roses, I recommend using a rose stripper to help you (image b). Any part of the stem that makes contact with water (in a vase, for example) must be clean and foliage free. Floristry can be messy, so have a broom to hand and cover the table if you want to protect it.
The more leaves you keep on the stem, the bulkier the design will look. But as long as there is no greenery below the halfway point of your stem, you’re good to go.
Techniques | HOW TO CONDITION & HYDRATE
2 Cut each conditioned stem at a 45-degree angle (image c) – this increases the surface area at the bottom and allows the flower to drink more water.
Techniques | HOW TO CONDITION & HYDRATE
3 Submerge your stems in fresh, clean water within 30 seconds of cutting (image d). I only use clean water to hydrate the flowers I work with. Some people use chemical additions, such as bleach, to clear bacteria. But if you use a clean bucket and water, you shouldn’t need any chemicals.
Techniques | HOW TO CONDITION & HYDRATE
4 Leave your flowers to hydrate for a minimum of 60 minutes before you start arranging so they can absorb as much water as possible. Keep them away from sunlight, warm spots, and heat sources like radiators. Ideally, they want a cool environment away from direct sunlight to make sure they last for the maximum time.
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Working with
DIFFERENT FLOWERS
Every flower needs a bit of TLC and over the years you learn their little nuances, from how to make them bloom quicker, hydrate faster, or change shape completely. This comes with practice and I’m always learning new tricks to add to my little black book of blooms. Here are a few favourites:
Hydrangeas drink from both the stem and the petals. If your flower is looking sad and dehydrated, immerse the head of the bloom in water for 30 minutes or so and it should perk up.
Guelder-rose leaves should all be removed from the stems to prevent the flowers from drooping.
Asparagus fern has small spikes along its stem – take care when using it!
Orchids have delicate petals. When working with them, think about where you’d like to position them, but add them in last, to avoid damage.
Carnations were once thought of as the “cheap” bloom, but you can now find Vip varieties with speckles, splashes of colour, and varying textures. To make them look extraordinary, gently push and open up the top petals. Sometimes they open as big as a rose! (Luckily, this trick won’t shorten their lifespan.)
