A BRUSH WITH NATURE
I've always been drawn to the work of the 18th-century Dutch still life painters, dynamically lit to increase the contrast of light and dark – a technique known as chiaroscuro. The inspiration for this arrangement came from Jan van Huysum's painting Flowers in a Vase, and like his painting, it includes wildlife in the form of snails – a reminder that all life is important along the food chain.
How to achieve the look
This old metal ornamental vase was perfect for the display with its low, wide curvaceous shape raised on ornate legs. I placed a narrow, elliptical glass vase inside, and added two layers of one-inch gauge chicken wire, secured with pot tape. This helps hold the stems in position, removing the need for floral foam. I then filled both vessels with cool, fresh water.
This arrangement includes an array of different species, mostly chosen for their value as food plants for wildlife. Big and bold flowerheads contrast with a host of spiky, soft,
