I’ve always been head-over-heels for flowers, whether they are fresh or faux. To me, they are like little emotion superheroes, ready to zap with all sorts of emotions.
There are enchanting ones that whisk me away with a romantic and dreamy vibe, and then there are those that simply burst with vitality. Flowers are the ultimate mood influencers (and that explains the floral wallpaper on my mobile phone).
Last Friday, May 12, at Our Home in SM Megamall, I had fun taking part in the In Full Bloom floral styling workshop held in time for Mother’s Day. It was facilitated by Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) Dean Pojie Pambid who prepared a concise but information-filled presentation. What was expected to be a simple flower arrangement tutorial turned into a crash course on flowers.
Before the hands-on activity, participants were given a fun pop quiz which kept us thinking about and acquainted with the different kinds of flowers. We immediately turned into botanical detectives trying to name the blooms as they popped up on screen. We shared a lot of laughter over the fact that we were stumped by almost half of the common flowers shown. We ended up racking our brains, trying to figure out what the familiar-looking ones are called.
After the quick orientation, we were introduced to the different types and styles of floral styling and later on, the moods that each arrangement brings. I learned that while there are certain flowers typically found in events like weddings and funerals, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing and matching blooms. There is so much freedom in exercising one’s creativity and that makes floral styling such an enjoyable activity.
with each sending a specific message or symbolizing strong emotions
The act of styling or arranging flowers can also be a therapeutic and creative endeavor. Engaging in the art form is a chance for mindfulness, relaxation, and self-expression.
As we carefully choose and arrange each flower or filler, we become immersed in a variety of textures, colors, and forms involved. The process allows us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in our surroundings.
While the meditative practice leads us to a sense of focus and elicits a sense of “wow,” it helps us get connected right here, right now.