Find Your There are many reasons to run out and grab throngs of equisetum stalks (Equisetum hyemale) for use in flower arrangements. Also known as horse tail, I would never have known how cool and diverse equisetum is in flower arrangements if it were not for watching Regina Berryman work with this amazing plant material one day. Regina is certified through the American Institute of Floral Design as well as the American Academy of Floriculture.
Regina Berryman Creating An Equisetum (Horsetail) Arrangement
I was caught off guard one day while watching Regina create a contemporary arrangement of red gerbera daisies and equisetum. The movement and flow that this odd little stalk created was very eye-catching and rather charming. Regina was kind enough to explain a few of the many benefits of using horse tail in arrangements. With perked ears, I watched as she created many unique designs just by changing the placement of a few equisetum stalks. I knew very quickly afterward that I had to share these perks. Time is of the essence so let’s begin with the top five reasons to incorporate equisetum into your floral designs:
Reason Number One: Equisetum stalks are perfect for contemporary arrangements! Modern flower arrangements often have a very linear design. Stalks of equisetum are not only linear but also very malleable. Equisetum is hollow throughout which means the stalks bend easily to form several geometric shapes. Floral designers can also run wire through the hollow stalks and bend the equisetum into almost any shape that the imagination can create!
Reason Number Two: Much like the cuticles of human hair, equisetum is compactly layered and therefore very durable. The ends connect at a sort of knot which connects to and holds the next layer in place. What benefit comes from this? Glad you asked! These layers make equisetum very easy to bend and durable when bent. The layers also mean that shortening the equisetum stalks can be done sparing the scissors. Just twist slightly at the knots!
Regina Berryman, AIFD AAF and Her Equisetum Arrangements
Regina Winding Equisetum In This Contemporary Arrangement
Reason Number Three: Equisetum also doubles as a miniature flower vase. The knots at each layer create prevent water from escaping to the next layer beneath. Providing short stemmed flowers with their own source of water is as easy as cutting the equisetum to the desired height above the knot, placing a small amount of water in the stalk, and adding a short stemmed flower!
Reason Number Four: Equisetum creates a beautiful stabilizing grid around square and some round vases. Rather than looking at the stems of many flowers, recipients can gaze instead at the beautiful equisetum stalks. Talk about a great semi-solid color pattern to enhance the brilliantly colored flower arrangement!
Reason Number Five: Eco-conscious consumers and local florists should get excited about equisetum! Short or long, equisetum stalks can be used at a variety of lengths thereby reducing scraps. Need a grid pattern around a vase but only have a stalk or two? Break the stalk apart at the knots or varied lengths and get the most bang for your buck with little effort!
Learning From The Master, Regina Shows How To Make A Grid Pattern Around The Vase With Horsetail
Regina Cuts Equisetum Stalks Just Below The Knot
Regina Showing Me How Equisetum Holds Water
Regina Shaping Equisetum For A Fall Arrangement
Speak Your Mind