[.uk] The Fine Art of Flower Arranging: A Garden Club of ... (ISBN 0810932814)

Book Description:
Gardening and flower arranging are two of the most passionately pursued pastimes. Now, from the Garden Club of America-one of the most respected garden organizations in the country with 195 clubs nationwide-comes a glorious, full-color book showcasing the most imaginative, elegant, and dramatic floral displays being created today. The fascinating text reveals how the best arrangers create their floral masterpieces and gives readers the how-to advice and inspiration they need to create their own beautiful arrangements.

A Thorough and Beautiful Look at Advanced Flower Arranging!:
When Spring finally comes to New England, thoughts of the flowers to come begin to dominate my thoughts. In such a mood, I spotted The Fine Art of Flower Arranging at the library as a way to provide some of this beauty in advance of the real thing arriving outside. I was bowled over by what I found in the book. It is simply the most comprehensive view of advanced flower arranging that it has ever been my pleasure to read. The book begins with a history of flower arranging from the perspectives of Western civilization and of Japan, both of which are amply illustrated with outstanding examples. The book goes on to show how both traditions are now being combined in contemporary arrangements in the United States. Next, you visit the gardens of four arrangers to see how they use their own raw material to create arrangements. This was most impressive for me because three of the gardens are in New England where I live. The fourth is in Hawaii where I often tour gardens. I got a number of ideas about how to use my own garden to help with arrangements from seeing these gardens. The book then turns to flower shows, and devotes a chapter each to table arrangements, working in defined spaces, pedestal arrangements, fashion-related arrangements, museum arrangements designed to complement fine art and arrangements that serve as outside sculptures. There are many remarkable arrangements in each chapter which will inspire my future arrangements. I seldom have gotten so many good ideas from one source! The book also has extended appendices about how to get involved with flower arranging, conditioning flowers and plant material for display, mechanically assembling arrangements, dates of flower shows (including museum shows), and other resources for arrangers. If you buy only one book about flower arranging, I encourage you to make it this one. I think this book can help you create much more advanced designs than you would ever think of on your own . . . which will add to both your skill and pleasure in designing. May beauty always surround you!

Most Beautiful Book:
I think this book is the most beautiful book on flower arranging that I have ever seen. There are all types of arrangements for all seasons and all occasions. I am giving it to all members of my family and many friends for Christmas, even teenage granddaughters. It will become an heirloon and study guide of the future.

American Amateur Flower Arrangers Debut:
For years, amateur foreign floral arrangers have compiled anthologies of their work - from France, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand and even South Africa. "The Fine Art of Flower Arranging" is the American compendium, featuring arrangers from Maine to Hawaii who have created 150 works of floral art. Also unique is its combination of historical perspective, flower show flower arranging competition entries and an extensive resources and further reading section. I particularly enjoyed the arrangers' texts which explain their thinking and methods. What a fabulously rich learning experience, beautifully written and compiled by Nancy D'Oench and enhanced by Mick Hales' exciting floral photography. A coffeetable book that makes the ideal gift for any flower arranger.

Fairly Disappointing:
Just received mine in the mail today. Based on the other reviews, I was expecting beautiful, practical arrangements for every occasion and season. The book is too impractical, though--most of the arrangements are too weird and 'artsy' and would not work for normal special occasions, like weddings and showers. There are a few pages with some beautiful, practical arrangements, but no instructions on how to re-create them. You would be better off flipping through a Martha Stewart magazine for ideas and how-to's.