THE ARRANGEMENT

Peta Countryman been a florist for 28 years and is currently a floral designer at the Five Mile Rosauers.

Countryman, who says some customers like to call her the “Frugal Florist,” says the secret to fabulous floral design is not in the money spent on flowers but in the balance of colors. She recommends a small arrangement called a “Fussy Tussy” as a great beginner’s project. According to Countryman, a simple mixed flower bouquet from the grocery store can be transformed into an elegant gift.

Start with a standard grocery store bouquet with pink mini carnations, a small rosebud spray, white daisies and greenery. Choose a small-headed flower with a long stem as your focal point. Hold it in your hand and add the other flowers, one at a time, rotating your hand to the right as you work.

For the arrangement pictured in the photo, Countryman started with rosebuds. She then added white daises alternating with pink mini carnations. Countryman says the key to this arrangement is making sure all the flower faces are touching. She interspersed greenery to add depth and texture to the design.

“For an extra dollar, I like the feathery look of tree ferns,” she says.

When you’re satisfied with how the tussy looks in your hand, bring the container you’ll use to the edge of a counter or table. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water in your container. In order to know where to cut the stems, align the top of the bouquet to the rim of the vase, letting the stems hang below the edge of the counter.

Cut the stems that hang below the counter and tie the bunch with a rubber band and place in the container. You can leave the band on for a tighter look, or you can cut it off for a looser appearance.

Add water frequently to prolong the life of the arrangement.

Displayed in a vase, a tall coffee cup or even something as homey as a Mason jar, Countryman says this arrangement makes a charming gift.