EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLOWER ARRANGING

3-MIN READ3-MIN

Published: 12:00am, 20 Apr 2003

HONG KONG IS A FLORAL paradise, a hub for imported flowers from around the world that are available cheaply. Your local wet market should have a fair selection, but for an extensive range head to the flower market off Prince Edward Road.

Once suitably inspired, you can learn the tricks of the trade from professionals at various flower-arranging courses, such as those offered by the YWCA (tel: 3476 1340), that start at $780 for a four-week beginners' course, and the Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement (tel: 2882 1832; www.hkafa.com.hk), which has longer courses in specialties ranging from bridal bouquets to floral gifts, starting at $1,500.

Florist Penny Barry, who takes the YWCA courses, advises shopping around at the market because the quality varies and some stalls sell in bulk. 'We are spoilt for choice,' she says. 'You need to have a good look around, choosing blooms that look firm and strong and making sure the foliage is as fresh as the flowers. If the leaves are yellowing or the buds drooping or falling off, don't buy them.'

According to Gary Kwok of Gary & Boris Flowers (tel: 8200 9226), the 'hot' blooms at the moment are hyacinths and Calla lillies, and colours in vogue are white, green and purple. Market flowers are inexpensive but he recommends ordering in advance from a florist if you want a special look. The right colour combination can create a mood: white with green, burgundy and purple equals elegance; purple with red is romantic; mixed colours (orange, pink and yellow) are for fun.

Colour is the key to contemporary flower arranging, agrees Theresa Lam of the Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement, but so is knowing how to mix your materials. There are various magazines on the subject but for the latest ideas, stroll through the lobbies of Hong Kong's top hotels.

Begin by choosing the right foam for the flowers you are arranging: green, water-retaining foam for fresh flowers and foliage; the stiffer, brown foam for dried or artificial flowers. Place the (green) foam in a bucket or large bowl and allow it to soak up water naturally - this should take about 20 seconds. Do not wet foam under the tap because this can leave dry spots inside, which cause the stems to wilt.