FLOWER ARRANGEMENT 355

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Rhythm. Every growing thing has its own rhythm or growth
movement. A person should study the way a flower grows, and
then select the type of rhythm to stress in arranging it. All types
of rhythm are based on movement and repetition.

Radiating rhythm occurs in most flower arrangements but
particularly in round or~ triangular compositions w^here the lines
radiate from one place. Lanciform leaves or tall flower spikes like
snap dragons and larkspur emphasize radiation in an arrangement.

Curvilinear rhythm is felt in smoothly gliding lines which lead
the eyes in, through, and over a composition and container until
they have seen it all, and then they rest at the point of greatest
interest. This rhythm occurs naturally in the flowing lines of
arrangements of wisteria, trumpet vine, nasturtiums, petunias, or
verbenas. Curvilinear rhythm can be deliberately created by the
arrangement of plant materials. For example, blossoms may be
employed to form S or C curves against other flowers or foliage
or they may help to make the curves of crescent arrangements.
Curved stems, leaves, and flower stalks are useful in directing and
creating continuity in curvilinear rhythm

Diagonal rhythm is the most active type of rhythm obtainable
in flower arrangements. The main line of a composition can be
made dynamic by slanting it or static by placing it upright. When
the leading line slants in one direction a shorter line or msiss should
slant in the opposite direction to halt the movement.

Proportion. The fine relationship of parts in a flower arrange-
ment is based on proportion. A safe rule for amateurs is to have
the plant material about one and a half times as high as a medium
or tall container j although it may be very much higher, even three
and a half times, in order to fit a certain background space or to
secure a dramatic result. See page 379. A very tall arrangement
should be narrow in form and thin at the top. Experts sometimes
stress beautiful containers by using only a small proportion of
plant materials in them. A horizontal arrangement looks well if
the plant material is one and a half times as wide as the low con-
tainer; however, personal taste should be the final guide. Flat
arrangements, to be seen from above, may have one-third or two-
thirds of the water covered with plant materials.