366 FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

STEM HOLDERS

Some mechanical devices are usually necessary to support stems
properly in flower arrangements. Strips of plumber's lead hooked
across and into the tops of bowls and around stems are useful.

Stem holders in several sizes and shapes are needed. Pin-point
stem holders, consisting of heavy metal bases bristling with points,
and hairpin stem holders are especially satisfactory. A holder is
fastened into a container with modeling clay or hot paraffin wax;
the holder and the container must be perfectly dry. Some stem
holders come in small convenient pans that hold water.

Improvised stem holders are needed too. Each tall or medium
opaque container may have in it some two-inch-mesh chicken
wire crumpled and held in place with lead strips or modeling clay.
Wire hardware cloth in cones, rolls, or circles is useful. Cedar or
spruce foliage clippings provide sufficient support for stems in
large containers. A forked stick that fits snugly across the inside
of a cylindrical vase is a favorite Japanese stem holder. A branch
may be split at the end and tied to a cross-wise stick for support.

Florists' plastic foam is useful for supporting stems in either
fresh or dry arrangements; some sponge-like loaves will hold wa-
ter. The foam may be used without a container; it may be painted
or covered.

Stem holders should be concealed, but not obviously. The
leaves or flowers of the arrangement provide the best screen for
the holder, but material such as glass, gravel, sand, shells, moss,
sticks, driftwood, fungi, or stones may be used in a natural way.
Short pieces of cut stems set upright on the holder serve to con-
ceal it and also to give support to the flower stems.

BASES

Bases, plaques, stands, or mats are placed under containers to
improve their appearance and to protect the surfaces underneath.
A stand under a container corrects a topheavy effect and also adds
importance to a flower arrangement. Plain dull black Oriental
stands are often used. See page 379. Many circular and rectan-
gular slabs of wood in various colors should be acquired. They
are easily made; sometimes cake or bread boards can be used,
Rafts of bamboo or reed are also practical. Bases are usually
needed to unify compositions of flowers and figurines.