Floral designers are going to love these two books.


Rose Title

“R is for Rose-Reflections From a Passionate Rose Lover” was written and illustrated with color photos by Carolyn Parker. This was released by Horticulture Books/F & W Publications.

It presents over 26 different varieties and kinds of roses in all their glory. These roses include everything from heirlooms and climbers to singles, hybrid teas, and David Austin roses.

Arranged alphabetically, each one is discussed in great detail with wonderful ideas for arranging and displaying them throughout the house.

The author shares her personal experiences growing and working with these roses over the years. She advises readers on how to go about choosing rose varieties that are suitable for their particular growing conditions.

The author gives step-by-step instructions on cutting and conditioning roses along with tips on choosing containers and arranging them. The arrangements include all sorts of bouquets and other styles.


Creative Touches Title

“Creative Touches-Hundreds of Stylish Ideas for Your Home” from BBC/Hylas Publishing will have special appeal to those interested in floral design.

This inspirational, practical guide features some 300 or so quick and easy decorating ideas. Lushly illustrated in full color, there is an entire section on floral design that showcases 75 wonderful arrangements. These designs are organized by style, including contemporary, and classic elegant. There are also ones for special occasions, such as Christmas and Mother’s Day. Another section highlights unusual containers, including ordinary tin cans.

In addition to the separate section on floral arrangements, many of the projects elsewhere in the book feature flowers. For example, there are table settings showing blossoms placed in napkin rings. So it is safe to say that well over a third of the book’s projects use floral materials to some extent.

This title will be especially useful for those new to interior decorating. It goes into detail on how to go about designing and coordinating the different items on display. For example, an arrangement of blue delphiniums is shown as part of a blue and white color scheme. Another project shows a lovely arrangement in a cut glass vase that blends very well with a period table and mirror.

The book explains how to customize and arrange items for the best effect.

For each project, the book gives illustrated, step-by-step instructions. Throughout the book are quick tips in the side bars. The sections include ones on pictures, mirrors, storage, furniture, lamps and candles, windows, and walls.