6 vases, 6 ways

Clear, square vase

Floral designer Scott Johnson filled a clear vase with curly willow to act as a grid to hold the flowers in place. He then added water. Even branches from a shrub in your backyard would work the same as the curly willow as long as they're flexible. He started with liatris, a spiky purple flower, and added bright yellow lilies, sunflowers, cock's comb and tropical leaves. Lily buds can be forced open and used. Just roll it between your palms to loosen the bud and peel back each petal. This arrangement is perfect for sitting on a bar or table where it can be enjoyed from all sides.
» View a larger photo of the arrangement

Low, clear, squatty vase

To add interest, Johnson filled the vase with a wad of ornamental grass. He submerged a sunflower head into the water and added golden amaranthus, which he allowed to cascade over the side of the vase and onto the surface. The submerged sunflower will last up to three weeks. Once the petals begin to wilt, Johnson said they can be removed and the brown, fuzzy center can be left inside for a different look. This arrangement looks nice sitting on a countertop.
» View a larger photo of the arrangement

Black wine glass vase

Arranged as a place-card holder for the dinner table, this arrangement features a wine glass filled with floral foam. Johnson draped a large tropical leaf across the top and then inserted purple orchids in the center of the vase. A piece of decorative aluminum wire, twisted into a curlicue on the ends to hold the place card, is then wrapped around the stems just below the blooms.
» View a larger photo of the arrangement

Short, round, clear vase

For a modern look, Johnson filled the vase with decorative rocks and a bunch of decorative aluminum wire he twisted at the ends. He filled it with water and floated a sunflower head on top. This arrangement works well alone or with several lined along the center of a table.
» View a larger photo of the arrangement

Squat, square, pink-tinged vase

Johnson created a grid using floral tape across the top of the vase so flowers could be inserted into the slots. He placed alstroemeria lilies near the rear of the vase and added a pair of sunflowers and purple irises. He then wrapped a large leaf around the base of the vase to create an interesting ribbonlike detail. When working with flower stems, remove as many of the bottom leaves as possible to allow the bloom to flourish and soak up the nutrients. This arrangement is ideal for a coffee table or a bedside table.
» View a larger photo of the arrangement

Tall, skinny, green vase

Anyone who has ever gotten a delivery of flowers most likely has at least one of these tall, skinny, green vases. To infuse new life into this popular vase, Johnson filled it with sprigs of leather leaf, three large tropical leaves, a few sprigs of spiky grass, sunflowers and purple irises. He finished it off with golden solidago, staggered just below one of the irises, one of which he tilted to the side. Great for displaying on a dining table or countertop, where it can be enjoyed from all sides.
» View a larger photo of the arrangement