Expressiveness is the ability of a flower arrangement to convey , portray , or communicate an idea or an emotion to the viewer. Creative expression makes a design a work of art.

The message may be cheer, humor, or love. Association and symbolism in floral design has long been a tradition in the Orient. Arrangements which interpret themes are most frequently done for competition in flower shows, but it is a good practice any time. Try making an arrangement that portrays a place: ‘Mountain Top'; a season: ‘Hint of Spring'; the weather: ‘Windy Day'.

Your own personality is often expressed in your flower arrangements. Some prefer the dignified symmetrical form; other the bold asymmetric style. You may express your 'good day' or an angry mood in your arrangement. Try to communicate what you feel to others. To do this you must be able to control the design elements and principles.
 

•  Proportion –

•  Elongated things seem more graceful and elegant than thick, short masses.

•  Small things suggest refinement; large things reflect strength and dominance.

•  Sparse materials speak of restraint, large amounts hint at abundance and exuberance.

•  Balance –

•  Symmetrical suggests dignity or formality. An Easter theme is best with symmetrical balance to express the solemnity and dignity of the occasion.

•  Asymmetrical suggests informality - dynamic or subtle. A March wind theme is best created as asymmetrical to suggest the dynamic nature of the wind.

•  Rhythm –

•  Rhythm is movement and sets the speed, direction and kind of activity expressed in the flower arrangement.

•  Transition, variation, contrast - important in expressing certain themes.

•  Dominance -

•  For uncertainty, dominance should be minimized.

•  For a major theme, dominance should be well developed.
 

•  Line –

•  Strong vertical lines may have spiritual connotations.

•  Curved lines may express joy.

•  Diagonal lines express restless movement.

•  Shape/form –

•  The entire arrangement is expressive. Shapes of plant materials, container, and accessories should all promote the theme.

•  Low, horizontal arrangements seem calm. Vertical arrangements may express alertness or aspiration.

•  Color - Effective in suggesting emotional qualities :
   

•  Texture –

•  Rough textures seem strong and rustic.

•  Fine textures seem dainty and fragile.

•  Slick textures suggest sophistication and a contemporary feel.

•  Pattern –

•  A repeated pattern of curved stems may express precision;

•  The same curved stems grouped with irregular spaces between them gives an informal effect.

•  A flower with a strong color pattern says "look at me!"

•  Space –

•  Open spaces ask the viewer to look through them and contemplate.

•  Full, compact arrangements (no space) are self explanatory; they are what they are.

•  Size –

•  Small things are dainty, fragile, and elegant.

•  Large flowers are bold, striking, and strong.

Flowers and foliages may be classified according to what they most strongly express. For example, a pussy willow suggests early spring; a poinsettia is associated with Christmas. Some flowers are considered more formal than others. Some are thought of as wild flowers or garden flowers.

The color of the flower also influences its classification; for example : a white rose is considered more formal than a yellow rose by most people.
 

Formal                        Informal                              Striking or Sophisticated

Carnation                Cornflower                            Alstroemeria and Anthurium

Rose                       Daisy                                    Bird of Paradise and Protea

Orchid                    Garden flowers

Lily of Valley        Sunflower           

Natural dried plant materials may convey a whole range of ideas. To some, they express winter; to others, the harvest time and continuity of life in the seed pods and nuts.

The expressiveness starts with the selection of the plant materials. You communicate your ideas or themes through the flower choices. Probably the most beautiful of all arrangements are those in which the spirit of the flower or foliage itself is expressed.

Containers are able to express certain ideas even when empty.  

• The materials of which they are made are expressive.

• Costly materials express affluence or elegance.
• Inexpensive pottery/wooden containers express simplicity, strength, or ruggedness.
• Baskets express naturalness, lightness, directness.
• Silver expresses elegance.
• Glass expresses fragility or strength, depending on kind and thickness

• Their shape is also expressive.

• Tall ones are aspiring, inspiring.
• Low ones are solid and content.

Bases and Background

• A base is the surface on which you place your design. It must follow the theme or idea.

• Simple -- the table in your kitchen or the desk in your room
• Textured – lace over a colorful cloth or a pattern of leaves under your container
• Rugged – a concrete block or a large, smooth stone

• A background is the backdrop behind your design. Fabrics used with arrangements as backgrounds or mats are expressive according to their texture: satin, silk, burlap, lace.

Examples include

• the wall of your living room
• fabrics, quilts, screens, photos or art work
• plants, leaves

Accessories such as driftwood, animals, or candles are very expressive. The accessory must conform to the idea expressed by the rest of the design.

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