Insecure About Flowers? Keep It Simple

Best-selling author Barbara Milo Ohrbach, author of “The Scented Room” and “Antiques at Home,” has a basic philosophy: simplify everything.

With that in mind, it is not too surprising that her newest book is called “Simply Flowers” (Clarkson Potter/Publishers, $22.50).

“When it comes to flower arranging, I tell people not to worry about what they don’t know. Since many feel that they don’t know what to do, they approach flowers gingerly,” Ohrbach said. “Flowers enhance our lives, so we should just enjoy them and let them dictate what you do.”

Ohrbach suggests that if you are really insecure about arranging flowers in a vase, buy flowers of all of one color, such as white or shades of pink. “And always buy more than you think you need,” she advises. “Don’t get one dozen daisies, get two.”

“Simply Flowers” contains chapters on arranging flowers, fruits and vegetables; creating unusual potted plants; working with silk and porcelain flowers, and selecting vases, among other topics. Each chapter has color photographs and simple, how-to directions.

In the chapter on finishing touches, Ohrbach shows how to create a standing cellophane vase using garden twine, cellophane, paper clips and ribbon.

On Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Ohrbach will give two free demonstrations at Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar. One will be on “Four Steps to Flower Arrangements” and the other will be on “How to Wrap a Vase,” in which she will demonstrate how to create a special vase by wrapping it in fabric or an antique handkerchief.

This event is free and open to the public.