Until recently, the French approach to flower arranging was known only to highly trained fleuriste who perfected their art at technical schools and then embarked on lengthy apprenticeships. Now, thanks to L’Ecole des Fleurs, the French flower school in Paris, l’art du bouquet is accessible to all of us. It’s a brilliant concept – in a chic floral studio in the heart of Paris, the school brings together the city’s most gifted florists to teach the secrets and nuances of arranging flowers in the French style. The school offers a curriculum that is comprehensive and relevant with classes covering basic skills and advanced concepts, highlighting seasonal themes and promoting beautiful, cutting-edge design. The school creates a relaxed setting for hands-on workshops that are fun, personalized, and inspiring. All of the workshops use a profusion of beautiful seasonal flowers from the French markets. And everyone leaves with a fabulous French bouquet.
Since my first visit to L’Ecole des Fleurs in 2002, I have studied with the legendary Christian Tortu, his protégés Catherine Muller and Stephane Chapelle, the talented Laure Primard and Remi Guenin, and several other amazing Parisian florists. Here are some of the key lessons and techniques I’ve learned over the years from my gifted mentors and friends.
The bouquet as high art. Begin with a strong concept or a point of view inspired by nature, season, theme, technique, or even a specific flower. In the photo above, the Bouquet Provencal, featuring sunflowers, wheat, and summer wildflowers in a moss and vine-wrapped vase, transports the viewer to the south of France.
Master the bouquet rond. In the French style, bouquets have a distinctive shape and there is a long-standing tradition of crafting a “bouquet in the round.” The bouquet can be small and personal or large and created on a grand scale. It is characterized by a density of form and a lavish use of flowers.
Create lightness and movement. Use foliage and vines, wrapping line flowers (e.g. orchids and delphinium) above and around the bouquet to create dimension and add lightness. This approach complements the density of the bouquet and creates movement.
Work in a sophisticated, monochromatic color palette. By using flowers in a tight color palette, you’ll create a sense of drama and impact. Learn how to choose sophisticated and interesting color combinations. At the French flower school, you’ll work with some of the latest color trends, including lime green and orange flowers, combinations of plum and fuchsia, or white and vanilla flowers, set off touches of brown and lush greens.
Integrate the container with the bouquet. In the French style, containers are very important and they are often part of the bouquet. In the last few years, it’s become very fashionable to create containers as part of the bouquet. At the French flower school, you’ll learn several techniques for covering containers with natural materials to create a beautiful, integrated arrangement.
Use an unusual mix of materials. Mix textures such as peonies and cabbages to create a tension between the hard and soft, expected and unexpected, bold and understated. Use a variety of elements, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, along with branches, pods, and berries to create the quintessential French bouquet.
Use flowers in the home. In France, flowers are an essential part of interior décor. Many lessons at the French flower school focus on how to use flowers for entertaining and interior decoration, including decorating candelabra with flowers and vines, hanging a flower “boule” as a sign of welcome on the door, creating a garland of flowers for the table -- all designed to set a warm and inviting ambiance.
To learn more about L'Ecole des Fleurs, please visit www.labelleecole.fr.
