It's time to vibe up your vases!
3 simple tips for your floral arrangements from Putnam & Putnam, NYC’s brightest floral designers
It’s not easy to get flowers to look as good as the ones presented by Michael and Darroch Putnam. These preeminent floral designers are partners, in life and business, and their New York firm Putnam & Putnam, founded in 2014, has so far worked with high-profile clients such as Bergdorfs, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, as well as plenty of private individuals, keen to dress their space in the best possible taste.
The couple’s route into floristry explains some of their singular success; Darroch is a photographer, while Michael trained in interior design. Yet there are, they say, a few simple hacks almost anyone can try, to create flower arrangements that stand out.
For example, if you’re planning a big event, go for bold colours. “Palettes are getting richer,” the couple tell Tatler magazine, “especially for weddings and events.”
When buying any fresh produce, it pays to work with your suppliers. “Strike up a good relationship with a couple of vendors and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” they advise. “Be sure to ask about the proper way to treat flowers and how long each variety will last.”
And, if arranging really isn’t for you, then strip everything back. “Buy unique varieties and put a few stems of each type of flower in a pitcher or tall vase,” they advise. “It's a simple and elegant way to bring flowers into your home.”
For a lot more detailed advice from Putnam & Putnam, check out their book The Flower Colour Guide. It’s the first reference book to organize flower types by colour, with an emphasis on seasonality and creative colour schemes - and the results are stunning in their sheer variety. Pre-order your copy here.