Even if you've never made a flower arrangement before, you can do it beautifully the first time with these simple, professional techniques. A host of fresh, dried, or silk flower designs parade across the pages in lavish photographs, and the wonderfully detailed question and answer format shows how to realize them. Get the basics on inexpensive tools, flower care and conditioning, and materials. Sage advice covers everything from how to wire fresh flowers and use floral foam to choosing a container and working with exotic species. The real excitement is the array of imaginative arrangements, including ones that have foliage as a base, incorporate branches or candles, and combine a potted plant with fresh flowers. See how to embellish food with flowers, make a wreath, string flowers, create a wedding bouquet, and design a dried or fresh floral topiary.