Our Orient Expression

Mar 2 2008 Vivienne Lee And Nick Priestly

Flowers Exotic Orchid Arrangement Inspired By Trip To Hong Kong

A holiday in Hong Kong gave us the chance to sample some of the floral delights the city has to offer.

This cosmopolitan city has some of the best shops in the world and that includes flower stores to suit every level of consumer.

For the label-conscious, hautecouture designers such as Armani and Agnes B offer sleek flower bars within their stores.

For those seeking the unique, bijou flower boutiques tucked away in winding alleys uncover hidden floral gems.

But a must for flower enthusiasts is a trip to Mong Kok Flower Market. We were astounded by the abundance of exotic flowers, especially orchids, in every variety and colour and at great prices.

Our trip inspired us to be creative with orchids and the great news is you don't have to fly to the Orient to find choice blooms.

You can buy most varieties as a plant or cut flower and as the majority sold in the UK are grown in Holland - and some in the UK - means they don't rack up too many air miles.

Orchids are also long-lasting - two to three weeks as a cut flower or a couple of months as a plant. So while they cost more than other flowers, you will get your money's worth.

With so many varieties, it is hard to choose one - be it the deep purple vanda orchid with its large patterned blooms, the phalaenopsis orchid with its elegant arched stem or the starburst-shaped dendrobium orchid.

Orchids are real statement flowers and provide your home with an instant piece of living sculpture. The key is to keep it simple.

You will need..

Single stem of vandal orchid (approx 7-9 heads)

Tall contemporary vase

5 metres of silver wire

Scissors

STEP ONE

Fill vase with water about 1/3 full and trap vanda orchid flower with coil of silver wire.

STEP TWO

Continue Step One until you reach the top of the vase, making sure to trap the vanda orchid flower under the wire each time.

STEP THREE

Fill the rest of the vase with water and balance the remaining vanda orchid flowers on stem at top of the vase, making sure the end of the stem is in water.

Other orchids..

Try this arrangement using green dendrobium or red cymbidium orchids.

As a treat, try the Black Magic vanda. Be inspired by our favourite New York florist at www.banchetflowers.com