How to make a stunning sculptural arrangement with foraged branches

At some point every April, I start to collect branches. And almost overnight, my studio becomes a riot of seasonal favourites like curly willow, pussy willow, quince and, my favourite, magnolia. To me, they're a symbol of collective gaiety that marks the spring equinox, and each year, they speak to me in a different way. 

As a floral designer, I follow some general principles when arranging that you may find helpful. But I also urge you to create your own formulas when curating branches for your home. After all, an arrangement is a very personal thing. And when you have your flora and container of choice in front of you, you're on the brink of a new world of discovery where there are no boundaries.

Here's a guide to get you started.

Begin by gathering your materials. You can typically find branches at your local florist, and if they don't have what you're looking for, you can simply ask them to source them for you. Foraging is also a great way to accumulate a collection — just make sure you research how to do so responsibly.

[Editor's note: Responsible foraging includes knowing what type of branches to cut to maintain tree health, avoiding harvesting on prohibited lands and from protected species, and refraining from over-harvesting.]

The type of branches you select is a personal choice, however some other top picks for spring include forsythia, cherry and apple blossom, and lichen-covered birch. I rely on seasonal availability and what my local markets have to offer. 

It can be useful to think about the feeling you're trying to achieve and pick tones accordingly. Cherry and magnolia are cheerful, while lichen-covered birch or other foraged bare branches can come across as moody. Combining a few different varieties will also allow you to create texture within your arrangement.

As for the container you go with, you don't need to use a traditional vase. Anything that harmonizes with your vision can work as long as it can hold water, and is heavy and sturdy enough to support the branches and keep the arrangement from tipping over. I always encourage experimentation, so try out vessels in unexpected colours and shapes. And don't be afraid to scale up! Branches make an incredible statement in large quantities. 

Once you've selected a container, make sure it's thoroughly cleaned and fill it with fresh room temperature water.

When you're ready to start designing, take a moment to observe your branches. Stand back and study the curves and the leaves of each one. I always look for gesture when arranging. That is to say, if the branch looks like it's "growing" in a specific direction. You can have the branches reach out of the vessel in the same direction to create a windswept look or in their own organic ways.

It's also helpful to think about overall shape and volume. Consider if you want the arrangement to be round, linear or asymmetrical. You can avoid a crowded or overly sparse effect by making sure your design is proportionate to the container.

Next, manicure the branches by trimming away any unwanted shape and snipping off any stems on the lower quarter of the branches so that you can place them in your container with ease. A strong pair of gardening clippers will help you cut through thick stems.

Add your branches to your container one by one, stepping back occasionally to observe the negative space between the stems. I suggest distributing branches of varying heights throughout to really draw the observer's eye.

Lastly, let the arrangement live in your home, and watch it slowly bloom and evolve.