tropical colors: the art of living with tropical flowers

Globeamaranthstemsfloatinameshoffinecopperwire.

Aplatformofpandanusleavessupportsaminiaturecattleya.

TropicalColorsTheArtofLivingwithTropicalFlowers

SakulIntakulandWongvipaDevahastinnaAyudhyawithPetaBassett

photographsbyLucaInvernizziTettoni

PERIPLUS

Suspendedpinkcurcumasrisetowardsfloatingcandles.

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Text©2002SakulIntakulandWongvipaDevahastinnaAyudhyaPhotos©2002LucaInvernizziTettoni

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Mauve-pink miniature cattleyas supported on bamboo skewers add color to foldedpandanusleaves.

CONTENTS

6 INTRODUCTION

10 UNDERWATERALLURE13 TankArt16 InUnison23 SunkenTreasures

26 STILLWATERS28 MassedMagic32 TranquilNotes34 PassingParades38 FloralCrossings

40 FOLIAGEINFOCUS42 TropicalCoils46 DefiningLines50 LyricalLeafwork53 LivingSculptures

54 STEMSUPPORT

56 NaturalScaffolds60 SupportingStems

69 FlutedFrames73 InSuspense

76 CRAFTCREATIONS79 TraditionalTones81 InspiredOrbits86 WovenBlooms88 FloralLanterns

92 METALLICACCENTS94 MetalSupport103 TubularExtensions111 WiredWebs

116 DIVIDEDATTENTION118 StunningSingles127 EclecticElegance

132 MASSAPPEAL134 ColorfulClusters146 NaturalWraps

156 DIVINEINSPIRATIONS158 SymbolicGestures

174 PLANTDIRECTORY176 CREDITS

INTRODUCTION

Distinctivelotusseedpodsprovidetexturalcontrastonapanelofribbedbananaleaves.

Flowers have always been an integral part of the cultural fabric ofThailandandaconstantreminderofthecountry'sBuddhistheritageandidentity They are indispensable in age old acts ofworship andplay animportantrole infestivalsandcelebrations.Flowersarealsowovenintothe daily lives of the people. Venerated Buddha images in templesthroughout the country are cloaked in floral offerings. On their way towork,manyThaisoffermalai(garlands)andheartfeltprayersatwaysideshrines.Taxiandtuk-tuk(auto-rickshaw)driversregularlyadorntheirrearvisionmirrorswith stringsof fragrant blossoms.Malai arealsogiven ingreeting.

The abundance of flowers available from Thailand's markets andstreet stalls is a reflection of the wealth and diversity of its tropicalenvironment. The country's long rainy season, during which both thetemperature and humidity drop considerably, followed by a lengthy dryspell,contribute to thevariety: lush,moisture-lovingplantsgrowingwithabandon almost anywhere vie for attention with spectacular floweringtrees which need a prolonged dry season to bloom. Although differentconditions foster different plant environments, the more than 200,000species native to countries that straddle the equater and nearbysubtropical regions are all the result of abundant sunandmoisture.Alloffer a rich source of inspirationwith which to creatememorable floralarrangements.

A steady movement of plants around the tropical world has given

gardenersandfloristsalikeaccesstoanimmensearrayofplantmaterial.A private garden in Bali, for instance, is likely to offer an internationaldisplay-heliconiasfromSouthAmerica,frangipanisfromCentralAmerica,bougainvilleas from Brazil, flamboyant trees from Madagascar,anthuriums from theWest Indies, redgingers fromMalaysia-allof themgrowingwiththevigorofnativeplants.CommercialproductionoftropicalplantsandfastertransportationhasalsomeantthatmanyplantsgrownintropicalregionsarenowavailableascutflowersintheWest,albeitataprice.

Westerners have long been fascinated with tropical plants, a directresultoftheepicvoyagesofearlyexplorersinsearchofnewlandsandrare spices. Their tales of the tropics and an "eternal spring" wereundoubtedlymetwithdisbeliefwhentheyreturnedfromtheNewWorld.Longskirtsdraggedovermoss-coveredwalkwaysandspectaclesfoggedover in the hothouses of Europe where people flocked to witness forthemselves the importedvibrancyand rareexotic formsondisplay.Formost tropical plants, their introduction into glass-houses thatapproximatedtropicalconditionswasthefirststeptowardshybridizationandeventualacclaimashouseplants.Overtheyears,thevarietiesthathave returned to the tropics are often quite different from the original,contributingfurthertothediversity.

Thefinegreenstemsandleavesofthepurpleglobeamaranthcomplementthefinecopper

meshinthisglassgridarrangement.

Horsetailstemspiercedbybambooskewersformplatformsforwhitecurcumabracts.

Asbewitchingasmanytropicalbloomsmayappear,theirverynatureisalso intriguing.What seem tobepalepetalson themusseanda treeare, in fact,decorative leaves.Thescoopedprotrusionsof theheliconiaare actually extensions of the leaves or bract while the true flowerremainshidden.Thewayinwhichsometropicalplantlifeispropagatedisalsocurious.Thebirdofparadise,nativetoSouthAfrica,ispollinatedbysunbirdswhichareattractedtoitsorangesepals.Afterhavingtheirfill

of nectar, they fly on to the next plant with pollen on their feet. Otherflowers,includinggardeniasandtuberoses,arewhiteandreleaseheadyscents at night to attract specific insects. Mystique surrounds tropicalfloraandisyetanotheralluringfeatureofitsappeal.

Flowers,however,arenotthesolefascinationofthetropics.Leavesand stems commandattention in their own right,whether in starring orsupportingroles.Theseeminglyendlessvarietyofstrikingshapes,sizesandcolors, aswell as texture, all contribute toa rich collageof designpotential.

BunchesofplumplotusbudswrappedintheirownwaxyleavesareacommonsightatPakKlongTalad,Bangkok'sbustlingflowermarket.

TropicalColors:TheArtofLivingwithTropicalFlowersdemonstrateshowthevastpaletteoftropicalflowersandfoliagecanbeusedtocreateinnovative floraldesigns forcontemporaryspaces,both indoorandout.Techniques vary from single stem arrangements to floating waterinstallations and conceptual Buddhist-inspired works in which soaringbrassframescradlereeds,lotusesandtuberoses.AlthoughthedesignsinthisbookwerecreatedandrealizedinBangkok,theflorausedcanbefoundinallcornersofthetropicalworld-aswellasinflorists'refrigeratorsin the West. Similarly, technique and inspiration are drawn from the

diverse cultures surrounding the equator. Capturing the context oftropicallifeisasintegraltofloraldesignasthefoliageitself.

Tropical Colors elevates flowers beyond the realm of common andcasual applications. The designs exhibit a raw industrial edge thatrevealsSakulIntakul'searlytrainingasanengineer.Othersdrawonthefloralartist'sabidinginterestinBuddhism.Mostofthearrangementsare,in fact, sculptures: multi-dimensional works, both physically andconceptually,thatcanbeappreciatedfromanumberofangles.

Theuseofunconventional supportingmaterials, suchascagesandwebs of chicken wire and contorted bundles of fine copper wire, isanother hallmark of the arrangements in this book. They add defininglines, rhythm, punctuation and a novel approach that can be readilyreplicated inanyhome, irrespectiveof latitude.Equallysurprising is therole of stems and leaves that contribute their color and texture tocompositions throughout andwhich are also assembled into innovativesupportingstructures.

The unifying thread running through the floral arrangements inTropical Colors is respect for the individual bloom. To this end, theastonishing bracts of the curcuma and the waxy petals of orchids arerevealed in elegant submerged arrangements. The delicate fragility ofhibiscus blooms is framed in floating designs. The synthetic lookingspathes of anthuriums and the voluptuous forms of cattleyas arehighlightedwhenplacedagainstlushleafcoils,whilethedramaticcolorsand shapes of heliconias are accentuated in bamboo scaffolds. Eacharrangement strikes a balance between the flora, the form of thearrangementand thebuilt environment.Distinctive compositionsareassensitive to their locations as they are to the dynamic between theelementswithin.

TropicalColors:TheArtofLivingwithTropicalFlowersisaninvitationto experiment with tropical flowers and foliage or, if these are notavailable, suitable temperate plants. Almost any blossom can be setafloatinacontemplativecenterpiece,bothindoorsandout.Whetheryouare curled up on a sunny daybed for a leisurely afternoon read orreachingforlast-minuteideasforatablesettingbeforeguestsarrive,beinspiredtoexplorenewdimensionsinfloraldesign.

Boldbractsof redandyellowHeliconiacaribeaehelduprightbygoldenbambooframesmakeadramaticdisplayinthiscontemporaryinterior.

UNDERWATERALLURE

New territory isbeingexplored in tropical floralartaswater is

elevated from a life-sustaining element to a display medium.Blooms and foliage are plunged below the waterline intranslucent vessels, revealing another dimension in floralcreativity one that can be appreciated from a multitude ofangles.The resultingdynamicofferssimple floralsolutions forany space, from large public installations to intimate tablesettings. Subtle reflections of the subjects within, whether ariotous glory lily or the understated crown flower, provide adelicate interplay of light and color with the surroundings.Further appeal, and an element of surprise, is added by themist-like pockets of air trapped in the fine filaments of leavesandflowers.

Floor-to-ceiling windows reinforce the feeling of translucency that flows throughoutRaymondEaton's home. The central courtyard pool furthermerges interior and exteriorboundaries,whileflickeringcandlesfloataboveelegantcurcumastemsandlendanairofintimacytothegrandscaleofthesetting.

TANKART

Single tropical blooms suspended by wire and anchored by stones inlarge acrylic or glass vessels can make a dramatic statement in anyhome.Thetextureandthicknessofaflowerdeterminesitssuitabilityforsubmersion.Flowersandstemswiththick,waxypetalsthatarenoteasilybruisedareideal,thoughexperimentationisrecommended.Compositionisasvitalbelowthewaterlineasitisabove.SpaceisthekeyArhythmicuseofvoids inandarounda flowercanmagnify itspresence,whereasovercrowding may literally drown it. Balance, movement, line andrepetition should all be considered when creating a harmonious yetdistinctivedisplay.

Rimsoffireappeartofloatabovetheblackgraniteflooringinthisdramaticentranceway.Top-downlightingilluminatesthepebble-linedbasesofthecustom-designedacrylictanksinwhich tinypinkcurcuma riseup tomeet floatingcandles.Reflections from theglass-linedcorridormagnifytheeffectofagalleryspace.

Stainless steel tubing appears to be freestanding in this arrangement placed in asandstoneniche.Intenselycoloredcattleyabloomspeeroutfromthemetallicfoldswhich,alongwiththecurvedlineofthephormiumleaf,areinspiredbytheJapaneseobi(sash).

Awelcomingcommitteeoftrimmedorchidleavespiercedbyminiaturegreencymbidiumsstandstoattentioninanunderstatedentrancehall.Theflowersarefastenedatthebackofthespathoglotisleaveswithpins.Thefloatingleavesareanchoredwithstones.

INUNISON

Water is a voluminous frame that elevates even the most genericblossom to exhibition status. Detached but not disconnected, therepetitionofthesamebloomacrossanarrayofidenticalvesselscreatesan effortless formality and rhythm that flows in and around the entirearrangement.Whileorderisimposedontheflowers,theresultisfarfrommonotonousassubtlevariationsare revealedanddifferingheightsaddmovement to the overall composition. The containers remain plain andstandardized soasnot to competewith the subjectswithin.The subtleplay of light and color adds further intrigue to each stem, secure in itsownwateryworld.

Boundariesblurasarhythmiclineofpinkcurcuma,alsoknownasSiamesetulips,appear

toemergefromthewaterydepths.Thevariedheightsandpositionsof thebractsaddtothisillusion.

The reptilian formof thebractsofTillandsia cyanea,commonly calledpinkquill, gentlyspinningon theiraxes,contrastswith thecylindricalvasesand tubular table frame.Thelimetopinktransitionoffsetstheatmospherichuesofthesurroundingsurfaces.

Angelfishmake a dramatic anddynamic addition to this linear arrayof green andwhitecurcuma.Thisisnotonlyastunningdecorativeideabutwill,nodoubt,beatalkingpointwhen entertaining. The fish, of course, need to be returned to their permanent and,hopefully,largerhomewhenyourguestsleave.Thearrangementiseasilyreplicatedusingothertropicalplantsandfish.

Creatingastrongsenseofprocession,submergedgloryliliesleadtotheinnersanctumsofthishome.Encasedinroundglassbowls, thevividred,yellowandlimeflame-shapedpetals are a perfect complement to the black granite flooring below. Each flower isanchoredwithwiretoabeautifulwhiteriverstone,providingfurthercolorcontrast.

Encased in an orderly display of glass, these glory lilies at first appear to be identical.Closer inspection, however, reveals the age of each bloom: lime green centers emergefromyoungerflowerswhileadeepreddish-orangehuesuffusesolderneighbors.

Purple crown flowers are entwined in this aqueous copperwire nest. The fluidity of thefloral arrangement is in stark contrast to the structured linesof the adjacentwire framechair,tableandlampstand.Theirregularsurfacedetailontheglasscontainerprovidesitsowntwisttothedesign.

SUNKENTREASURES

Lendingametallicedgetomodern floraldesign, twoutilitarianproductsnormallyassociatedwithindustrialapplicationshaveenteredtherealmofaesthetics. Coiled copper wire and standardmesh wire not onlymakeinnovative and unusual supporting materials for what is essentially afeminine subject, but also inject an elemental contrast with thesurrounding water. Malleable copper takes on a form of its own whenshaped andmassed below the surface, anchoring and gilding delicateblooms.Meshwireistransformedintoelegant,reusableweightsthatnotonly protect the precious blooms within but provide an alluringframework.

The varied density of the contorted wire adds another dimension to the arrangement.Crown flowers can be substituted with other suitable blooms in toning or contrastingcolors.

Notnormallyappreciated for itsaestheticvalue,chickenwire isused toboth frameandanchor these cymbidiums in a honeycomb lattice. Placed inside a water-filled acryliccontainer,thefloral"frames"mergeharmoniouslywiththeirwaterysurroundings.

Stemsofthepurpleglobeamaranth-"flowersthatneverwither"-arecasuallyplacedinsidewire-filledglasscontainersinthismodernsideboardarrangement.

Thefinestemsand leavesof thepurpleglobeamaranthaddadashof limetothisglassgrid arrangement. Masses of tiny air bubbles combine with the coiled copper wire toproduceaneffervescenteffect.

STILLWATERS

Waterisaconduitfortropicallife.Floatingmarketscarrytrade.

Homes on stilts support entire communities. Canals irrigateorchardsandricefields,andfromtheoceancomesthecatchoftheday.Floatingarrangementsconjureupimagesoflotus-filledponds,ofyoungseedlingsemergingfromfloodedricepaddies,orthemeanderingpathofafallenleafjourneyingdownstream.The simple act of floating flowers in anticipation of arrivingguestsorforpersonalpleasurecanhavebothacleansingandcalming effect. Floating arrangements are also suited to theephemeral nature of tropical flowers. Many do not last longoncecut,butitiseasytocreateandreplenishtheseenchantingfloatingarrangementswitheachnewday

MASSEDMAGIC

Simple,stylishandcontemporary,amassoffloatingbloomsfreeoftheirfoliagemakesadramaticstatementinanyspace,beitanentranceway,a living roomoracourtyardsetting.This isaneffectiveway to injectasplashof color intoa roomofmutedhuesor tohighlight thosealreadypresent in the surrounding decor. Container sizes for floatingarrangements can vary from teacups to swimming pools, although theeffect of amotionlesswatery canvas ismore easily achieved in small,shallowvessels.Both long-lastingflowerssuchastheorchidandshort-lived blooms such as the hibiscus are suitable. The latter can bereplenisheddailyfromthegarden.

Restinginawater-filledtray,star-shapedmokaraaddthefinaltouchtothisexoticcanvasof mauve and fuschia vanda orchids and reddish-yellow miniature cattleya hybrids.Framedbythegeneroustabletop indesignerOuBaholydhin'sBangkok livingroom, thiseye-catchingdisplayconcentratesthecolorsofthesurroundings.

Underwatchfuleyes, therichpurpleandyellowhuesofwater lilieswelcomeguests intothe home of Velvadi Sritrairatana and her husband, interior designer ViboonTechakalayatum.Inthecalmofthismutedfoyer,thelilies,floatinginalargehand-beatenstainlesssteeltray,teasetheiradmirersbyopeningandclosinginresponsetochangesinlightthroughouttheday.

TRANQUILNOTES

Delicate blossoms afloat in a ceramic container create a mood ofcontemplationandsensuality.Wakingtoafragrantfrangipanifloatinginadaintyporcelainbowlcansetthetoneforthedayahead.Takingthetimeto create or simply to view such simple gestures can have a calmingeffect.Composition iseasy.All that is requiredareanumberof freshlypickedbloomsfromyourgardenandasharppairofscissorswithwhichtotrimthestemsdailywhenreplacingthewater.Limitingflowers to theonevarietyusuallyworksbestinsmallbowls,whichcanthenbeplacedontables,onthegroundaroundindoorpoolsoralongwalkways.

FragrantWrightia religiosablossomsencircle thebasesof bronzeSakul Intakul "chedi"vessels.FromthecenterrisesthemythicalMountMeru,theBuddhistandHinduspiritualcenteroftheuniverse.

Thissmallhand-thrownceramicbowlreflectsthescaleofthefloatinglantanaflowers,atthesametimeprovidingaminiaturecontemplationfeature.

PASSINGPARADES

Courtyard water features, dark reflection ponds and even swimmingpoolscan formasophisticatedcanvas for larger floatingarrangements.Theintrinsiccharmofflowersadrift liesintheirunpredictabilityas"floralhappenings". They take on a life of their own, unfolding at whim andevolving in response tosubtlechanges in thesurroundingenvironment.Toensurethattheimpactoftheflowersisnotdilutedgiventhescaleofthesetting,simplestructuraldetailscanbeadded-bananatrunkringsandrolledleavesactasflotationdevices,whilecoconutfrondskewerssecureflowerstoleavesandaddformandlinetotheoverallarrangement.

Two varieties of both "ti" plant leaves and desert roses are set adrift in a calm waterfeature.Therolledleaves,securedwithcoconutfrondspines,areevocativeofvernacularwatercraft.Theircolorscomplementtheirdelicatefloralsubjects.

Ivoryandgreen-tingedringsfromthetrunkofabananaplantformaninnovativeplatformfor this floralarrangement.Pinkhibiscusblossomsrestupon the floral floats in tranquilrepose,whileflickeringcandlesinsertedintothecenterofthebananaringsaddaromantictouch.Bambooskewersconnecteachringinalooseandflowingformationthatretainsasemblanceoforder.

FLORALCROSSINGS

Anoasisofcalmwithinamoderncityscape isarareandprecious find,one inwhich floral arrangementsneed tobecarefully introducedsoasnottodisrupttheexistingambience.Armfulsofbrilliantgreenstemscanbe tamed into floatingbridgesor rafts,dottedwithboldlycoloredexoticblooms. Free of foliage, they take on the appearance of vividbrushstrokes.Plastic thread isused toconnect thestemsandmaintaintheformoftherafts.Aflowerasrichinsymbolismasthewaterlilymakesan ideal contrast to themodern, almostminimalist feel of linear flowerstems.Such"suspendedillusions"canbecreatedinanytranquil indoororoutdoorpond,thoughscaleandproportionneedtobeconsidered.

"Bridges" of vibrant green water hyacinth stems connected by invisible threads andsprinkled with dazzling yellow water lilies stretch across the tranquil, chedl-lined innercourtyardpondatTheSukhothaiBangkok.Thestemsofthewaterliliesreachthroughtheplatforms to drink from the pond below. Both stems and lilies combine to infusewarmtropicalcolorintoarestrainedyetreverentsetting.

FOLIAGEINFOCUS

Tropicalenvironmentsarenotablefortheextravaganceoftheirvegetation: broad, paddle-shaped leaves, vast swags ofclimbershangingfromtrees,amultitudeofpalmsandfernsandthe ubiquitous bamboo. Although tropical flowers are morelikely to take center stage-the brilliant spectrum ofbougainvilleas,thealienformsoforchids,thebewitchinglineofthebirdofparadiseandtheeternalcharmofthelotusarehardto ignore-leavesaredramaticelements in theirown right.Theline, shape, texture and vibrancy of tropical leaves offer awealthofexotic inspirationandcangivestructureandcontextto a floral arrangement. If the right container is not available,youneedonlylooktotropicalfoliageforsupport.

TROPICALCOILS

Takingtheircuefromthecoconutleafbasketswoventhroughouttropicalcountries to hold temple offerings or to steam food, coiled coconut orother fronds can make inexpensive but attractive centerpieces. Thefrondsaresimplycoiledaroundthehandtoachievethedesireddiameterandplacedupright inasuitablecontainer.Alternatively, leavesmaybescoredand folded, thenplaced insimplebox frames to form innovative"floralnests".Anyflexible,elongatedleafissuitable.Thenaturalspringineachwillholdthestructureinposition.Formaximumimpact,contrastingortoningflowerscanbetuckedwithintheinterlockingformorplacedontopofflattercoils.

Rolled blue flax lily leaves placed in water-filled handmade teak trays complement the

stronglinesandneutraltonesofthisinterior.Neriumoleanderflowersrestatoptheleaveswhichhavebeenrolledalternatelywiththeirfrontsandbacksexposed.

A cylindrical acrylic vessel holds coils of interlinked coconut fronds in position. Forvariation and depth, both the top and bottom faces of the fronds are exposed. Theanthurium's heart-shaped, plastic-textured spathe, which dots the length of thecenterpiece, provides contrast in shape and color. The theme is extended to the placesettings.

Rainbowtree leavesare turnedon theirsidesandcoiled tohighlight their richlycoloredborders.Thepinkish-orangepetalsoftheascocendafurtherignitethepalette.

The tapered lines of coconut fronds add a rippled effect to this loosely coiled candlearrangement.Miniaturecattleyablossomsandascocendabalanceonthecoconutridges,theirstemsjustskimmingthesurfaceofthewaterbelow.

Powerfullimegreencattleyas,withtheirtrademarksplashofpurple,emergefromnestsofinterwovencoconutfrondsheldinplacebyteakwoodframes.

DEFININGLINES

Whether in thewildor ingardensettings, leavesareusuallyviewedenmasse.However,whenorder isappliedand leavesbecomevesselsaswellascomplementaryfoliage,theirtruebeautycanberevealed.Singleleavesmaybefoldedatintervalsandpositionedinvasestoproduceanairybutangular,three-dimensionaleffect.Trimmedleavesmaybeturnedontheirsidesandpackedintosimpleframes.Colorvariationswithintheleaves,whetheravibrantlimecenterorareversescheme,highlightthelineof the leavesandcontribute to thegeometryof theseexcitingnewforms.Attention is also focused on the intriguing texture of the tropicalleaves.Flowersareusedsparinglytoaddfinalflair.

Strikingpandanusfrondsformanaturalplatformforsuspendingaminiaturecattleyastemoverawater-filledvessel.Thetwo-tonegreeneryisarefreshingadditiontothehigh-gloss

surroundings.

A mauve-pink miniature cattleya lends intimacy and warmth to this metallic and glassinterior. Fastened to a bamboo skewer for height, it is given center billing among thefoldedgreenery.

Trimmedsnakeplant leaves, alsoknownasmother-in-law's tongue,are inserted intoaniron frame.Paleporcelain flowers, amemberof thehoyagenus, emerge from the loosearrangement,muchlikebuddingcreepersonagardenfence.Water-filledvialsbehindtheleavesfeedeachstem.

Parallelfinsoffleshyspiderlilyleavesstandupright,wedgedintosquareteakboxes.Thenatural shape and color variation of each leaf create a dynamic play of line and depth,whilethedaintyixorablossom,mostoftenseeninitsnaturalball-likecluster,addsitsownexclamationmark.

LYRICALLEAFWORK

Whenplayingwithabladeofgrassoracoconutfrond,thereisanaturaltendency toexplore the form'spotential,eitherby twisting itaround thewristorsimplyholdingaloopinplace.Theshapeoftheleafretractsassoon as it is released. The natural spring of such leaves can beharnessed to create lively and original floral displays. Mimicking thenaturalswayofpalms,bloomsmaybethreadedontotheflexiblespinesof the coconut frond, through looped coconut leaves, and inserted intolengths of banana trunk. The flowers will appear to dance on theirsupporting greenery, adding an air of frivolity to the arrangement. Inwhimsicalaswellaspracticaldisplays,loopedleavesmayalsobeusedtosupporttheirfloralsubjectsabovewide-neckedvases.

Looped fronds elevate pink anthuriums above a monochromatic collection of ceramicvessels.Thefrondsbothmaintainthegentlearcofeachstemandreinforcetheindividualcharmofthecontainers.

Coconut fronds looped beneath the hanging petals of the spider lily create an airycenterpieceinthehomeofPrasertandSunatheeIsvarphomchaithatallowsthefreeflowofdinnerpartyconversation.Therefreshingwhite-on-greencolorschemeisechoedinthelengthsofbananatreetrunkliningthebaseofthetablearrangement.

Freestandingbanana leaf panels flankheirloomcalligraphyon a landing in thehomeofViboon Techakalayatum and Velvadi Sritrairatana, forming an original but reverentcelebrationofnature.

LIVINGSCULPTURES

Thewaxylotusleafisanidealwrappingmaterialwhilethebananaleafisfrequentlyused forcookingand foodpresentation.Freestandingpanelscovered in these durable leaves form an unusual floral canvas thathighlights the inherent form and line of each species. The carefulpositioningof lotusblossomsandseedson theverticalplane leads theeyedownwards,muchasifreadingascroll.Tocreatethese"exhibition"stands,leavesarefirstattachedtoawoodenblockandtheninsertedintothe supporting metal frame. As the ageing process creeps across thearrangement, and the color and texture of the foliage are transformed,anotherexcitingvisualdimensionisaddedtoeach"livingsculpture".

Thepaleundersidesoflotusleavesaregentlyfannedalongthelengthofthefreestandingpanelsanddottedwith lotusbuds.Thenatural linesof the leavesmimic theripplesofapondandprovideaninterestingcontrasttotheadjacent,moregeometricanddeeperhuedbananaleafandlotusseedarrangement.

STEMSUPPORT

A symbol of longevity in the Chinese culture, and a favorite

subject of artists, bamboo has long been transformed into amyriad of practical items and put to use in thousands ofdifferent ways around the world. Available in many lengths,diametersandcolors, this fast-growing tree-likegrass,with itsstrong, woody, hollow stems and ringed joints, continues tocapture the modern imagination. Both the emotive andfunctional characteristics of bamboo can be incorporated intofloral design. Used in combination with other tropical stems,suchashorsetailandplantsof thecostusfamily,bamboocanlendnotonlystructuralsupporttoafloralarrangementbutalsoinjectafeelingofclassicOrientalbalance,orderandharmony.

NATURALSCAFFOLDS

Thescalemaydifferbut theprinciple remains thesamewhenbambooscaffolding,anenduringfeatureofmanybuildingsitesinAsia,isbroughtinside and used as a support for tropical floral arrangements. This all-natural structure, free of joining materials, effortlessly secures largerstems in position while capturing the essence of the bloom. It firmlyplaces theemphasison thestrikingshapesandcolorsof the flowers itsupports.Thetensilestrengthofbamboocanalsobetransformedintoanalluringdisplaywhenusedasadomedcageoverafragileblossom.Thesubject within is enveloped in an air ofmystique as bamboo reinventsitselfyetagain.

Strippedoftheirsupportinggreenery,boldyellowandredbractsofHeliconiacaribeaeareadramaticandundeniablytropicaladditiontoRaymondEaton'sspaciousBangkokhome.Heliconiacaribeae,whichgrowsuptoaheightof20feet,canbescaledtosuitthesetting.The deceptively strong but flexible golden bamboo lattice at the base of the acryliccontainers secures the carnival-like forms in position without competing with theirperformance.

OriginatingintheCaribbeanIslands,Heliconiacaribeaeisoneofseveralhundredspeciesof this beautiful, exotic plant. It is also deceptive. The colorful red, yellow and orangebracts are merely a protective covering for the relatively insignificant flowers that arehousedwithin.

Golden bamboo forms a protective cage over this eye-catching floating hibiscus andheightens its perceived value. The common tropical flower becomes a small organictreasuresetamidststainlesssteelandglasswhilethegreenstripesonthebamboomimicthesurroundingreflections.

SUPPORTINGSTEMS

Whensearching forgreenery to framea floralarrangement, leavesareusuallythefirstchoice.However,tropicalstems-thenutrientthoroughfareandlifelineofaplant-shouldalsobeconsidered.Stemscanquicklyandeasily be transformed into innovative supporting structures with acontemporarylookandfeel.Becauseoftheirexotic,eye-catchingbeauty,manytropicalbloomsneedlittleelsetoenhancetheirbreathtakingcolorsand shapes than a structure of stems. Construction is simple andintuitive.Ifstemsaretooshort foravessel,horsetail"platforms"canbeusedtosuspendtheblossomsjustbelowthewaterline,preventingthemfromsinkingintoelongatedvases.Stemsfromthecostusfamilycanbeplacedalong the lengthofadining table, creatingadramaticbackdropfor the rich tonesof the flame treeorsimilarlyspectacularblooms.Thesame flowing lines replicated in a vertical column can also form apractical display that iseasy tomaintain.Stemsby themselves, freeofflowersand invaryingshadesofgreen,canalsoberefreshing.Aswithall scaffolding solutions, the floral subjects can be swiftly rearrangedaccordingtomoodandoccasion.

Surroundedbythebold,primarypaletteofthisinterior,anelegantarrangementusesformratherthancolortomakeastatement.Horsetailstemsareconnectedbybambooskewersto form functional yet attractive platforms that prevent the white curcuma flowers fromfallingintothevasesbelow.

CrownofthornbloomsareconsideredluckyinThailandwheretheyarecommonverandahplantsalongthecity'smanycanals.HeretheyaresupportedonavariegatedplatformofBelgianevergreenstems.Pinssecureeachlatticeinposition.

A collection of containers filled with stems and leaves of varying heights, shades andtextures creates an indoor garden. For added visual interest, the glassware alsodiffers.Theoverall effect isquickandsimple toachieve.Differentplantsareplaced indifferentvesselsandarrangedinalocationfilledwithlight.Maintenanceisminimal.Somestems,likethebamboo,willlastlongerthanothersandneedonlybereplenishedoccasionally.

Stainless steel cylinders anchor lengths of reeds in this fuschia-colored alcove. Yellowminiaturecattleyasheld inpositionbythereedsclimbtowardsthedecorativeanthuriumleaf binding. Noted for their velvety texture, the anthurium leaves are the key tomaintainingthesoaringheightofbothcolumns.

Thedynamicformandrichcolorof flametreeblossomscreate livelyandseasonal focalpoints on an elevated raft of costus stems. The horizontal line and palette of thearrangementharmonizewiththeroom'srefinedlinesandstrongperspective.

In this variation of the arrangement,Barbados pride flowers appear to flow throughperspexgatesonalushbedofsnakegrassstems.

SegmentsofgoldenbambooheldhorizontallyinasimpleU-shapedmetallicframeprovidea rustic and understated platform for pride of India blooms. Also known as the rose ofIndia,theflowerisadelicatecontrasttotheboldsurroundings.

FLUTEDFRAMES

Agroveofbamboocanbelikenedtoaone-stopshopforhomebuildingprojects. Soaring trunks become the framework of an entire house aswell as fences, gates and screens. Woven panels become the walls.Bambooisalsothechosenmaterialforhouseholditemssuchasknives,skewers, fasteners, fish traps and water pipes. Adding the final floraltouch,bambooinitssimplestformbecomesaneffectivedisplaytoolfortropical blooms. Free of intricate joinery, standardized lengths can bewedgedintometallicframesjustwideenoughforasnugfit.Flowerscanthenbepositionedbetween the trunks rather than insideand theentirearrangement positioned vertically in smaller spaces or horizontally ontablesandshelves.

Afreestanding"forest"ofgoldenbamboowithdifferingdiametersrisesfromawaterlined

tray.OpulentlavenderprideofIndiaspraysemergefromholesdrilledintothesidesofthebamboo,allowingthebloomstodrinkfromthetray.

Upright but slightly irregular lengths of sugar cane complement the wooden tones andhorizontal lines in this bathroom. Frangipani blooms wedged between the cane addwelcomecurves,subtlecolorandheadyfragrance.

Reversingnaturalorder,yellowsaracaflowerstrimthebasesofthesetwinarrangements.Mesh hidden within the ceramic containers supports the rare black bamboo branches,whichinturnsupportthefloralrims.

Stripsofbamboofastenedbycopperwiremakeanattractive installationonaplainwall.Limecattleyas,easilyreplaced,areinsertedbetweenthecrossbracing.

INSUSPENSE

Split bamboo fashioned into pendant sculptures challenges traditionalvase arrangements and maximizes the beauty of weeping blooms.Whethershapedintoacircularfloralcurtainoraladder-likestructure,theflexibilityandtensilestrengthofbambooisthekey.Neatlywoundcopperwire is used to secure circular shapes as well as the cross bracing oflarger structures. The flowers can be attached in one of two waysdepending on their form. Naturally hanging sprays are simply insertedinto tiny water vials fastened to each frame. Individual blossoms arepositioned between parallel strips of bamboo bound together at eitherend.Thenaturalspringinthematerialkeepstheflowersinposition.

Fiveirregularlyshapedbamboo"scaffolds",suspendedfromtheframeofthisbed,infusea modern twist into the canopy concept without cluttering the spare interior. Bamboocrossbracingholdsthedeeppinkcattleyasinposition.

Thailand's national flower, the golden shower, covers trees in a sea of yellow when inbloom In late February and March. Reflecting the flower's natural fall, this suspendedinstallation isBuddhist inspired. It symbolizes thecyclesof life andsoulsworking theirwayfromoneworldtoanother.Thinstripsofbambooarefashionedintoringsofvaryingsizesandthensuspendedinanoverlappingbutlightandspaciousarrangement.Thetiny,translucentvialsofwatersustainingthedelicatebloomsarebarelynoticeable.

CRAFTCREATIONS

Thestorybehindahandcrafteditemcanoftenbeasfascinating

as the form itself. Deceptively simple objects can beliecenturiesofpractice,passed fromonegeneration to thenext.Thepurchasingexperiencemayholdahostofmemoriesandstories waiting to be shared. Souvenirs rescued from theisolationofacupboardshelfcanbeputtocreativeuseinfloralarrangements.Cattleyassprinkledacrossabamboo fluteorafrangipani resting in a coconut ladle provide freshinterpretationsofbothobjects.Thesimplicityof freshlypickedfloral tokenssetagainst the rustic charmofahandmade itemwill undoubtedly generate renewed interest in the distant butoriginalcontextandwillalsoinvitethecuriosityofguests.

Cattleyas, reminiscent of details on a richly embroidered silk hanging, are inserted intoacrylicsheeting.

TRADITIONALTONES

The richly detailed patterns and intricate techniques of indigenoushandicraftsofferaperfect foil to theexquisiteandephemeral natureoftropicalblooms.Ratherthanrestrictsuchitemstotheroleforwhichtheywere intended, explore their use in modern floral applications.Monochromaticarrangementswithoneortwobloomsthatcelebratetheflower'snaturalbeautyandperhapsevokeaseasonalchangecanmakeasensuous focalpoint inany room.Asubduedsplit bamboocontainerwillenhancethewarm,richtonesemanatingfromaboldlycoloredflower.Woven fans,mirroring the original shape of the palm leaf, though in asofter palette, can form a quiet background for an understated bloom.Arrangementsmayalsobeplacedonlacquerorwoodentraystocontrastorcomplementtheflowers'textureandtones.

Voluptuouscattleyasnestleinavarnishedsplitbambooflowerbasket.

An amazon lily resting atop a dried palm leaf fan makes a simple but practical floraloffering.

Althoughsecured inplace,velvet-texturedvandaorchidsappear tobalanceprecariouslyonbamboofloralspheres.Theinherentspringinthebamboolendsakineticqualitytothis"installation"inOuBaholyodhin'shome.

INSPIREDORBITS

TheAsiangameof takraw, inwhichtwoteamsofyouthskeepawovenrattan ball in play across a high net using anything but their hands,provides unexpected inspiration for tropical floral displays. A cluster ofthe tightly woven balls in a wooden tray sprinkled with fuschia-coloredorchids,createsaspiritedconversationpiece.Thearrangementcanbeplacedeither ona floor or table. Larger, simplified versionsof theball,with a looser weave, can be grouped to form dynamic "installations".Spheres of rattan forming protective cages around flowers which peepcoylyfromwithincanbringahintofmagictoanyinterior.Hardybloomsarerecommendedforthesewater-freearrangements.

Diminutive blue vandas encased in bamboo spheres make ideal party favors, tabledecorationsorwelcominggiftswhenplacedonthepillowsofhouseguests.

A feminineslant isgiven to the traditionallymasculinegameof takraw in thischarmingfloor arrangement. The rich pink and yellow hues of ascocenda (left) and cattleyablossoms(right)sprinkledonbothoriginalanddecorativeversionsofthetakrawballaresetagainstthewarmtonesoftherattanandthedarkerwoodoftheroughlyhewntray.Thevaryingsizesoftheballsandtheweavesadddepthtothisplayfulcomposition.

Bamboo painted black and dotted with white dendrobiums encircles a candle within asimpleglassglobe.As ifattractedtotheflame,amothorchidfloatsbeneaththecandle.Thewateraddsfurtherreflectionstothedelicateplayoflight.

Apathofflorallanternsleadingdownthestairsandtothefrontdoorsignalsthebeginningofamagicalevening.Cinderella'sslippersawait.Flickeringshadowslinethewalls,addingtotheambience.Providingafreshtwisttoanoldconcept,thesebamboolanternscanalsobearrangeddownthelengthofadiningtable,alongasideboard,aroundanoutdoorpoolorusedtoguidegueststhroughagardenandintothehome.

WOVENBLOOMS

Theelaborate festivalsandceremonieswhichplaysucha largepart inthelivesofAsianpeoplesarearichsourceofinspirationforfloraldesign.The som dok is an offering flower woven from bamboo and used innorthern Thai culture (formerly known as Lanna), where festivals withdecorative banners, flowers and candles dot the yearly calendar. Theradiatingtipsofthesomdok,alastingandreusableitem,aredecoratedwith tiny jasmine flowers. Here the som dok is reinterpreted for acontemporary space. Its rustic palette complements modern interiors,especiallyifusedincombinationwithsupportingbasesformedofnaturalmaterials,suchassectionsofwaterhyacinthstemsandbananatrunk.

Woven bamboo flower forks (som dok), their radiating points tipped with white crownflowers,standtoattentiononaraftofslicedbananatrunk.Viewedfromabove,theforks

formalightanddelicatemass.

Papergardeniabudsareattached tosomdok tocreate this tieredarrangement.Closelystackedwaterhyacinthstemsencased in rectangularperspexcontainersprovideabasefortheforks.Themirrorbehindmagnifiesthedelicateprofilesofthefloralforks.

FLORALLANTERNS

Theversatilityofbambooprovidesendlesspossibilitiesforfloralart.Twostripsofsplitbamboo,loopedintocirclesandjoinedbyfinecopperwire,can form simple floral cradles for both bold specimens and daintierblooms that are often seen only in clusters. The technique can beadaptedtovesselsofvaryingshapesandsizesandallowsbloomstobepositionedwithin as desired. Shorter stemmed flowers can rest on thewaterline while longer stems can be suspended above in their ownhanging baskets. Staggering blooms at different heights and spreadingtheir color acrossanarrayof translucent glasswarewill add somethingspecialtoanyinterior.

Alyricalscaleofbambooringscradlingyellowmokaraorchidsappearstofloatagainstawhite background in the late afternoon sun. Tall, cylindrical vases are filled to differinglevels. Bamboo cradles ensure that the relatively short stems of the flowers reach thewaterbelow.

Inthisfloralarrangement,simplifiedbambooballsaregentlyeasedintorectangularglasscontainers. The long stems of the red miniature cattleyas reaching down to the waterresemblesmallhanginglanterns.Thecoloroftheflowersaccentuatestheintricatedetailoftheornatebrocadeobispreadoutbelow.

METALLICACCENTS

Tanningthevividandvariedformsofheliconiasandotherlong-

stemmedtropicalflowerscallsforspecialcontainersaswellassensitivity to scale, proportion and space.Metallic frames arean innovative alternative to tall vases, providing secureanchorage and allowing the foliage to fall as it would in itsnaturalsetting.Thehard,coldpermanenceofmetalalsooffersastarktactileandvisualcontrasttotheshort-livedbrillianceoftropical flowers.Stemsbecomeanextensionofsimple tubulargrids or prisms. Flowers are suspended from above orensnared" within delicate web-like constructions. In largespaces, freestanding floral displays take on the function of asculpture,tobeviewedandwonderedatfromeveryangle.

METALSUPPORT

Innovative metallic bases can be functional as well as aestheticallypleasing, breathing vitality into an arrangement of bold plant material.Spaceisthekey.Adesignneedstobeinproportiontoitssurroundings.Tiered configurations project soaring height while a series ofstandardizedmetalcomponentscreatesaunifiedbutspacioussplit-levelinstallation. Flowers may be suspended within the clearly definedboundariesofasupportingprism.Theoveralleffectisofmovementandspaceasflowersarefreedfromtheconfinesofavase.Water,whereitisneeded, is subtly introduced into theshallowstainlesssteel trays liningthemetalbases.

A"pathway"ofEgyptianpapyrussupportedbycustom-madegalvanizedironbasesformsanenchantingtransitiontotheupperlevelsofportraitartistSakwutWisesmanee'shome.Slim green candles inserted into alternate bases blend with the surrounding stems,reminiscentoffirefliesonatropicalevening.Thestemsarrangedupthestairsaddheightand contribute to the interesting perspective of the arrangement when viewed from thelandingabove.

CyclanthusleavesarchoutofametallicbaseineffortlesssymmetrytoframetheHeliconiaorthotrichacv.She.Thevibrantbractisframedbyfoliage,muchasitwouldappearinitsnaturalsetting.

Reedmace,tuberosesandabaseoffloatinglotusesareallheldinpositionbyanelevatedgrid, creating a delicate play of line, space and proportion. The metallic base addssymmetrytothearrangementwithoutconstrictingthenaturalswayofthefoliage.

The five-tieredstructureof thiscommissioned installation in the lobbyofTheSukhothaiBangkoksymbolizesthefivebasicpreceptsofBuddhism.Atoncetoweringandlight,themutedarrangementappearstofloatonitswaterybase.

SakulIntakul-designedtabletopvesselshostcontemplativelotusblossoms.Theexposedstemsreachdowntodrinkfromtheshallowtraysofwaterbelow.Thepetalsarefoldedingeometric precision to prevent bruising of the open flowers as well as to expose theirdelicateinnerbeauty.

Plumpfloatinglotusblossomscrownedwithlitcandlescontrastwiththesoaringleanlinesofthetuberosesandspearsofreedmaceabove.

The unusual polished patina of rare black bamboo takes on an almost metallic formagainstagoldlacquerscreen.Thestemsofthetuberosesattachedtooneofthecurvingmetalsupportsarereflectedinthegraniteflooringbelow.

Ameshoftautbrassstrandsgivesinternalgeometrytoasteelprismfinishedwithadullgold coating. The aquatic backdrop contributes to the optical illusion of "trapped"cattleyas dancing in a shimmering web. Cattleya blooms are tied to each supportingstrand.

Soaring twin columnsof reedmace frame this doorway on the upper level ofRaymondEaton'shome.Wildandrefreshingspiralsofylangylangflowersencirclethebase.

TUBULAREXTENSIONS

Whether store bought or custom designed, simplemetal tubing, cut tosizeandgroupedtogether,givesfloraldesignsacontemporary,graphicfeel while offering firm support. Metal appears to bloom and stemsbecome extensions of their shiny bases. Surprising scale is achievedgiventhesizeofthesupports:toweringbambootrunksorreedsrisefromsmallbutstablefloral-trimmedbases.Suspendedpendantsformeleganttop-down "installations". Water supplies are subtly integrated into thedisplays. Stems are either inserted into tiny water vials attached tometallic prongs, or shallow, water-filled trays provide sustenance frombelow.

Agridofsteeltubeslooselypackedinametalcontainersupportsatallcolumnofreedsandamassofshorter-stemmedcurcumabractspositionedaroundthebaseoftheirstems.

In this eye-catching corner display, the delicate, fleeting beauty of flame tree blossomsindividually placed in a custom-made tubular metal support provides a perfectcounterpoisetothesturdybambootrunks.

Theubiquitoushibiscus isgivena fresh interpretationasavivid trimat thebaseof thisgolden bamboo "grove". The frivolity of the flower's delicate petals and protrudingstamensoffsetstheausterityofthebambootrunks.

Ametalframecreatesasupportforgreenbamboostemsbutdoesnotinhibittheirsearchfor light in thevoidabove.Thevibrantgreenanthuriumsat thebaseof thearrangementevoketheemergenceoffreshbambooshoots.

Thisspider lily's"web". interspersedwith lime-coloredbuds,extendsoverameanderinggridofgeometricsteel.Theoveralleffectisoffloweringmetalstemsfedbyawater-filledtray.

Waterhyacinthstemsformasupporting"hedge"forwhitehibiscusflowers.Thecirculartipsoftheslicedstemsintroduceathirdelementintothearrangement.

Aboldblackandwhitegridofherald's trumpet flowersonmetallicstemsissoftenedbythe subtle shadesof lime in the center of the flowers. Thewaxypetals offer anorganiccontrasttothemetalstandandthemarbleandglassinterior.

Sakul Intakul bronze "man-grove" pods house solitary ascocenda orchids in tiny waterreceptacles.Hungenmasseatvaryinglengthsandinterspersedwiththeoccasionalemptycontainer,theycreateanelegant"chandelier"effect.

ThependantbloomsofHeliconiachartaceacv.SexyPink fallas theywould inagardensetting. Native to the region betweenGuyana and Peru, their exotic lines and color arediffused within a series of stacked metallic cubes, creating a refreshing and spaciousdisplay.

WIREDWEBS

Spiderwebsareoften felt before theyare seenandcontinue toevadethe eye even after being pointed out. The amazing detail and tensilestrength of these geometric filament constructions, which often appearovernightandspanseeminglyimpossibledistances,canbereplicatedinfloral arrangements. Nylon, mesh, chicken wire and steel frames canreplace thespider'ssilk,either "ensnaring"prizedbloomsorsupportingheavierstemssuchastheelephantearplantandbractsoftheheliconia.From a distance, flora will appear to float, barely contained by thesurroundingmetalwork.Theglintoftheartificialframeswill,however,berevealedfromcertainangles,furthermimickingthespiderweb.

The broad leaves of the elephant ear plant form an inverted tripodwithin a tautweb ofnylon.Despitetheirweight,theybarelytouchthecubicmetalframebecauseofthetractionofthewater-filledtraylinedwithchickenwire.

In this airy display,Heliconia densiflora cv. Fire Flash stems emerge from water-filled,mesh-covered trays as a three-layered "hedge": a silver netting cage givesway to lushgreenerycappedwithafieryrim.

Atrioofexquisiteanthuriumsappearstobefreestandingininterconnectedmeshspheres-asuitablysculpturalsettingforanexoticspecies.Naturalbacklightingsilhouettesthefinewirebase,enhancingthearrangement.

Freestandingtowersofreedmaceandlotusbloomsturnimagesoftranquiltropicalpondsliterallyontheirside.Crisporder,parallellinesandrefinedcolorreplacewilful,entangledpondblossoms.Thiscontrolled interpretationharmonizeswiththestrictgeometryof thespace. Each reed mace stem and folded lotus is separated and cleaned before beinginserted,oneatatime,intothemeshgrid.

DIVIDEDATTENTION

It is tempting to buy in bulk and arrive home laden with cutflowers ready to disperse liberally around the home. Certainoccasions-and budgets-may, however, call for alternativesolutions.Asinglespray inavase,surroundedbyacollectionofemptycontainers,canformacasualandunderstateddisplaySeparatingbloomsanddispersingtheircoloracrossanumberof identical containers can result inaneffortlessand rhythmicarrangementequallysuitedtoaformaldiningsettingorasthefocal point on a coffee table. Regardless of quantity, cleverfloral distribution can enhance a space with a measured andconfident air. Each floral element, framed by a supportingvessel,becomesacenterpieceinitsownright.

STUNNINGSINGLES

In order to appreciate the singular beauty of many flowers, closerattention is required. Separating a floral arrangement into individualcontainers gives the eye a chance to explore the hues and textures ofeach isolated blossom. Differing heights and odd numbers are key tomaintaining visual interest, while the repetition of shape and colorconveysasenseoforder.Itisbesttokeepthingssimple,withonetypeofflowerorfoliage.Thearrangementscanbeadaptedtodifferentscales,whether they are spread down the length of a dining table or arrayedalong a sideboard. Containers, such as the specially designed SakulIntakulvesselsshownhere,shouldbechosentocomplementthecolor,shapeandtextureofeachflower.

Asinglesprayoftheoncidiumorchidemergesfromaneclecticdisplayofglasswareonarestoredchestofdrawers.

Porcelain Sakul Intakul "tamarind" vases, each one housing a single elephant creeperbloomoritsrolledleaf,snaketheirwaythroughthiscasualbreakfastsetting.

Coral-coloredanthuriumsappeartoswayonimpossiblythinstems,evokingimagesofanunderwaterscene.Thefluidformsare,however,firmlygroundedinhandmadeceramicoillamps.

Petitevandaorchidsformdecorativeanchorstothesweepinglineofeachpandanusleaf.

Capturing the elegant lines of pale musseanda decorative leaves, bronze Sakul Intakul"tripods"throwdelicateshadowsonthetimberflooring.

Abrilliantvelvet-petalledcattleyabasksinreflectedgloryonredJapaneselacquerware.

A trail of cymbidiums meanders across a tonal array of bronze Sakul Intakul vesselsinspired by the shape of the starfruit. Nearby, a ceramic bowl replaces the original podhousingtheseedsoftheEntadaspiraliscreeper.

Inthiswarmcoffeetablearrangement,agreenminiaturecattleyasproutsfromthegroovesof a bronze Sakul Intakul vessel cast in the shape of a "pong pong" seed. Its organicinspirationisclusteredonanadjacentceramictray.

Pink ginger bracts are surreal extensions to Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon's sideboardsculptureoffoundobjects.Desertrosesinadaffodilyellowsaladbowldrawtheeyetotheforeground.

ECLECTICELEGANCE

Thesculpturalqualitiesof tall tropicalsarehighlightedwhenoneor twobloomsareplacedagainstmutedandunclutteredbackdrops.Vasescanbe used to create or reinforce an eclectic ambience, as shown in thework of Thai artist Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon who transformshumble junkyard objects into highly individual containers. For shorterstems or more common flowers, grouping is the key. Unified floralclusters may mingle with an assortment of other flowers and vessels.Prized vases may sit alongside recycled bottles. Drinking glasses canmimic theshapeof largerneighbors.Weedsmaycomplementpreciousblooms.Unexpectedcouplingswillleadtodistinctivedisplays.

Naturemergesintoartastwoexoticbirdofparadisestemsarcoutofanequallyfancifuljunkyardsculpture,addinga touchofwhimsy toawell-used filingcabinet.Theadjacentlampisalsofashionedfromsalvageditems.

Wispy green rhipsalis, a free-branching cactus, emerges from the twin openings of aceramicvessel and inches itswayacrossa filmybackground in thissoothingwhite-on-whitesetting.

A lone coral tree branch, encircled by a sprinkling of its own foliage, is a refreshingaddition to thismutedbathroom.Thearcof thestemcomplements thecurvilinearglasscontainer.

Greenylang-ylangflowersspiraloutofSakulIntakuldisc-shaped"pods",addingadashoflimetoanafternoonteasetting.

Alady'sslipperorchidaddsawelcomeflashofcolortothisgreenandwhiteassemblyofjasmine,crownflowersandspiderliliessetonalowwoodentable.

ClustersofMonochoriahastataandasinglerichlyperfumedamaryllislilystandtallamidstagroupingofglassbottlesandcontainers.Old jarsareplacedbesideprizedglassware.Someare leftempty toaddbreathingspaceandvariety to the floralarrangement.Twinetiesensurethetallstemsremainuprightintherelativelylowcontainers.

MASSAPPEAL

Tropical flower markets offer a mass of color and intriguing

varieties.Wovenbamboobasketsbrimwithluxuriantpetalsandfragrantgarlandsperfumethescene,whiletheshoppers'armssoon fillwith spontaneouspurchases.Oncehome, finding theright vase to house your purchases may require someadaptation. Search the kitchen cupboards for containers;saucepans, crockery and bottles all offer potential. If the rightsizecannotbefound,distributetheflowersacrossaclusterofvessels.Theywillretaintheirimpactandthecontainerswilladdcreative flair. No flower is too precious and no container tooplain tobeused. Importing thissenseofcolorandvitality intothehomemayevokememoriesofadistantsojournorprovideacontemporaryinterpretationoflocalheritage.

COLORFULCLUSTERS

Fillingasingle largecontainer-oraseriesofmatchingcontainers-withamass of identical blooms conveys a sense of abundance and is awonderfulcelebrationofthecolorandfecundityofthetropics.Variationsin the size and height of massed arrangements add both interest andimpact. A dome of mesh can be stretched across broad-neckedcontainersandstemsinsertedtocreate lushfloralcoverings.Thesamemethodmaybeappliedtosmalltimberframesformountedwalldisplays.Meanwhile, a cluster of tall plants such as the heliconia will act as aperfectcounterpoisetotheweightandmajestyofheavyceramicurns.

Barelycontainedbytheirplumppinkpetals, lotusesofferanephemeralbeautythatlasts

foronlyadayortwo.Theyareacontrasttothemorepermanenttreasuresondisplay.

Lush crowns of lotuses emerge from shallow, hand-beaten steel bowls in OuBaholyodhin's livingroom.Thevoluptuousformsburstopentorevealaglimpseof theirtexturedcoressurroundedbyafrothofpinkish-whitestamens.

Pink ixora and blooming Bauhinia winitii nestle among a collection of hand-thrownvessels.Thelackofsymmetryintheflowersparallelstheeclecticnatureofthecraftitemsondisplay.

Richtuftsofredixorainalargeceramicbowladdcoloranddramatoanaustereconcretestairwell. Commonly called jungle flame or jungle geranium, the plant's tiny flowers,packedintodense,ball-likeclusters,areidealformassedarrangements.

Twin ixora clusters provide a bold injection of color amidst the treasured finds andsalvagedfloorboardsofThaiwijitPuengkasesom-boon'shome.

Vibrantprimarycolorspairedwithsofterpastelshadesmakeforacarefreerooftopsetting.Fuschia-coloredchainof loveflowers,alsoknownastheMexicancreeper, frothoutofafireengineredenamelpot,addingtotheairoffrivolity.

Ariotousmassofmulticoloredminiaturecymbidiumhybridsspreadacrossfourdifferentcontainersmakesacheerfulandharmoniousdisplay.Theglassware,ofdifferentheightsandshapes,echoesthedominantcitrustonesoftheflowers.

FieryOkinawatorchbractsformavividfocalpointamongtheatmosphericbluescloakingthe entranceway of Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon's home. A decorative variety of thebanana family, the bracts stand tall in a hand-painted ceramic urn by fellow artistChakrawichPongsittipol.Thestemsarelooselytiedwithtwinetokeepthemupright.

Alargeearthenwaterjarprovidessturdysupportforamassofbold,interlockingheliconiabractsbackedbyafanofreedmacestems.Itssmallerneighborcontainsfiner,hotpink-tippedHeliconiapsittacorumcv.Sassy.

Awater-freeparadeofcolorfloatsacrossascrolledteakcoffeetableintheIsvarphornchaihome. It is a novel alternative to a single, formal display. The rows of variegatedgraptophyllum and pastel flower leaves are intersected by a bold stripe of paper-thinbougainvilleabract. The foliage is simply folded into the individual glass tubeswhere itunfoils to hug the inner surface. The same effect can be achieved using a collection ofdrinkingglasses.

Floralart takes to thewall in thehomeofSakwutWisesmanee.Plushsquaresofscarletcock'scombflowersaredisplayedverticallyinmesh-linedteakboxes.Theboxedflowersform tactile, organic fixtures, in lively juxtaposition to the size and color of the heavierframeontheadjacentwall.Whenevernecessary,theboxescanbereplenishedwithfreshblooms.

Thesoothing lavenderhuesofPhilippinevioletsofferbedsidecalm.Fastenedmid-stem,theystanduprightinashallowpoolofwateronasimpleglassplate.

A rectangular steel vessel filledwith palemusseandadecorative leaves infuses delicatelineandcolorintoacontrolled,geometricinterior.

NATURALWRAPS

Tropicalfoliagecandomuchmorethansupportflowersorprovidecolorand textural contrast to a floral arrangement. In the spirit of merginginterior and exterior boundaries, it can be used to stunning effect todecorate the outside of containers, enriching an overall arrangement.Ever versatile, foliagecanquickly transformandaddaesthetic value toordinary and often overlooked household items, such as plasticcontainers, tins and glassware. Sliced banana trunk and segments ofbamboo are ideal for encasing larger vessels, while leaves wrappedaroundstandardglasswarewillunifyatablesetting.Thechosenfoliageneedstobereasonablydurableandshouldsuitthesizeofthecontainer.Itcanbefixedinplacewithtwineordouble-sidedtape.Thecolorofthefoliage, which should complement rather than overwhelm the flowersabove,canbechangedtosuittheoccasion.

AspikedmassofcrimsonHeliconiapsittacorumcv.LadyDi,heldwithinasquare-shapedbase, forms an attractive and durable outdoor centerpiece. Small segments of goldenbambooarewrappedaroundthecontainerandfastenedinplacewithtwine.

Low-slungfurniturebeckonsoninteriordesignerNikiFrei'sterrace.Vividheliconiaclawsclimboutofanadjacentbamboo-trimmedvessel.

Thischarmingtablesettingforfourisdappledwithpurplevandas.Theindividualblooms,resting atop humble tumblers wrapped in calathea leaves, blend harmoniously with thecrackledglazeofthecrockery.

Sheer sari curtains soften the tropical glare and form a light and airy backdrop to asideboarddisplay. This color scheme is a reversal of themain table displaybelow. Thecircularpetalsof limevandaorchids reston the rimsofglasswarewrapped inCalathealeaves,theirpurpleundersidesexposed.

Pink orchid tree flowers are poised above a grid of tall, rectangular glass containers.Tricoloredleavesfromtherainbowtreelendtheirgeometricstripestotheexteriorofeachvase.Double-sidedtapeisusedtofixtheleavesinposition.

In this variation on the theme, the rainbow tree's tricolored leaves are wrapped aroundboldglassspheres,mirroringtheswirlinglinesofthepinkorchidtreeflowers.Theglossysurfaceofthetabletopproducesasubtlereflection.

Yellow mandevilla blossoms are spread over three containers in this cheerful display.Eachcontainerisconstructedfromthelime-coloredspinesofbananaleavesandtiedwithcoconutfronds.

Plumpbuttercuptreeflowersemergefromageometricpandanus-linedvessel.Thestripedleaves, triangular insection,are trimmedtosizeand thenattached to thecontainerwithdouble-sidedtape.

Clustersofyellow-huedorchidsharmonizewith"rustic"containerswrappedinsheathsofbananatrunkandsecuredwithbananafibers.

Acontainerof vividpurplewater lilieswrapped inadeepgreenbanana leaf echoes thelavenderandlimetonesofNikiFrei'sbedroomandcontributestoitsairoftranquility.

Sumptuous cattleyas spill out of glasses encased in banana leaf jackets. Back lightingsoftenstheimpactoftheseintenselycoloredblooms.

DIVINEINSPIRATIONS

In the tropics,bothpeopleand thedivineare the recipientsof

flowers. Tropical blooms and leaves not only play an integralrole in everyday life but are also an essential component ofceremoniesand festivals. Insomesocieties, floralcrownsandgarlands are worn as accessories or offered in greeting. Awomanmaypickafrangipaniorpurchasestrandsofjasminetoplace in her hair, or she may weave the same blooms intotempleofferings.Leavescanalsobe transformed intoofferingbaskets. Inspiration may be drawn from the many culturalassociations found inboth theday-to-dayandceremonialuseof tropical flowers. A mood of contemplation as well asinnovativesynergywillbeinfusedintohomefloraldisplays.

SYMBOLICGESTURES

Conical arrangements, inspired by religious architecture andaccoutrements and aided by the fascinating composition of tropicalfoliage, inject a feeling of nobility and drama into floral art. Floral"processions" and garland-inspired designs speak of both religiouspractices and daily life in the tropics. The imaginative application offoliagetofreestandingcolumnsandcubicinstallationscanaddamagicalquality to contemporary interiors.Outdoors, vibrant totems and organiccandle holders lend an air of mystique to both daytime and eveninggarden settings. Understated colors, simple shapes and delicatefragrancessymbolizethepureandthedivine.

Spire-shapedvessels,seeminglymadeofceramicare,infact,fashionedfrompeelingsof

thefleshytrunkofthecrinumlily.Scentedylang-ylangflowersaddacrowningtouch.

Anetherealprocessionofbananaleafconesglidesalongaglasstabletopasifdrawntothe light. Reflections magnify the water-free arrangement. Fragrant tuberoses addheightenedsensoryappealtothiscontemporaryinterpretationofThaireligiousofferings.

Freestandingpillarscoveredwith lotus leavesandtuberoses lineacandlelitwaterway inthe lobby of the Dusit Hotel's Devarana Spa in Bangkok. Inspired by theTribhumphraruang, an ancient Thai text, the overall effect is of an enchanted pathwayleadingtoaheavenlygardenpavilion.

Tuberoses climbing up the lotus leaf covered pillars infuse themystical ambience withtheir sweet perfume. The overlapping lotus leaf "scales" are attached to wire framecolumnswhicharesurprisinglylightandeasytomove.

Lotusleaf-coveredcubestumbledownanornatestaircase,creatingadramaticandkineticinstallation.

"Organicorigami" transforms two-dimensional lotus leaves intocubic canvases forpaleherald's trumpet blooms. The lotus leaves are stretched over wire frames, with theirradiatingspinesemphasizingeachcornerofthecubes.

Longstrandsoftinycrownflowersformanelegantandairyroomdivider.

Givenasaformofgreeting,thisThaigarlandiswovenfromorangejessamineleavesandcoveredinadelicatenetoftinypapergardenias.Atassleofcrownflowersistrimmedwithmockrosebudsthatarealsocleverlyfashionedfromorangejessamineleaves.

Millionsofcrownflowersandjasminebudsarethreadeddailybynimble-fingeredvendorsthroughoutAsiatoformgarlandsandotherreligiousofferings.

Apagoda-shaped floral float ismadeof seven tiersof banana trunk encased in its ownleaf.Globeamaranthblossomstrimeachtier.

Acentralmetalprongsecureseachtierofthisarrangementinplace.

AgustaviablossomformsafocalpointfordevotioninfrontofthisspirithousebyartistDoytibetraDuchanee.

Slices of banana trunk attached to jade-colored banana columns with bamboo skewerssupport lit candles in fashion designer Nagara Sambandaraksa's garden. Skeweredfrangipanibloomsspiraluptheorganicpillars.

GustaviablossomsformreverentofferingsbeforeasculptureofBuddha'sfootprint.Eachflower restsonsquaresofbanana trunk thatarecovered inbanana leavesand fastenedwithbamboostaples.

Visiblefromthegarden,agroupoforanges,symbolicofwealthintheChineseculture,isproudly displayed atop a carved wooden seat in this vestibule. Individually bound inbamboo leaves, a symbol of longevity, and adorned with desert rose blooms, thearrangement isamodern twistonChineseNewYearhousegifts.Parcelsof the fruitareusuallypresentedtohoststowishthemprosperityduringthecomingyear.

Vibrantorangecontrastswithstrikinggreeninthisdynamiccluster.Theexquisitedesertrosesontopofthearrangementnotonlyaddfestivecheerbutalsoconnotethecolorred,asymbolofprosperityandfertilityintheChineseculture.

Distinct seasonal change is rarely apparent in the tropics, though subtle changes dooccur.Buttercup trees floweronly in thedryseasonwhile the leavesof theseaalmondtreeturntoredandfalltwiceayear.

Autumn-toned totemsmade fromseaalmond leavesandbuttercup tree flowersstand incolorful contrast to Thai artist Doytibetra Duchanee's "moonscape" sculpture ofcompressedaluminiumcans.

Vivid garlands ofmarigolds, commonly used in north Indian ceremonies andweddings,haveinspiredthesefloraltotems.Theoriginalcolorschemehasbeenadaptedandrefinedfor thisoutdoorsetting.Acentralverticalmetalprongreplaces theneedleand thread in

theconstructionofthepillars.ApaintingbyThaiartistandsculptorDoytibetraDuchaneeprovidesaluminousbackgroundtothetotems.

PLANTDIRECTORYLocationKeyI=left,r=right,a=above,b=belowAglaonemap.176

Amaryllislily(Hippeastrumreticulatum)p.131Amazonlily(Eucharisamazonica)p.79Anthuriumpp.29,40,43,50,54,64,65,66,106,113,120,121Ascoscendapp.28,29,44,45a,82,109,122,153b,174

Bamboopp.7b,9,29,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,64,65,68,69,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,79r,80,81,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,100,104,105,106,146,147,170,171

Bananapp.6,36,37,51,52,53,86,152,153b,154,155,156,157,159,166,167,168,169

Barbadospride (Caesalpiniapulcherrima)p.67bBauhiniawinitiip.136aBelgianevergreen(Dracaenasanderiana)pp.62,63

Birdofparadise(Strelitziareginae)p.127Blueflaxlily(Dianellacaerulea)pp.42,64,65Bougainvilleapp.142,143Buttercuptree(Cochlospermum)pp.153a,172,173

Calathea pp. 148, 149a, 149b Caricature plant (Graptophyllumpictum)pp.142,143

Cattleyapp.1,4,14,28,29,45a,45b,46,47,55,66,72,73,76,78,79r,83,90,91,93,101,123r,125,155

Chainoflove(Antigononleptopus)pp.133,138Cock'scomb(Celosiaargentea)p.144Coconut(Cocosnucifera)pp.40,43,45a,50,51Coraltree(Erythrinafuses)p.129Costusp.67aCrinumpp.51,158Crown flower (Calotropis gigantea)pp. 22, 23, 86, 130b, 164, 165a,

165b,166rCrownofthorns(EuphorbiamiliiDesmoul)pp.62,63Curcumapp.2,7b,10,11,12,13,16,18,19,60,61,103Cyclanthusp.96Cymbidiumpp.15,24a,124,139

Dendrobiumpp.77,84,85Desertrose(Adeniumobesum)pp.26,34,35,126,170,171

Egyptianpapyrus(Cyperuspapyrus)pp.94,95Elephantcreeper(Argyreianervosa)pp.118,119ElephantEar(Alocasiamaccrorhiza)p.111Entadaspiralisp.124Flametree(Delonixregia)pp.67a,104

Frangipani(Plumeria)pp.70,168,169,176

Globbapp.64,65Globeamaranth (GomphrenaglobosaL.)pp. 7a, 24, 25, 157, 1661,

167Glorylily(Gloriosasuperba)pp.20,21Goldenshowertree(Cassiafistula)pp.74,75Gustavia(GustaviagracillimaMiers.)pp.156,167,169

Heliconiapp.9,56,57,58,92,96,110,112,141,146,147Herald'strumpet(Beaumontiagrandiflora)pp.108,163Hibiscuspp.36,37,59,105,107bHorsetail (Equisetum)pp.7b,60,

61,67bIxorapp.49,136a,136b,137

Jasmine pp. 130b, 165b Lady's slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum) p.130bLantanap.33

Lotus (Nelumbonucifera)pp.6,8,41,52,53,97,98,99a,99b,114,115,132,134,135,160,161,162,163

Mandevillap.152Mokarapp.28,29,88,89,153b,174

Monochoriahastatap.131Mothorchid(Phalaenopsis)pp.84,85Mussaendapp.117,1231,145bNeriumoleanderp.42

Okinawatorch(Musauranoscopus)p.140Oncidiump.118Orangejessamine(Murrayapaniculata)p.165aOrchidtreeorpurple

bauhania(BauhiniapurpureaL.)pp.150,151,175

Pandanus pp. 1, 4, 5, 46, 47, 64, 65, 122, 153a Paper gardenia(Tabernaemontana) pp. 87, 165a Pastel flower(Pseuderanthemumatropurpureum)pp.142,143

Philippineviolet(Barleriacristata)p.145aPhormiump.14Pinkginger(Alpiniapurpurata)p.126Pinkquill(Tillandsiacyanea)p.17Pongpong(Cerberaodollam)p.125Porcelainflower(Hoya)p.48PrideofIndiapp.68,69

Rainbowtree(Dracaenacincta)pp.44,150,151Rattan(Desmonicuspruniformis)pp.82,83Reedpp.42,54,66Reedmace(Typhaangustifolia)pp.97,98,102,103,114,115,141Rhipsalispp.116,128Saracaindicap.71

Seaalmond(Terminaliacatappa)pp.172,173Snakeplant(Sansevieriatrifasciata)p.48Spathoglotisp.15Spiderlily(Hymenocallislittoralis)pp.49,107a,130bSugarcanep.

70

"Ti"plant(Cordyline)pp.26,34,35Tuberosepp.97,98,100,159,160,161

Vandapp.28,29,80,81,148,149a,149b,153b,174

Waterlily(Nymphaea)pp.30,31,38,39,154Waterhyacinth (Eichhorniacrassipes)pp.38,39,87,107bWrightia

religiosapp.27,32

Ylangylang(Canangaodoratacv.Fruticosum)pp.102,130a,158

GeneralPlantCareAfewsimpletipscanprolongthevaselifeoftropicalflowersandfoliage.

1. Clean all containers thoroughly before use to inhibit the growth ofbacteria,particularlyinsteamytropicalcountries.

2. Remove leaves that will sit below the water line. This reduces theamountofplantmaterialthatmaydecayandmaintainsthewaterquality.

3.Cutallstemsonanangleimmediatelybeforeinsertingthemintowatertomaximizethesurfaceareaforwaterabsorption.

4.Replacecontainerwater,cleanvessels,trimstemsandremovewiltedpetalsandfoliagedailytopreserveremainingflora.

Largesubmergedarrangementswill,ofcourse,bedifficulttochangeonadailybasissochoose thickpetalled flowers thatwill notbruiseeasilyunderwaterpressure.

Replenishsmallfloatingarrangementsdailybutallowlargerinstallationstoruntheirnaturalcourse.

Pickhardyflowersforwater-freearrangements.

Caged pink orchid tree flowers infuse a shot of color into thismonochromatic interior.Alongwiththeelongatedshapeoftheglassvaseandthediffusedlight,theyconspiretocreateadynamicinterpretationofthesandstoneneighbor.

CREDITS

Theauthors andpublisherwould like to thank the location owners anddesignerswhokindlyopenedtheirbeautifulhomesandpremises,aswellasthosewholoanedtheirproductsforphotography.

Location Key I = left, r = right, a = above, b = belowLondon-basedThaidesignerOuBaholyodhin:pp.28,29,42,44,45a,54,55,64-6,72-7,79r,80-5,88-91,93,101,120-2,123r,132,134,135

RaymondEaton,businessman,collectorandlong-timeresidentofThailand:pp.1,2,4,5,7,9-13,16-23,24b,25,40,43,45b,46,47,56-63,67-70,102-6,130aInteriordesignerNikiFrei:pp.50,146-55

Prasert Isvarphornchai,businessman,andhisairlineexecutivewifeSunathee,and their interior designer Panarin Manuyakorn: pp. 14,15,27, 32, 51, 78,87,124,133,142,143,175

Artist Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon and his wife Gade: pp. 33,791,118,119,126,127,129, 131,133,136a, 137-41,145a, 165b FashionandtextiledesignerNagaraSambandaraksa:pp.27,86,156,157,166-73

Interior designer Viboon Techakalayatum and his wife Velvadi Sritrairatana: pp.6,8,30,31,41,52,53,71,100,107a,109,114-16,125,128,130b,164

Portrait artist Sakwut Wisesmanee: pp. 48,49, 92, 94-6,110-13,1231,136b,144,145b, 176 Devarana Spa,The DusitThani Hotel, Bangkok: pp. 24a, 107b,108,158-63,165aTheSukhothaiBangkok,ABeaufortHotel:pp.26,34-9,97-9

Containers,VesselsandPropsAssemblyBangkokCo.,Ltd.:Placematsp.119,Vasesp.137.15YenakatRd.,Chongnontree,Yannawa,Bangkok10120.Tel+6622492046;Fax+6626729857;E-mailinfo@assemblybkk.com;www.assemblybkk.com

BlackEarthPotteryStudio:Ceramicoillampspp.120-2.613M.1,Pracha-uthitRd.,Bangmod,Tungkru,Bangkok10140.Tel+6618292722;Fax+662870 3402; E-mail blackearth_ben @yahoo.com Cocoon Design Co., Ltd.:Crockery pp.148, 149b, Vases p. 50.999 Gaysorn Plaza, 3rd Floor,PloenchitRd.,Lumpini,Phatumvan,Bangkok10330.Tel+6626561006;Fax+6626561007

Middle Ltd., Part.:Ceramic urn p. 140. 98 M. 4,T. Sanpapao, A. Sansai,Chiangmai 50210. Tel/Fax +66 5335 1269; E-mail middle@middle-middle.comMöMEarth:Ceramicteacupspp.33,136a.54SoiPraramkao59,PraramkaoRd.,Saunloung,Bangkok10250.Tel/Fax+6627321908;E-mail momearth@hotmail.com Thaiwijit Puengkasemsomboon: Sculpturalvases pp. 126,127.67/122Amompan9,SoiSenanikom1,BaholyodhinRd., Ladprao, Bangkok 10230. Tel +66 2570 2090; E-mail thaiwijit@yahoo.com Sakul Intakul Studio: Acrylic containers pp. 2,9, 10-16, 24b,43,45a, 56-8,62, 63,67, 78, 87, Brass containers pp. 97-9, Bronzevesselspp.32,109,117,1231,124,125,130a,Metalcontainerspp.28-31,48,51,66,68-70,92-6,100-8,110-15,135,145b,172-3,Porcelainvesselsp.119,Woodencontainerspp.45b,49,52,53,144.47SoiRajavithee2,Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400. Tel +66 2644 9439; Fax +6626449437;E-mailsakulintakul@yahoo.com;www.sakulflowers.com

OtherAssistanceTheauthorswouldalso liketothankthefollowingpeoplefor their valuable contributions to this project: Yvan Van Outrive, M.LChiratorn Chirapravati, Wipawadee Sirimongkolkasem, YaowanootSoimora,WaltraudWaldner, Pornroj Angsanakul, PanarinManuyakorn,Kamon Angkavichai, Surapat Chaiyongyos, Rungsima Kasikranund,VichaiBoo,ChalitNakpawanandChatchawanPisitpaisankunTheSakulFlowers team, for sourcing plantmaterials and props, and assistingwith

arrangements: Sombun Kringkrai, Amara Namsapanan, SutatKomutmas, Anek Wasana, Orathai Hoitaku, Can Krasaetow, RundonSaejew,TeeBhokeeandSomkidHonganurak.

TheIntakulfamily,whohavealwaysgiventheircompletesupport.