FLOWER POWER

We asked floral experts for their best flower arranging tips and tricks so that you can make your own stunning centrepieces for Diwali – without breaking the bank

- BARRY RODGERS

FIREWORKS

When it comes to flowers, Delhi-based event design company Twelve Tomatoes’ owners, Karan Singh Parmar and Amit Lata, are not minimalistic with their approach, hence anything inspired by ikebana (the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging) is challenging for them. This arrangement took inspiration from fireworks in the sky. “I went foraging in the fields (I’m setting up a farmstead in a village in Punjab and currently don’t have access to flowers that are conventionally considered ‘exotic’) and have used what’s available in abundance – wild grass (for texture), lantana (for colour and shape) along with a stem of edible greens. The base is a leftover piece from the trunk of an eucalyptus tree,” says Parmar.

PRO TIP: “The eco-friendliest approach to flower arrangements would be to buy local flowers from your neighbourhood florist. We are firm believers of #supportlocal and one can absolutely make the most stunning arrangements without imported tulips or banksia (imagine the carbon footprint),” adds Parmar.