Book Review: Bringing Nature Home — Floral Arrangements Inspired by Nature

Celebrate nature's beauty this Earth Day by bringing it indoors. Ngoc Minh Ngo's 2012 book Bringing Nature Home: Floral Arrangements Inspired by Nature (Rizzoli New York) provides page after page of inspiration. Her arrangements "strive to capture the natural gestures of plants and flowers." Some of the most intriguing photographs feature cut branches — while flower arrangements often steal the show, cut branches have a simple, elegant look with modern appeal. If you have an abundant garden, all you need are sharp shears and a sturdy vase for an artful botanical centerpiece. Otherwise, a good garden or flower shop can recommend attractive seasonal cut branches.

How to Keep Cut Branches Fresh

1. Make a 1–2 inch slit at the bottom of each branch and smash ends to prevent resin from sealing the plant off from water.
2. Place branches in lukewarm water for several hours to acclimatize.
3. Keep in a cool room away from bright light to prevent withering.
4. Change water daily.

Arranging Ideas from the Book

Flowering Branches in Awkward Spaces

Sweetly flowering plum and cherry blossoms are among the easiest cut branches. "Dainty plum blossoms in white, rose, or deep red are a beloved subject of Asian paintings," writes Ngo. Snip several sprigs at varying lengths for an attractive arrangement that livens any room. Long branches beg for larger arrangements to fill awkwardly empty spaces.

Tip: Display in simple vases — stark white, black, gray, or earthy wabi-sabi finishes work best.

Sculptural Fruit Branch Arrangements

Fruit has a sensuous appeal more subtle and robust than flowers. Think of Eve's apple or Persephone's pomegranates. A vase of tapered fruit branches gives a minimalist space that touch of color and life. Here, fig branches add earthiness to a stark fireplace mantel, complementing the adjacent art piece.

Tip: For tall arrangements, choose a vase half as tall as your branches.

Mixing Florals with Fruit Bounty

For exuberant displays, pair bright leafy plants like kumquat with basic-color accents. Here, kumquats combine with paper whites, dark English ivy berries, and lacy ferns for a lovely, fragrant bouquet. Kumquats also symbolize good luck in Chinese culture — often given as lunar new year gifts for blessings.

Tip: Let nature be the centerpiece. Pair branch arrangements with nonbusy art that complements rather than competes.

Embracing Wild, Unpruned Forms

Ngoc says, "Look at a plant closely and it will reveal its secrets." Plants add organic charm to structured rooms — go easy on pruning and keep them wild. This Italian prune plum arrangement's unruly twists amplify romantic ambiance.

Tip: Fat, spherical vases balance big, lush arrangements and keep them stable.

Bringing Nature Home: Floral Arrangements Inspired by Nature by Ngoc Minh Ngo, $45

More:
Ingredients of a Beautifully Wild Bouquet
Fresh-Cut Flowers for Every Room
Bring the Outside in With House Plants