III. Conditioning Plant Material
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO FOR A LASTING ARRANGEMENT
   A. Must start conditioning at least 12 hours before design is to be placed.
   B. Cut in late afternoon - last hours of daylight, or early morning
   C. Take a bucket of warm or tepid water to the garden and emerge stems immediately after cutting
   D. Use a sharp knife or shears to cut stems - do not crush stem ends
   E. Cut flowers or stems on a slant to allow the greatest uptake of water.
   F. Cut longer stems than actually needed and more than is actually required.
   G. Remove any foliage that would be underwater to avoid deterioration.
   H. Do not wait more than 2 minutes before placing stems in water.
   I. Cut end of woody stems vertically 1" with a sharp knife or shears
   J. Sear stems that have milky sap with a lighted match or candle.
   K. Place bucket in a cool, dark place, out of drafts, for several hours to overnight.

IV. Mechanics
   A. Floral foam
         1. cut to size, to extend 1 1/2" to 2" above the rim of container.
         2. soak in warm water, do not force under water
         3. place in plastic bag for use in container that is not waterproof.
         4. secure firmly, if necessary, with waterproof tape.
   B. Needlepoint holder (or pin cup, frog, pin holder)
         1. place securely , with floral clay, so it will not tilt
         2. in silver container, secure with melted paraffin

V. Placement of Plant Material
   A. Symmetrical Design
         1. viewed from all sides - 1st line in center
         2. viewed from one side - 1st line slightly back
      Equidistant from side to side.
   B. Asymmetrical Design
      Slightly back and either right or left of center depending on placement of design.