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Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style
Cultivated elevates floral design to fine art in this richly informative work on the principles of floral style. A charming and erudite mentor, Christin Geall emboldens designers, gardeners, and entrepreneurs to think differently and deeply about their work with flowers as she draws upon fine-art and historical sources—the paintings of the Dutch still-life masters, the proportions of Versailles, or the work of floral innovators like garden designers Gertrude Jekyll and Constance Spry.
Covering all aspects of floral design, including choosing plants to grow and arrange, selecting tools and vessels, balancing colour and form, and even photographing and selling arrangements, Cultivated elucidates universal lessons for all levels of practitioners, budgets, and materials. Geall's stunning photographs of her own lush designs illustrate techniques for creating brilliant arrangements that spark the imagination.
Covering all aspects of floral design, including choosing plants to grow and arrange, selecting tools and vessels, balancing colour and form, and even photographing and selling arrangements, Cultivated elucidates universal lessons for all levels of practitioners, budgets, and materials. Geall's stunning photographs of her own lush designs illustrate techniques for creating brilliant arrangements that spark the imagination.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2020
39 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 11, 2019
What an interesting and beautiful book. I expected a floral design how-to book and this is not really that. Don't expect any step-by-step directions or beginner tutorials. Instead, Geall offers a philosphical wandering through all types of topics from color theory to floral design that reflects art styles through the centuries to the ethics of foraging flowers and what to use instead of floral foam for environmental stewardship, all with truly stunning floral arrangements throughout. This would make a beautiful coffee table book and fun winter reading for a gardener dreaming of next year's garden, plus stunning inspiration for creative centerpieces from flowers plucked from the local florist. This is a gorgeous, sophisticated read that's sure to up your floral arranging game.
I read a digital temporary ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I read a digital temporary ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
April 6, 2020
This is a very beautiful book. The floral designs are bold and inventive. This is not a recipe book for floral arrangement. There are no stock arrangements. This is as much a philosophy of life as it is floral design. Thoughtfully arranged with a design on one page and the associated text on the facing page. As the author discusses the idea expressed in the accompanying photograph, it is easy to refer to the beautiful photograph. This goes beyond design philosophy and is also a discussion on life and our relationship with the natural world. The author elevates making and arrangement of natural elements into a thought provoking observation that goes beyond the design. This is a reference work and manifesto using the arrangement of flowers and branches, really every thing in nature, to expand on our relationship to the natural world and the role design can play in our life. This is an excellent and thought provoking book that could serve as a guide to art, design, or nature.
October 7, 2020
Goodreads is asking me to review my book. Well, the whole experience has been fabulous (now 7 months post-publication). Thanks everyone for showing the book so much love. xo
September 4, 2024
This book offered so much more than what I thought I was buying; a how to in floral design (just another 2024 bucket list hobby I've been trying to achieve). Instead, it offered a wonderful insight on what it means to be creative, and how to go about creating beauty in not just floral design, but daily life.
Am I one step closer to that floral book shop combo? Probably not, but I have been inspired to sit down and get creative, and I'll take that as a win.
Am I one step closer to that floral book shop combo? Probably not, but I have been inspired to sit down and get creative, and I'll take that as a win.
January 21, 2021
A coffee table book for inspiration and reference. If you are an amateur or a professional floral designer or photographer, this is your book. The myriads of discussion from color and movement to art history are not only fun but educational.
February 29, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style is a lushly illustrated and beautifully curated collection of artistic floral arrangements by Christin Geall. Due out 24th March 2020 from Princeton Architectural Press, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
This is a lushly illustrated book on a practical subject (flower arrangement) which has a truly renaissance artistic sensibility. Every single illustration is a feast with lighting and scene, arrangement, color, and presentation carefully controlled (but looking beautiful and spontaneous). There are many of the arrangements which actually literally look like oil painted still life paintings from old masters. The Thanksgiving arrangement on page 24 truly fools the eye, it absolutely could have been a detail from a Rubens.
The text is rich in small details and the author is a meticulous and knowledgeable expert both with writing and with advice for gardening and cultivation. Despite being a book with an artistic sensibility and soul, it's well laid out and presented and accessible. The table of contents is subdivided into sections so that the reader can put a finger on information without aggravation or tears. There's also a good cross referenced index and footnotes section for even more easily finding desired info. The chapters cover sourcing, tools and materials, a solid chapter on color theory (which will have applications in other areas of the reader's life), architecture and building up an arrangement along with a number of erudite and solid observations on practical applications, the elements of style (baroque, Dutch masters, rococo, a little William Hogarth, just breathtaking). This section also includes some tutorial lessons on different presentations to inspire (and in my case, just try to copy outright). The final content in the book covers design theory and developing a personal style. I'm not quite there yet (I'm a copier, not a designer, yet). It's full of positively written supportive exhortation to build a solid background and then trust one's instincts.
The book is a valuable technique book, but there's also a vast personal dialogue between the author and the reader which is, in my humble opinion, more tender, aware, and precious. This book is light years away from the average 'how-to' book. It would be as relevant on a list of philosophy or spirituality books (but blessedly mostly "woo woo" free). The epilogue touched me deeply.
Five stars. This is a superlative book and well worth a thorough read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style is a lushly illustrated and beautifully curated collection of artistic floral arrangements by Christin Geall. Due out 24th March 2020 from Princeton Architectural Press, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
This is a lushly illustrated book on a practical subject (flower arrangement) which has a truly renaissance artistic sensibility. Every single illustration is a feast with lighting and scene, arrangement, color, and presentation carefully controlled (but looking beautiful and spontaneous). There are many of the arrangements which actually literally look like oil painted still life paintings from old masters. The Thanksgiving arrangement on page 24 truly fools the eye, it absolutely could have been a detail from a Rubens.
The text is rich in small details and the author is a meticulous and knowledgeable expert both with writing and with advice for gardening and cultivation. Despite being a book with an artistic sensibility and soul, it's well laid out and presented and accessible. The table of contents is subdivided into sections so that the reader can put a finger on information without aggravation or tears. There's also a good cross referenced index and footnotes section for even more easily finding desired info. The chapters cover sourcing, tools and materials, a solid chapter on color theory (which will have applications in other areas of the reader's life), architecture and building up an arrangement along with a number of erudite and solid observations on practical applications, the elements of style (baroque, Dutch masters, rococo, a little William Hogarth, just breathtaking). This section also includes some tutorial lessons on different presentations to inspire (and in my case, just try to copy outright). The final content in the book covers design theory and developing a personal style. I'm not quite there yet (I'm a copier, not a designer, yet). It's full of positively written supportive exhortation to build a solid background and then trust one's instincts.
The book is a valuable technique book, but there's also a vast personal dialogue between the author and the reader which is, in my humble opinion, more tender, aware, and precious. This book is light years away from the average 'how-to' book. It would be as relevant on a list of philosophy or spirituality books (but blessedly mostly "woo woo" free). The epilogue touched me deeply.
Five stars. This is a superlative book and well worth a thorough read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 6, 2019
This book has absolutely beautiful pictures and the rios for flower care are invaluable. I had no idea flowers classified as having woody vines should be treated differently to help them last. It also has handy tips on weather they need support or have to fill the stems with water... I mean seriously who knew so many things mattered.
I had no idea half the reason I'm sadly disappointed my flowers dudnt look as pretty as I'd hoped it last as long as I wanted. Well guess what I wasn't preparing or caring for them probably (I guess duh but who teaches us this invaluable information). Well now we have this amazing book. It even has a six to mix your own flower powder in a pinch.
The book is fun and witty and I was amazed at her open candor about her desires for a flower studio... A chapter on why she doesn't own China and then the fact she is perplexed by her own thoughts on the matter. This book is as refreshingly honest as it is beautiful as she explains why certain things portray more then just being a simple vase but how the vessel tells it's own story. I found it deeply reflective. I have a new appreciate look at the artistry of arranging flowers. I am happy to embrace a learning curve be a novice and make my own rules.
Beyond the fun wisdom and wit the tools of the trade and the art of understanding how to use color in the arrangements. I seriously cant ever imagine the ability to just let my flowers be the art but I intend to try.
Literally the best artist take I've seen in forever. It was about more then flowers. I call this a must have golden find and that's saying alot. I learned more about artistic impression they this book more then I ever expected.
Buy it love it use it!! I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I had no idea half the reason I'm sadly disappointed my flowers dudnt look as pretty as I'd hoped it last as long as I wanted. Well guess what I wasn't preparing or caring for them probably (I guess duh but who teaches us this invaluable information). Well now we have this amazing book. It even has a six to mix your own flower powder in a pinch.
The book is fun and witty and I was amazed at her open candor about her desires for a flower studio... A chapter on why she doesn't own China and then the fact she is perplexed by her own thoughts on the matter. This book is as refreshingly honest as it is beautiful as she explains why certain things portray more then just being a simple vase but how the vessel tells it's own story. I found it deeply reflective. I have a new appreciate look at the artistry of arranging flowers. I am happy to embrace a learning curve be a novice and make my own rules.
Beyond the fun wisdom and wit the tools of the trade and the art of understanding how to use color in the arrangements. I seriously cant ever imagine the ability to just let my flowers be the art but I intend to try.
Literally the best artist take I've seen in forever. It was about more then flowers. I call this a must have golden find and that's saying alot. I learned more about artistic impression they this book more then I ever expected.
Buy it love it use it!! I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
April 12, 2020
“Cultivated”, by Christin Geall, is everything it’s back cover says it is but a whole lot more! It begins with Christin’s unpacking of how to find flowers and growing them. She shares her materials and equipment and vessel choices. With the basics covered, Christin moves onto the creativity side of flowers breaking down the mechanics, colours, form, rhythm and repetition. She unpacks the key historical movements that have influenced floral artistry and how to photograph your work.
In each chapter, Christin includes stunning examples of her work to highlight each element she discusses. Every topic is covered in a down-to-earth manner with flourishes of humour.
“Suffice it to say, floral foam is to contemporary floristry what asbestos is to home building—dated and dangerous.”
Whilst being intellectually challenging, it is also hard to put down! I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. I’m not sure I’ll ever be creating floral art in. Christin’s league, but I’m definitely inspired to try!
“Floral design, at its most basic, is the pulling together of parts into a unified whole. Composers orchestrate a score and decide what and how many instruments are needed, while florists might budget a set amount of focal flowers, foliage, and trailing plants per vase.”
“Cultivated” surprised me from the start, captivated me with the amazing floral artworks between it’s covered and taught me more than I thought could be learnt about flowers and the display of them! If this area piques your interest, this is one to be read! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
In each chapter, Christin includes stunning examples of her work to highlight each element she discusses. Every topic is covered in a down-to-earth manner with flourishes of humour.
“Suffice it to say, floral foam is to contemporary floristry what asbestos is to home building—dated and dangerous.”
Whilst being intellectually challenging, it is also hard to put down! I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. I’m not sure I’ll ever be creating floral art in. Christin’s league, but I’m definitely inspired to try!
“Floral design, at its most basic, is the pulling together of parts into a unified whole. Composers orchestrate a score and decide what and how many instruments are needed, while florists might budget a set amount of focal flowers, foliage, and trailing plants per vase.”
“Cultivated” surprised me from the start, captivated me with the amazing floral artworks between it’s covered and taught me more than I thought could be learnt about flowers and the display of them! If this area piques your interest, this is one to be read! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
April 8, 2020
Interesting, inspiring, beautifully written and a visual feast. Highly recommended
July 20, 2020
Bought this book sometimes ago, imported to Indonesia. After the book came in, I never regret I bought it, even I had to wait the delivery time (since covid)
I love this book. If you read the review on the back cover book, "Christin Geall has the eye of an artist, the pen of a poet, and the heart of a gardener". After I read this book, now I know why they said so.
The book inside quite informative especially for practical skills, with Christin-Geall's style of writting, feels like she talk directly, not so informal, logically true, plus honest writting.
I bought this book firstly to know how she done the floral photographs, turns out I got much more usefull practical informations inside. Her thoughts, experiences, lessons from other's perspectives, makes me want to read more.
When you trying to find more than step-by-step to make floral arrangement book-guide, I think this book is very nice to read.
Looking forward for her next book.
I love this book. If you read the review on the back cover book, "Christin Geall has the eye of an artist, the pen of a poet, and the heart of a gardener". After I read this book, now I know why they said so.
The book inside quite informative especially for practical skills, with Christin-Geall's style of writting, feels like she talk directly, not so informal, logically true, plus honest writting.
I bought this book firstly to know how she done the floral photographs, turns out I got much more usefull practical informations inside. Her thoughts, experiences, lessons from other's perspectives, makes me want to read more.
When you trying to find more than step-by-step to make floral arrangement book-guide, I think this book is very nice to read.
Looking forward for her next book.
April 6, 2021
The book is fantastic, even better than I expected. The author explains in a good level of detail the art of floral design. She gives specific information on materials, the care of flowers classified by stem type, their preservation, vasses, design styles, tips, how to delve into your own personal art, and much more. She shows her artistic talent in the book; she has an exquisite, deep and sensitive understanding.
I love the fluid and personal style of her prose. What I adored the most is the way she illustrates us regarding Color Theory in Fine Arts and how she applies it to floral design.
Totally I recommend the book, has a clear, attractive and memorable message you stay hooked on reading until the end.
I love the fluid and personal style of her prose. What I adored the most is the way she illustrates us regarding Color Theory in Fine Arts and how she applies it to floral design.
Totally I recommend the book, has a clear, attractive and memorable message you stay hooked on reading until the end.
February 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book, and loved the images of her work and the structure of the book. If I were to offer one criticism, I would say this book suffered from telling, when showing would have been better. There weren't enough images or diagrams to illustrate what she was talking about so I often felt like I needed to read her book with Google close at hand. One example is she lists all these different types of vessels but provides no images to accompany them. In her next book (I hope she has a next book), adding more images would make a world of difference.
May 30, 2020
I loved this book and recommend to anyone who wants a different approach to the art...or is it craft ?... of floral arrangement. This book goes from Colour Theory to art history to Fibonacci Sequences !! It is beautifully written, a joy to read, contains a wealth of information and the photography is just gorgeous.
May 1, 2025
3.25 stars
There were some interesting elements here mentioned, with several practical examples. The author is more of an intuitive designer so they went deeper into the spiritual side of arranging flowers. Interesting to read, but not particularly useful for me.
There were some interesting elements here mentioned, with several practical examples. The author is more of an intuitive designer so they went deeper into the spiritual side of arranging flowers. Interesting to read, but not particularly useful for me.
September 28, 2022
A beautiful reference book, full of good info. For anyone interested in floral design or learning about it, definitely read this!
January 30, 2023
fantastic florals
Inspiration, creativity, rhythms of seasons and line … it’s all here. One of the prettiest collections I’ve found - captured with excellent photography.
Inspiration, creativity, rhythms of seasons and line … it’s all here. One of the prettiest collections I’ve found - captured with excellent photography.
March 8, 2024
4.5 stars. Don't skip the epilogue. Here is an excellent writer and educator, giving artists as well as flower designers a lot to think about beyond the lovely photos.
December 4, 2019
Gorgeous pictures and delicious descriptions. An enjoyable read from cover to cover. Thanks to #NetGalley, I had an advanced PDF to read and review.
*All opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. *
*All opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. *
December 11, 2024
Fav floral book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews