Question:

Have you ever attached flowers to a vehicle (car, boat, motorcycle,etc.)? If so, how did you attach them?

Design by Hitomi Gilliam AIFD

Botanical Brouhaha Expert Panel 96 Answers:

Yes, I have… Well there is not one single recipe here, it really depends on the vehicle type and how long the flowers are supposed to last. Usually I go to check the vehicle or ask for pictures. Old vehicles are usually easy as you always find a place where you can attach something with a string, a ribbon, a metallic wire, etc… Modern ones are more difficult, and I usually use suction pads to attach my designs directly on the vehicle’s body. These last ones usually work ok, but they are certainly not as safe as a good old knot.

Two things I have learned are important on vehicles:

– Make sure to discuss with the vehicle owner about what you are going to do, to make sure it is ok… Explain how you are going to keep the vehicle safe and make sure you protect it from scratches.

– Speed and flowers are not good friends at all, make sure to make your point about that if the vehicle is supposed to be driving while carrying your creation.

Laetitia Mayor (Floresie)

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I have attached flowers to several antique cars both on the front and back. I usually am able to do so with zip ties or pipe cleaners on the grill of the front of the car or have been able to tie a garland and secure it within the hatchback of a sports car. Just be sure there are no sharp wires or anything that can scratch the paint of the car!!

Beth Zemetis (Blush Floral Design)

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Eek! I have only attached flowers to a vehicle for my own wedding (an old-timer tractor with a trailer)… and it was literally my first experience with flowers (that’s how I actually got started… errr addicted to growing and arranging flowers). While I was happy with the result (sticking sunflowers here and there), it was by no means a “shareworthy” experience, haha. I will leave this one to the other professionals on the board.

Emily Avenson (Fleuropean)

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We haven’t often attached flowers to a vehicle. The two times we have done it has been on a Rolls Royce. Both times we hung garland with ribbon tied inside the trunk (ribbon was tied inside, but garland hung outside once the trunk was closed). The chauffeurs were very accommodating both times and helped us sort out the mechanics.

Jennie Love (Love ‘n Fresh Flowers)

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I use Smithers-Oasis Place-it Grande Holder.

It has a suction cup on the back side as seen on the photo, with the 2 pull sticks on the sides.

Place the Grande Holder on a clean car surface with suction cup down.

Push down on the cage while pulling the 2 pull sticks outward to activate the suction to hold to the surface.

This mechanics will not damage any surface, and will come off easily as you release the pull sticks back.

I usually add in a couple of other support mechanics, just in case…  such as a light bungee cord or bind wire.

Also, it is always a good idea to wrap with pot tape over the cage, so that there’s absolutely no chance of the plastic cage lifting off.

This Oasis product was made for car decorations, and for attaching to mirrors and glass surfaces, flat or upright.

Hitomi Gilliam AIFD (Design358)

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We have attached flowers to cars with pipe cleaners and garlands. We find garland work the best.  We have also attached oasis cages to the grill of a car. All of these designs are subject to potential failure and clients should be warned to keep their expectations low if the car is traveling any real distance or reaching highway speeds.

Holly Chapple (Holly Heider Chapple Flowers)

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We designed this simple car garland for an Indian ceremony last year at the Henry Ford museum.

I ordered a pre-made green garland, and wired in the sturdier blooms ahead of time.

On site, we set the garland in place, securing on either side of the windscreen with pew clips.

The more delicate flowers, such as the clematis, were simply tucked in on site.

The garland was only used for a few hours, so we didn’t need to worry about hydration.

Susan McLeary (Passionflower)

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