Material Roles in Traditional Arrangement

Every material placed in a traditional symmetrical arrangement performs a specific function: line and backing flowers define the outline and establish height; focal flowers draw the eye and strengthen the focal area; secondary flowers support the focal flowers in a subordinate role; transitional and mass flowers add positive space and build the overall form; filler and highlight flowers soften the overall appearance without distracting from line or focus. This material taxonomy is the first point in the teaching sequence at which the elements and principles framework is shown operating in a specific practical context. Source: Pampling (360).