INSTRUCTIONS Fresh flower arrangement built around potted plant

Centerpiece will require only minimal care in order to survive.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Here is an idea for a fresh flower arrangement that can help welcome the New Year and be enjoyed for many weeks.
The centerpiece of the arrangement is a potted plant, which will stay fresh and alive as long as you take care of it. The plant is surrounded by fresh flowers and greens which can be easily exchanged with new, fresh flowers every five to 10 days, depending on the flowers you choose.
Materials needed
Before beginning the project, assemble the following items:
UOne 4-inch to 6-inch potted plant
UOne 9-inch to 12-inch waterproof, papi & eacute;r mach & eacute; green floral container
UTwo large pieces of Oasis (florist foam)
UTwo or three bunches of different types of greenery (evergreens, ivy, citrus leaves, fern)
UFlowers to match your room or your holiday (roses, hydrangeas, lilies, gerbera daisies)
UBerries and/or a small filler-type of flower (coffee beans, baby's breath, Queen Anne's lace)
UOptional: Battery operated Christmas lights pack
Step1: Place potted plant into the center of the green floral container. You may need to set the plant on top of something to make it as tall as you would like it to be. A scrap of wood or Styrofoam -- even a can of tomato paste would work fine.
Step 2: Surround the pot with Oasis (florist foam) that has been soaked in water and then cut into pieces to completely fill container. Be sure it rises at least 1-inch above the lip of the container so that some of the greenery can be placed into it at a downward angle.
Step 3: Cut pieces of greenery and push them into the oasis around the perimeter of the container so they drape over the edge, covering it.
Step 4: Add the large focal point flowers and more greenery.
Step 5: Add the smaller flowers.
Step 6: Fill in with more greenery, berries and filler flowers.
Step 7 (optional): Wrap the potted plant with the Christmas lights and hide the battery pack underneath the foliage on the table (not in the oasis) if using the lights.
To keep the centerpiece looking its best, hers is some plant care advice:
UBe sure you keep your flowers well hydrated. When you get home with your flowers and greens, cut the ends of the stems at an angle and set them in a bucket of water with some floral preservative (available at craft stores and floral supply stores) until you are ready to arrange them.
UBefore adding your greens and flowers to your arrangement, give each stem a fresh cut -- at an angle. Also keep your Oasis wet -- check it every couple of days and add water when needed.
UBe careful not to over-water your potted plant.