FOLIAGE IN FOCUS

Tropical environments are notable for the extravagance of their vegetation: broad, paddle-shaped leaves, vast swags of climbers hanging from trees, a multitude of palms and ferns and the ubiquitous bamboo. Although tropical flowers are more likely to take center stage-the brilliant spectrum of bougainvilleas, the alien forms of orchids, the bewitching line of the bird of paradise and the eternal charm of the lotus are hard to ignore-leaves are dramatic elements in their own right. The line, shape, texture and vibrancy of tropical leaves offer a wealth of exotic inspiration and can give structure and context to a floral arrangement. If the right container is not available, you need only look to tropical foliage for support.

TROPICAL COILS

Taking their cue from the coconut leaf baskets woven throughout tropical countries to hold temple offerings or to steam food, coiled coconut or other fronds can make inexpensive but attractive centerpieces. The fronds are simply coiled around the hand to achieve the desired diameter and placed upright in a suitable container. Alternatively, leaves may be scored and folded, then placed in simple box frames to form innovative "floral nests". Any flexible, elongated leaf is suitable. The natural spring in each will hold the structure in position. For maximum impact, contrasting or toning flowers can be tucked within the interlocking form or placed on top of flatter coils.

Rolled blue flax lily leaves placed in water-filled handmade teak trays complement the strong lines and neutral tones of this interior. Nerium oleander flowers rest atop the leaves which have been rolled alternately with their fronts and backs exposed.

A cylindrical acrylic vessel holds coils of interlinked coconut fronds in position. For variation and depth, both the top and bottom faces of the fronds are exposed. The anthurium's heart-shaped, plastic-textured spathe, which dots the length of the centerpiece, provides contrast in shape and color. The theme is extended to the place settings.

Rainbow tree leaves are turned on their sides and coiled to highlight their richly colored borders. The pinkish-orange petals of the ascocenda further ignite the palette.

The tapered lines of coconut fronds add a rippled effect to this loosely coiled candle arrangement. Miniature cattleya blossoms and ascocenda balance on the coconut ridges, their stems just skimming the surface of the water below.

Powerful lime green cattleyas, with their trademark splash of purple, emerge from nests of interwoven coconut fronds held in place by teakwood frames.

DEFINING LINES

Whether in the wild or in garden settings, leaves are usually viewed en masse. However, when order is applied and leaves become vessels as well as complementary foliage, their true beauty can be revealed. Single leaves may be folded at intervals and positioned in vases to produce an airy but angular, three-dimensional effect. Trimmed leaves may be turned on their sides and packed into simple frames. Color variations within the leaves, whether a vibrant lime center or a reverse scheme, highlight the line of the leaves and contribute to the geometry of these exciting new forms. Attention is also focused on the intriguing texture of the tropical leaves. Flowers are used sparingly to add final flair.

Striking pandanus fronds form a natural platform for suspending a miniature cattleya stem over a water-filled vessel. The two-tone greenery is a refreshing addition to the high-gloss surroundings.

A mauve-pink miniature cattleya lends intimacy and warmth to this metallic and glass interior. Fastened to a bamboo skewer for height, it is given center billing among the folded greenery.

Trimmed snake plant leaves, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, are inserted into an iron frame. Pale porcelain flowers, a member of the hoya genus, emerge from the loose arrangement, much like budding creepers on a garden fence. Water-filled vials behind the leaves feed each stem.

Parallel fins of fleshy spider lily leaves stand upright, wedged into square teak boxes. The natural shape and color variation of each leaf create a dynamic play of line and depth, while the dainty ixora blossom, most often seen in its natural ball-like cluster, adds its own exclamation mark.

LYRICAL LEAFWORK

When playing with a blade of grass or a coconut frond, there is a natural tendency to explore the form's potential, either by twisting it around the wrist or simply holding a loop in place. The shape of the leaf retracts as soon as it is released. The natural spring of such leaves can be harnessed to create lively and original floral displays. Mimicking the natural sway of palms, blooms may be threaded on to the flexible spines of the coconut frond, through looped coconut leaves, and inserted into lengths of banana trunk. The flowers will appear to dance on their supporting greenery, adding an air of frivolity to the arrangement. In whimsical as well as practical displays, looped leaves may also be used to support their floral subjects above wide-necked vases.

Looped fronds elevate pink anthuriums above a monochromatic collection of ceramic vessels. The fronds both maintain the gentle arc of each stem and reinforce the individual charm of the containers.

Coconut fronds looped beneath the hanging petals of the spider lily create an airy centerpiece in the home of Prasert and Sunathee Isvarphomchai that allows the free flow of dinner party conversation. The refreshing white-on-green color scheme is echoed in the lengths of banana tree trunk lining the base of the table arrangement.

Freestanding banana leaf panels flank heirloom calligraphy on a landing in the home of Viboon Techakalayatum and Velvadi Sritrairatana, forming an original but reverent celebration of nature.

LIVING SCULPTURES

The waxy lotus leaf is an ideal wrapping material while the banana leaf is frequently used for cooking and food presentation. Freestanding panels covered in these durable leaves form an unusual floral canvas that highlights the inherent form and line of each species. The careful positioning of lotus blossoms and seeds on the vertical plane leads the eye downwards, much as if reading a scroll. To create these "exhibition" stands, leaves are first attached to a wooden block and then inserted into the supporting metal frame. As the ageing process creeps across the arrangement, and the color and texture of the foliage are transformed, another exciting visual dimension is added to each "living sculpture".

The pale undersides of lotus leaves are gently fanned along the length of the freestanding panels and dotted with lotus buds. The natural lines of the leaves mimic the ripples of a pond and provide an interesting contrast to the adjacent, more geometric and deeper hued banana leaf and lotus seed arrangement.