How should a florist wire a single bloom boutonniere using a carnation?

To properly wire a single bloom boutonniere using a carnation, the correct method involves inserting a wire through the center of the calyx, which is the base of the flower, and then using another wire to cross it. This technique provides both stability and support to the bloom, ensuring it remains securely in place when attached to the lapel. By threading the wire through the calyx, the florist can effectively balance the flower and maintain its natural shape, which is particularly important given the weight and texture of a carnation.

Using a second wire to cross over the first adds an additional layer of security, preventing any potential wobbling and allowing for a more aesthetically pleasing finish. This method is recognized as a best practice in floral design, facilitating easier manipulation and placement of the boutonniere once it is completed.

Other methods, such as placing the wire around the bloom or just at the base, fail to provide the necessary stability, while using two wires at an angle does not create the same strong structural integrity that crossing the wires does. Therefore, the approach of threading through the calyx with a crossing wire is the most effective and professional technique for wiring a carnation boutonniere.