Advice on foliage plants please

[duggie]

I've been experimenting with growing cut flowers on the plot over the last 3 years. As the front of our plot is next to the main drive through to 150 plots I didn't want to grow veg in the first 6' of land as it was exposed to exhaust fumes and casual by walkers pulling free veg! So it is dedicated to growing flowers. It attracts the bees, hover flies etc and looks beautiful. Although I've still got a lot to learn, I find that lots of people enjoy the splash of colour and some of the older plot holders, once of the opinion that if you can't eat it don't grow it, are now throwing a few cornflower, calendula or nigella seeds amongst their neat rows of veg! (seed saved from my plants in autumn).

One of the main reasons for cut flowers is that I love the colour and scent in the house but I am rubbish at arranging flowers in a vase. I've tried and I'm just c**p. However, someone suggested it was because I was trying to fill the vase with just flowers - no foliage. Duh! Why didn't I think of that. Anyway, does anyone out there with both flower, foliage and arranging wisdom have any suggestions?

[Two_Sheds]

I like phalaris for foliage, but grow it in a bottomless pot because it spreads like couch grass

[duggie]

Thanks Two Sheds. I'll google phalaris.

[Two_Sheds]

I'll post you some roots if you PM me

[goddess]

I am currently doing a flower arranging course and foliage is very important,you can make a full arrangement without flowers if you have plenty of colour and texture.The leaves that we have been using so far include Hosta,Heuchera,Eupohorbia,Ivy ,Fatsia,Grasses.
Crocosmia is a very good choice IMO it provides flowers,leaves and seed heads which looks great in a vase and it also spreads alot.
If you are interested in the subject then local libraies are a good place to start.Paula Pryke's books are inspiring and it will give you an idea of how to use foliage.

[Scarlet]

Foliage within your flower arrangements need as Goddess says contrasting textures and shapes - glossy leaves, coloured stems,grasses, berries are good,as well as the ivy look at hypericum - St John’s Wort,snow berries and pittisporum, eucalyptus, dogwood, sea holly, Hedging greenery is also good - laurel, taxus,

[duggie]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll have to look up lots of the recommendations as I'm not familiar with some Although I have learned a lot I'm still very much a novice!

Two Sheds, thank you for your kind offer - I have sent you a PM.