Photography by Greta Rybus for Gardenista

Erin French, the self-taught chef behind the popular Maine restaurant The Lost Kitchen, is (of course) a whiz at flower arrangement. We followed her on the creation process for one of her signature arrangements: Read on for a step-by-step guide.

1. Winnow down your choices.

French's philosophy: keep it simple.

French's selection of the day.

The flowers are of a similar palette.

2. Cheap vases are just as good.

3. Use birch logs as an anchor.

4. Start with filler.

5. Follow the rule of odds.

Says French: "Buy things in quantities of threes or fives. Odd numbers...look right to the eye"

6. Let the flowers capture a mood.

7. Keep pruners in your car.

8. Do it yourself.

DIY'ing keeps an arrangement from looking "too perfect."