Foliage comes in many shapes, sizes and colors. They can sometimes make the arrangement. many times a client will just purchase foliage. pay attention to what truly stands out about a leaf, each one is so unique. Tropical plants make up two-thirds of the world's flora . Leaves can grow directly out of the ground or off a stem or flower such as bird of paradise or antherium which is the heart shaped tropical flower we know so well. often you can run your fingers along the veins to soften them/ make more pliable and get them to work with your flowers not against them. Most rain forest leaves are smooth and waxy, but there are also feathery types. I just love foliage sometimes more than flowers. some shown in picture Ti leaves and leaves from a corn plant.