| Interior decorators know the secret to making a big | | | | do with that? Flowering plants like hydrangea and lilies |
| impact in a room. Large, unique accessories make a | | | | are a gorgeous centerpiece or on a foyer table. |
| statement and bring in that "wow" factor. The most | | | | Usually they will carry flowering plants on a seasonal |
| used accessory is, of course, fresh flowers. The | | | | basis- so check out their offerings now and again. |
| pages of a glossy magazine have gorgeous | | | | When you get the plant home, take the foil wrapper |
| arrangements and stylish settings, which you can also | | | | off and put it in a decorative container. Cover the soil |
| do! Here are some easy tips for arranging flowers | | | | with a top dressing of seashells, marbles, even |
| from your garden, a florist, a home store, even your | | | | aquarium gravel, and enjoy the instant impact of the |
| supermarket! | | | | blooms! |
| TIP: Remember- fresh, warm water and your | | | | TIP: Poinsettias at Christmastime are best on a lower |
| flowers will last much longer. | | | | level, like a hearth, since they are rather branchy and |
| Flowers from your garden will be the freshest, most | | | | their blooms are prettiest viewed downward. |
| fragrant options that you will be able to find. But, I | | | | The supermarket is one of my favorite places to |
| know, it's hard to cut down that clump of tulips in | | | | buy flowers- convenient and relatively inexpensive if |
| your front flowerbed. So plan ahead a bit and work a | | | | you are not too concerned with the choices. If you |
| flower cutting bed into your landscape. Fill it with | | | | are lucky enough to have a place that offers a |
| bulbs like Tulips and Daffodils, annuals like Zinnias, | | | | mixed bunch special or 3 bunches/ »$12, grab |
| Cleome, and Cosmos, and perennials such as Autumn | | | | it up! The 3 bunch special you can buy all the same |
| Joy Sedum. Don't forget the greenery- Hosta leaves | | | | and have that glorious large bouquet sitting on your |
| and Ivy are workhorses in arrangements! When | | | | table. The mixed bunch requires a bit more work: we |
| working with garden flowers, clean any stray dirt and | | | | want to break it apart to make more of a |
| always cut on a diagonal to ensure that the flower | | | | statement. Generally there is a focal flower like a |
| will draw up the most water. Place like type flowers | | | | rose, filler flowers like baby's breath, and some type |
| in vases and enjoy! Be abundant and group the vases | | | | of greenery in this bunch. Use three different |
| together for major impact on your dining table or | | | | vases-small, medium, and large, and divide the |
| foyer. | | | | flowers up. In the smallest, lowest vase, put all of |
| TIP: Daffodils have a substance that is poisonous to | | | | your greenery. In the medium one-use the filler |
| other flowers, so never mix them with others. | | | | flower to enhance this size vase. The focal flower |
| Flowers from a florist are luxurious and can either be | | | | goes in the most dramatic vase- that's what you |
| arranged by them or by you. The florist will be able | | | | really paid for, so show it off. Group the three vases |
| to broaden your flower choices by having things | | | | together and "wow" everyone with your flower |
| flown in from Europe, South America, and other | | | | arranging! |
| parts of the United States. This is great for special | | | | TIP: Do use the flower food packets that generally |
| occasions and events, but will be a bit pricier for the | | | | come with these bunches. |
| unique flowers that they carry. When ordering | | | | Flower arranging can be a lot of fun and need not |
| flowers, be specific about where they will go and | | | | take too much time and money. Be creative and mix |
| what the event is. | | | | and match your containers- I love to use canning jars |
| TIP: Let your florist know that you are flexible with | | | | in the summer with a single posy in each. Fresh |
| certain things like shape or color and they will hunt | | | | flowers are all about immediate impact and putting a |
| down the best seasonal flowers to fit your needs. | | | | smile on your face. Life is too short, so go ahead |
| Flowers from a big box home store- what would you | | | | indulge today! |