You don’t have to be a horticulturist to appreciate the beauty of blooms. From casual nosegays to exotic centerpieces, flowers have a powerful effect on your quality of life. They evoke sensory responses through both sight and smell, and have the potential to brighten the blandest of spaces—virtually instantly. These extraordinarily versatile accessories come in a variety of colors, sizes and scents, perfect for a wide range of lifestyles. So stop and smell the roses—and then cut some for an arrangement.
The designer’s best friend, flowers immediately add a splash of color to any room and come in a wide array of varieties. From fresh-cut roses to earthy limbs such as pussy willow, from trailing ivy to the exotic blooms of orchids, there’s a plant for any personality and occasion.
For a casual breakfast nook, and that fresh-from-the-market feel, try something simple like daisies or tulips. They’ll add not only a bit of color to the table, but also an aroma that only fresh flowers can bring to a space.
For a dramatic entryway table, try arranging limbs from a flowering cherry tree or adding a bit of exotic flare with dried ornamental grasses or large palm leaves (the freeze-dried ones will last forever). You can even add fruits and other organic elements.
Just as important as the flowers themselves is the way that the flowers are displayed. One neat trick is to use everyday household containers to present flowers. Sometimes smaller containers and simpler arrangements can make the biggest statement. Sterling silver sugar bowls, teacups and even candle votives can make dashing displays for a couple of Gerbera daisies in a not-so-dazzling powder room.
Did you know that scientists have actually proven that flowers have a positive effect on people? Sure, we all know that we feel much better when we receive flowers or have them around the house, but a Rutgers University study has proven it. Not only do people reap positive benefits such as heightened satisfaction and decreased anxiety when they receive flowers as a gift, but when flowers are displayed in the home, people perceive their presence as symbolic of sharing, and in turn consider the space to be more welcoming. So put those flowers in prominent spots and share the positive effects of flowers with your family and guests!
Flowerless Flower Arranging:
If fruits and flowers aren’t your thing, you can still bring in a sense of the organic. Consider arrangements presented in thick glass cylinders (round or square) filled with river rocks, curly willow or sand.
If you like the idea of an arrangement of wood but want to spice it up a bit, spray-paint your curly willow (or twigs from the yard, even). Pick something bright and vibrant like rusty orange or turquoise, or go neutral with matte white or pewter.
Anything Goes:
Contrary to popular belief, there are no rules when it comes to flower arranging. Throw out the idea that arrangements have to be done “a certain way.” (You know what I mean, “... Start with the tallest flowers first ...”) Be creative; what do you want to display in your arrangement? Grab some flowering branches off your trees, stick them in a rustic wood vase and create an organic look! Toss some lemons, limes, green apples or pomegranates into a clear glass bowl, and enjoy a sweet splash of color! Or fill a tall glass cylinder with some river rocks and water, and float a few orchid blooms for a simple yet dramatic centerpiece. If you’re a sports fan, throw some baseballs into a bowl and that can be your arrangement! The key is to have fun while bringing some of the outside in. A flower arrangement doesn’t have to have flowers—it just has to inspire you.
Flower Facts:
Well Packaged
Roses have what is termed packing petals—pull off the outside petals of your roses so that they can bloom to their fullest.
Cut Clue
Always cut flower stems on the diagonal and immerse them immediately in water (or else the cut will close up!). When changing the water in your arrangement, always recut the stems.
Stem Sauna
If your party occurs before your flowers are fantastic, immerse the ends of stems in warm water so the blooms will open up faster!
Bloom Buzz
Tulips love vodka! Add a capful of vodka (a capful of bleach works, too) to your tulip water. It will keep the water clean and your tulips looking fresh.
PROJECT- Luxurious Orchids
I love the huge orchid arrangements in hotels and fashion magazines. But those arrangements can cost hundreds of dollars. Here’s a quick and easy trick that will give you a luxurious orchid arrangement right in your own home.
Shopping List:
• Large container
• Orchids (at least three)
• Several bags of green moss (available at art supply and home-improvement centers)
• Newspaper
• Plastic plant liner from the nursery (to fit your container)
1. Choose a large container. It can be anything from a leather box to a ceramic urn. The idea is to be able to plant several orchids into it comfortably. So choose the number of orchids you want, and then determine the size of the container.
2. Pick up potted orchids at your local nursery or home-improvement center. I always liked to use odd numbers—try three or five.
3. Water the orchids and allow them to drain.
4. Keep the orchids in their separate little pots, but arrange them in the large container.
5. Place wadded up newspaper all around and in between the orchids to fill the space and to hold the plants in place.
6. Place a generous amount of moss all over the top of the container so that all you see are the stems of the orchids coming up out of the container. The idea is for it to look as though you have one large orchid plant.
Now you can enjoy the beauty of your sophisticated orchids for weeks to come! (This also works well with other potted plants. Put poinsettias in one large basket during the holiday season, or use mums in the fall.)
What are you waiting for?
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