As winter fades away, the sunny colors and soft scents of spring bring a refreshing transformation to our small farm. The early spring flowers, with bright hues of yellow, purple, and tiny bits of blue, offer unique possibilities for creating stunning floral designs that can brighten up our previous dark spaces. By the time that April arrives, I am itching to start working with fresh cut garden flowers again. I enjoy getting back into my routine of mornings and evenings walking our flower fields. Before heading back to the garden, let me pause to share with you my approach to creating beautiful floral designs using the best of what early spring has to offer.
Early Spring Flowers
The first spring blooms to arrive here in New England are the hellebores and daffodils. These little beautifies can be challenging for a floral designer as they do require special care before displaying in your favorite container. If not properly conditioned these flowers will quickly wilt of force other delicate flowers in your arrangement to quickly fade.
Daffodils: Since starting our farm, I have become obsessed with Daffodils. Not limited to the yellow flower we commonly see in nurseries and grocery stores. Daffodils come in a range of color including; white, cream, yellow, and orange. These are a unique flower that can stand on their own or make a bold statement paired with a few flowering branches. It is important to note that daffodils must be conditioned prior to arranging. Following are some simple tips to get the best from your daffodils:
- Harvest your daffodils by pulling the stems at the base of the plant, rather than cutting them. This helps to minimize sap release.
2. Cut the stems to the desired length and place the cut stems in a separate container of fresh cool water for at least 2 hours. This allows the sap to drain from the stem.
3. Once you have finished conditioning your daffodils, discard the water, and give the daffodil stems a fresh rinse.
4. They are now ready to be used in an arrangement and can be safely arranged with other fresh flowers in your spring arrangement.
Hellebores (Lenten Rose): If you love a vintage flower with dark and moody tones, this is the perfect flower for your spring arrangement. The stunning flowers grow in a range of gorgeous moody shades of maroon, yellow, green, blue, slate, dusky pink, and white, many of which have picotee, spots, or freckles.
Source: https://plantaddicts.com
The trick with hellebores is in the timing. If picked to early these hearty looking blooms become wilty and fade. Patience is key as is it important to wait for the seed pods start to develop in the center of the flower. This means the stamens have dropped and the seed pods are starting to form. This is when the flower is most likely to hold its form and last longer in a vase if you wait for the stamens to drop off. This can seem like a waiting game in the garden. Remember, hellebores have a bloom life of 10 to 12 weeks making them a long lived bloom. Giving them time to mature in the ground will extend their life in the vase.
1. Check the center of the flower. Look for blooms where the stamens have dropped and the seed pods are starting to form.
2. Cut stems at an angle: This helps them absorb water more easily.
Remove leaves that will fall below the waterline in your arrangement. This prevents rot and extends the vase life.
3. Additionally, you can sear the bottom of the stem in boiling water: This helps prevent bacterial growth and promotes water uptake.
Lillacs
Each of these flowers brings its own unique charm to floral arrangements:
Tips for Designing with Spring Flowers
Creating a floral design with spring flowers involves more than just putting blooms together. Here are some tips to help you craft stunning arrangements:
2. Consider Flower Shapes and Sizes
Mixing different shapes and sizes of flowers can add depth and dimension to your arrangement. Combine large, bold blooms like peonies with smaller, delicate flowers like hyacinths to achieve a balanced composition.
4. Pay Attention to the Vase
The right vase can elevate the overall presentation of your floral design. Choose a vase that complements the style and colors of your arrangement. Clear glass vases are a classic choice, but ceramic or metallic options can add a modern twist.
Conclusion
Floral design with spring flowers is a delightful way to celebrate the season and bring the beauty of nature indoors. By understanding the characteristics of spring blooms and applying thoughtful design techniques, you can create stunning arrangements that capture the essence of spring. Whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten your home, let the vibrant colors and scents of spring flowers inspire your creativity. Embrace the season and let your floral designs bloom!