Tips for Cut Flower Arrangements

Cut flowers in the house are always welcome, never more so than at the height of your garden’s beauty. Bringing some of nature’s magic inside lifts the spirit, a tonic for all that ails us. When we walk into a room and see artfully arranged flowers, the combination of fragrance, color and greenery says “sparkling freshness” like nothing else.

At its simplest, all you need are flowers, water, a pair of shears and a container to create an instant bouquet. Sometimes that’s exactly what’s called for. Indulging in a few cheerful sprays for the kitchen windowsill or table is so satisfying!

But why stop there?

On days when you have the time, take a few minutes to create a centerpiece that wows everyone, including you. Not to the level of “wedding reception” mind you– professional flower arranging is an art unto itself. I’m talking about simple bouquets anyone can make at home for your living room, foyer, home office, or a friend.

Japanese Anemone, Ballerina of Indian Summer

Ballerina, you say?

Yes, because Japanese anemones will enchant you with joyful choruses of exuberant round buds on tall, graceful stems. Upon opening, their pert “tutus” of petals bob and dance as if on tiptoe in the slightest breeze. Hence their common name, windflower.

Drying Hydrangeas for Arrangements

The textures and subtle colors of dried hydrangeas can be lovely

Few shrubs provide as much seasonal interest as hydrangeas, regardless of cultivar. Starting in early summer, they bloom abundantly and with longevity, persevering right through the hottest days and the worst downpours of summer. The flower heads are composed of hardy structures more akin to paper than petals, called bracts. Mophead varieties are mostly dense clusters of bracts. Lacecap forms have an outer layer of larger bracts that encircle tiny, fertile florets nestled in the center.  Because bracts are so sturdy, the blooms last all summer. Drying them for arrangements can extend the season of enjoymenr even longer.