Containers

I love photos. Anyone who knows me knows I like to have photos of my loved ones all around my home. Just like picture frames, the containers we use for flowers plays an integral part in the overall effect of a flower arrangement. Starting to build up a collection of containers is a must for anyone who is enthusiastic about flowers.

Containers come in all shapes and sizes, colours and textures. They can be made from glass, china, pottery, wood, stone and metal. Even fruits and vegetables can be used. To a certain degree, each container dictates the types of flowers used. For example a small jug or old battered watering can would look lovely with a very informal arrangement of garden flowers whereas a tall elegant vase is going to require Lilies, delphiniums, aconitium, larkspur etc.

Things to think about when choosing a vessel;  a tall receptacle is going to require long stemmed blooms. Small dainty pots are best suited to delicate flowers. Vases with narrow necks can accommodate slim stems whereas the wider neck can take a substantial amount of plant material in order to stop the flower stems flopping over the side.

There are many "tricks of the trade" which can help support your flowers. If you are using a something other than a glass container Chicken wire can be crumpled and placed inside which helps to support the stems.
As a rule of thumb the deeper the container the longer the flowers will last as this allows the stems maximum contact with water. However low containers can be filled with florist oasis and greenery and flowers can be cut short and placed in them, as long as you remember to keep watering it your
flowers should keep giving you pleasure.

When choosing your container you must also consider the colour and texture because you want it to compliment your flowers rather than compete with them. In contrast, glass is often the easiest to use as it does not contend with the colour of your blooms.

Using larger fruits and vegetables can be fun. Scrape out some of the inside and place some oasis or a vase to suit the size and fill with flowers. Also if you have a favorite receptacle but it may not be suitable for placing water in or is not water tight then again find something that will fit inside and allow your imagination to run riot and create a stunning focal point.

New Giftware Range

I'm like a kid in a sweet shop when we get a new delivery of goodies at the shop. Just the other day we took charge of a great big box. Deep inside amongst all the packaging there were lots of little packages containing all sorts of lovely new products for the shop.

 We now have some lovely Christmas decorations in, though we won't put them out until after All Hallows' Eve. We have these really cute "slippers" which can be filled  with sweets and chocolates on the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas on the 5th of December or hung on the fireplace as an alternative to a stocking to be filled with sweeties on Christmas Eve.

I love our new vases and containers and votive candle holders. I think some of these planted up with
spring bulbs will just look so pretty. The Leon cages will make  a real statement piece filled with flowers and placed on a sideboard or hall table.

The votive lights are all shimmered in silvers and golds,  Which will create a lovely glow when lit by candlelight, the good thing about these they are not just for Christmas, but can be used all year round.

I love watching how the girls get creative and look at one object  and then have the ability to use it for something quite unique. I am amazed how working in the Arbour has allowed both girls to really let their creativity run wild, I am waiting for my own creative spirit to catch up with theirs; I think I will be in for a long wait!

Autumn Walks and Scented Pine Cones.

Why not take the children on an Autumn walk this weekend and do a bit of foraging. Gathering pine cones may not be high on the foragers list but these little versatile gems are fun for small hands to collect.

Display then throughout the winter season in your Christmas decor, which will allow them to dry fully.
In the Spring paint the "leaves" of each cone with a bit of vegetable oil which has your favorite essential oil added to it. Leave them to dry, then store them in an airtight container until the fine weather returns and you no longer need to have a fire.

When the grate has been cleaned, fill it up with the lovely scented cones. The essential oil will release a delicate fragrance into your room.
When Summer draws to a close again the  dried cones make great fire  starters for the new Autumn fires.

Stylish quick table arrangement.

For a really stylish and quick table arrangement why not take a glass vase, place a smaller one inside and then fill the space in between with conkers and nuts, then place some flowers in lovely deep orange and reds in the vase fill with water and place in the middle of the table.

Alternatively half fill a vase with conkers and sit a nice fat church candle on top, maybe do two and have them either side of the fireplace to bring a nice Autumn glow into the house.

Decorating with Pumpkins

Well here we are, All Hallows' eve is fast approaching and everywhere you look bright orange pumpkins are in the supermarkets and on the market stalls. But if like me you are not a great lover of seeing these magnificent squashes carved with scary faces then why not try an alternative this year.

 Carve out part of your pumpkin and fill the hole with a soaked oasis, then use this as a basis for a beautiful floral display. You can also scoop out the entire pumpkin and place a glass bowl inside which you can either use to put a salad in making an unusual serving dish or  you can create a more informal arrangement"
 Use the pulp to make a lovely thick warming soup to help keep off the chills as the days grow shorter.

Beautiful Farewells!

This week has seen us participate in helping someone say good-bye to a loved one. When a grieving family chooses us to do the final tribute to their loved ones we really do  feel privileged.

The giving and receiving  of flowers during times of mourning, sadness and grief are a welcome sign that people are thinking of you and you are not facing this alone.

A study was done in 1990 on the role of flowers and plants in the bereavement process and this substantiated what we already know, that flowers given with love always makes people feel better. It raises their morale  and gives them a boost. I think it's knowing that you are not alone, people are thinking of you that helps everyone.

Flowers also provide a voice to the people who have difficulty in finding the right words of consolation. Flowers are a tangible way of showing concern, affection and support for those who are grieving.

The funeral we did this week Elizabeth and I had to decorate a most beautiful wicker coffin.
I know these are becoming more popular and I can understand why. There was something very elegant and natural about it and I personally thought it looked lovely.

        

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