...OF SPRING AND SUMMER...: A Bunch for the Weekend - # 62

This weeks 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - is a small bunch of pale blue Grape Hyacinths.

This is once again one of those situations where I saw some flowers that are out of season - BUT are so gorgeous and reasonably priced I just couldn't pass them up!

HOW TO:

You'll need:

- about 40 stems of Grape Hyacinths or Muscari as they are also called.

- a small container that will hold the stems quite tightly together - in this case I'm using a small vintage jug in a blue and white floral pattern.

- a few props in matching colours - in this case they are all light blue like the little flowers.

For conditioning the flowers - you'll also need:

- a pair of florists scissors

- a florist bucket filled with fresh water

Condition the flowers by removing any leaves that would end up below the water line in the vase. This is to reduce any growth of bacteria from deteriorating leaves. Also remove any broken or bruised leaves.

Cut the stems at an angle - this is to increase water absorption.

Put in a clean container with fresh water and leave in a cool, dark place over night or at least for a few hours, to let the flowers absorb the maximum of water, before making the final arrangement.

You might have to re-cut the stems while making the final arrangement to suit the size of the vase or container and to get the right proportions.

Method:

Muscari has short stems so just trim as little as possible or the stems will be a bit too short.

They have long narrow sword shaped leaves; keep any fresh looking as a colour contrast to the flowers. In this case I didn't keep any of the leaves - they did not look as fresh as I had wished for and as the camera picks up any small defects I left them out.

Change the water every 2-3 days and if possible re-cut the stems. The flowers can last for about 4-8 days.