From the Archives - 26 December 2014 - A Bunch for the Weekend

This post is part of a brand new blog series called 'From the Archives'. It will be previously posted blog posts that I feel are still relevant for some reason or another. 

It will always be a post from the same calendar month as we are in or it could be some of my favourite flowers from the same season - that still lifts my spirit. 

Flowers are so ephemeral - but their beauty caught on camera never fades.........!!

This week on 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - I'm featuring a bit of an unusual plant as a cut flower and it's called Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'.

We have just passed the shortest day of the year and flowers in the garden are in short supply, flowers in the florist shop during the winter season often come from far away and can be expensive.

There are some lovely potted plants around at this time of year - such as Poinsettia, Cyclamen, Paperwhites, Hyacinths and Amaryllis.

All these flowers are lovely and delightful - but I have already used all of them at least once in the last months - so I decided to try something a little bit different this week. 

I'm using a low-growing evergreen shrub called Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' and both my local flower stall and greengrocer were selling it as a cut flower.  

It has short stems but has these clusters of little, round, tight flower buds in a deep, dark, red colour and it has thick oval dark green leaves.

You'll need:

- about 7 stems of Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' - they will all have 2-3 flower heads on each stem 

- a medium size vase or container in a neutral colour - I have used a vintage zinc container

- a jam jar to put inside the main container 

- 3 grey and 3 white tissue paper poms poms - in three different sizes

- 3 Kosta Boda glass Snowball votive lanterns with tea-lights

For conditioning the flowers - you'll also need:

- florists snippers or scissors

- a florist bucket

As always - you need to condition the flowers - remove all the lower leaves that would end up below the waterline in the vase. Cut the stems at an angle - to increase water absorption. Put in a clean container with fresh water and leave in a cool place over night or at least a few hours before making the final arrangement.

With woody stems you also need to make a vertical cut up the stem to increase the area for water absorption. 

The container I have used can not be trusted not to leak and I also don't want it to get any more rust - so I'm using a jam jar filled with water inside.

The Skimmia stems are not very long so the arrangement will be fairly low and wide. The side of the zinc container flares out so the flowers will sit very nicely in a loose and natural arrangement.

The red flowers sits perfectly against the grey zinc and the grey is also picked up in the grey pom poms in the background.    

The grey and white tissue paper pom poms are all piled up in one corner and I have positioned three Snowball candle holders at the other end - both round and a little festive to fit the season.

Have a Happy Floral Friday and a Great Weekend!

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

[Styling and Photography © Ingrid Henningsson for Of Spring and Summer.]

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 114 - Pale Pink Anemones

It's Friday and it's time for 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - we all look forward to the weekend and want to make it feel special. A bunch of colourful as well as beautiful flowers will bring life to a space and create a warm and welcoming feeling.

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explain my thinking behind these particular posts:

"It's always a pleasure and lots of fun to buy a bunch of flowers for the weekend and in this series of blog posts, called 'A Bunch for the Weekend', I will show you how you can make quick and easy flower arrangements for your home. 

Buy the flowers wherever it's convenient, easy and most affordable for you whether that is from a flower stall, farmers' market, the supermarket or a florist. 

Always try to buy seasonal flowers - they will last longer and they will be a lot cheaper.

Make sure you condition the flowers as soon as you get home. Remove any foliage that will end up below the waterline in the vase. Trim the ends of the stems at an angle and put in fresh water as soon as possible."

When you buy Anemones avoid selecting flowers that have dark pollen powder on the petals. They will not last as long.

Also look at the stems and make sure they are not broken or squased and you also don't want to buy flowers where the bottom of the stems are curling back.  

Anemones are one of those rare flowers that continues to grow in the vase. Tulips are another one.

If you don't want the stems to curve and bend - one little trick is to put an elastic band at the top and bottom of the stems and leave the flowers over night. It will help to initially keep the stems straight while making the arrangement - after that they will still reach for the light!

Anemones has an attractive 'ruff' of foliage towards the top. The higher up it sits the fresher the flower.

Leave plenty of space for the flowers in the vase - in other words don't crowd them - and use a vase that supports the stems.

With their sooty-eyed centre Anemones a magnificent on their own - but mixing light and dark colours of Anemones never looks wrong! 

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral weekend!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be here on Sunday morning - with another floral quote by someone passionate about flowers.

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: A bunch of pale pink Anemones -  from my favourite street flower stall in north west London.]

[Vase/Container: A large white vase with a patterned surface that makes it look like the side is smashed. The maker is the German company Rosenthal - bought at one of my local charity stores in north-west London for a few pounds.]

[Other props: A vintage painted, white wooden chair, a painted, white flower stand and a bunch of vintage off-white linen fabrics - all from stylist's own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 400 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and boards showing how to arrange flowers. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 113 - Pink Peonies

It's Friday and it's time for 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - we all look forward to the weekend and want to make it feel special. A bunch of colourful as well as beautiful flowers will bring life to a space and create a warm and welcoming feeling.

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explain my thinking behind these particular posts:

"It's always a pleasure and lots of fun to buy a bunch of flowers for the weekend and in this series of blog posts, called 'A Bunch for the Weekend', I will show you how you can make quick and easy flower arrangements for your home. 

Buy the flowers wherever it's convenient, easy and most affordable for you whether that is from a flower stall, farmers' market, the supermarket or a florist. 

Always try to buy seasonal flowers - they will last longer and they will be a lot cheaper.

Make sure you condition the flowers as soon as you get home. Remove any foliage that will end up below the waterline in the vase. Trim the ends of the stems at an angle and put in fresh water as soon as possible."

The peony is probably one of the most loved flowers and that is often based on that when you ask people what their favourite flower is - the answer is often - "Peony".

Peony season is here and it will last well into early summer. 

Blowsy, big double peonies are just lovely on their own as they have so much instant impact. Leave as much of the foliage as possible - it has a lovely lush, dark green colour but is often overlooked. 

You can also mix them with Alchemilla mollis or why not try them mixed with stock flowers, sweet peas or sweet williams.

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral weekend!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be here on Sunday morning - with another floral quote by someone passionate about flowers.

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: A bunch of bright pink peonies -  from my favourite street flower stall in north west London.]

[Vase/Container: A large clear glass pickling jar - bought at one of the many antique markets in London.]

[Other props: Vintage large bowl bought in Sweden at one of the many 'loppis' - the equivalent to flea market in the USA or car boot sale in the UK - from stylist's own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 400 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and boards showing how to arrange flowers. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

A Bunch for the Weekend- # 112 - A Few Late Tulips

It's Friday and it's time for 'A Bunch for the Weekend' and why not grab some of those late tulips while you can!

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explain my thinking behind these particular posts:

"It's always a pleasure and lots of fun to buy a bunch of flowers for the weekend and in this series of blog posts, called 'A Bunch for the Weekend', I will show you how you can make quick and easy flower arrangements for your home. 

Buy the flowers where it's convenient, easy and most affordable for you whether that is from a flower stall, farmers' market, the supermarket or a florist. 

Always try to buy seasonal flowers - they will last longer and they will be a lot cheaper.

Make sure you condition the flowers as soon as you get home. Remove any foliage that will end up below the waterline in the vase. Trim the ends of the stems at an angle and put in fresh water as soon as possible."

How can you not love tulips - while I was growing up in Sweden all you could get was the simple single tulip in a few different colours.

Nowadays tulips seem to come in all kind of shapes and sizes; and in every colour of the rainbow as well as multicoloured.  

These late double tulips are also called Peony Tulips because when they open up halfway and fully they resemble a peony flower. 

I adore tulips and I'm very fond of multicoloured ones. This tulip has very interesting outer layers of petals. 

I often prefer these large tulips before they open up fully. It's a stage when you can very clearly see the adorable multi colored layers. These last three images are the same tulips but are taken a few days earlier. 

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral weekend!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be here on Sunday morning - with another floral quote by someone passionate about flowers.

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: A bunch of late Tulips from my favourite farmers' market flower stall - Forever Green Flower Company - who comes to my part of London twice a month.]

[Vase/Container: A large clear glass pickling jar - bought at one of the many antique markets in London. The second container is a florist's zinc bucket - if you ever see any don't hesitate to buy them! ]

[Other props: Three shimmering mini vases, linen fabrics and a small Swedish rag rug - all from stylist's own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 400 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and boards showing how to arrange flowers. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 111 - Bluebells

It's Friday and it's time for 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - that time to get some flowers for your home or for someone whose house you've been invited to for the weekend. Or why not to a loved one or maybe just for YOU!

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explain my thinking behind these particular posts:

"It's always a pleasure and lots of fun to buy a bunch of flowers for the weekend and in this series of blog posts, called 'A Bunch for the Weekend', I will show you how you can make quick and easy flower arrangements for your home. 

Buy the flowers where it's convenient, easy and most affordable for you whether that is from a flower stall, farmers' market, the supermarket or a florist. 

Always try to buy seasonal flowers - they will last longer and they will be a lot cheaper.

Make sure you condition the flowers as soon as you get home. Remove any foliage that will end up below the waterline in the vase. Trim the ends of the stems at an angle and put in fresh water as soon as possible."

This time I'm featuring two bunches of bluebells bought from Cel Robertson who runs the flower farm Forever Green Flower Company in Norfolk. She comes every two weeks to West Hampstead and has the most beautiful fresh flower with her to sell from her little stall.

I've teamed the blue flowers with some blue and white floral china - in this case two oval platters. As well as some plant labels made from wood and copper, a picture frame also made from copper. The amber necklace fits right in as a colour contrast. 

The bunch on the platter is tied with some natural coloured twine. Natural twine is easy to find, cheap and works well with most flowers - neutral in colour so it doesn't take anything away from the flowers.

Enjoy the bluebells while you can as they are not here for very long - so grab a bunch if you are lucky enough to find them!

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral weekend!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be here on Sunday morning - with another floral quote by someone passionate about flowers.

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: A bunch of Bluebells from my favourite farmers' market flower stall - Forever Green Flower Company - who comes to my part of London twice a month.]

[Vase/Container: A large clear glass pickling jar - bought at one of the many antique markets in London.]

[Other props: Two vintage blue and white floral platters, a copper frame, some natural twine, three wood and copper labels for the garden, a pair of scissors and a bead necklace - all from stylist's own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and boards showing how to arrange flowers. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 110 - Soft Pink Peonies and Baby's Breath

It might be cold and hailing - but the peonies have arrived!! Gorgeous with their large multi layered frilly flower heads.  

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explain my thinking behind these particular posts:

"It's always a pleasure and lots of fun to buy a bunch of flowers for the weekend and in this series of blog posts, called 'A Bunch for the Weekend', I will show you how you can make quick and easy flower arrangements for your home. 

Buy the flowers where it's convenient, easy and most affordable for you whether that is from a flower stall, farmers' market, the supermarket or a florist. 

Always try to buy seasonal flowers - they will last longer and they will be a lot cheaper.

Make sure you condition the flowers as soon as you get home. Remove any foliage that will end up below the waterline in the vase. Trim the ends of the stems at an angle and put in fresh water as soon as possible."

To encourage peonies to open up, hold the flowers upside down and spray with water to remove the sticky sap on the buds.

Baby's Breath or as they are also called - Gypsophila is a great 'filler' with it's frothy white little flowers.

Peonies are glamorous and come in shades of white, pink, peach and crimson. They will take a few days to open up - but its worth waiting for!

Peonies are lovely on their own in a simple vase or container. The flowers are so large and impressive they often don't need anything else - but can be mixed with for example like here the light and delicate Gypsophila. 

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral weekend!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be here on Sunday morning. It's the last of April so I'll be back with another 'Flowers of the Month'. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: Pale pink peonies and Baby's Breath from my favourite local street flower stall in North West London.]

[Vase/Container: A large clear glass pickling jar - bought at one of the many antique markets in London.]

[Other props: A vintage white painted wooden chair from Sweden, a painted plant stand and some linen fabric - all from stylist's own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and boards showing how to arrange flowers. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 109 - Mauve Sweet Peas

It's time to do a little bit of planning for the weekend and to buy some flowers is ALWAYS a good idea! 

Hello, that is why I do this blog series called 'A Bunch for the Weekend'.......

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explain my thinking behind these particular posts:

"It's always a pleasure and lots of fun to buy a bunch of flowers for the weekend and in this series of blog posts, called 'A Bunch for the Weekend', I will show you how you can make quick and easy flower arrangements for your home. 

Buy the flowers where it's convenient, easy and most affordable for you whether that is from a flower stall, farmers' market, the supermarket or a florist. 

Always try to buy seasonal flowers - they will last longer and they will be a lot cheaper.

Make sure you condition the flowers as soon as you get home. Remove any foliage that will end up below the waterline in the vase. Trim the ends of the stems at an angle and put in fresh water as soon as possible."

I always feel that there is something very special about sweet peas. 

The ruffled shape of the petals, the almost endless range of colours and their intense sweet scent - are some of the reasons for these flowers being so popular. 

I have simply put twenty stems of of sweet peas all the same colour in a vintage French Pernod glass bottle. I found the bottle at a car boot sale in Suffolk a couple of years ago. I love the texture and the shape of the bottle.

All I had to do before putting them in the glass container was to trim the stems - so very quick and easy!  

I borrowed three sea urchin shells from my daughter. They match the colour of the flower petals perfectly. The very thin muslin adds some interesting texture to the image.

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral weekend!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back on Sunday morning with another 'Florets - a new floral quote by someone passionate about flowers. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: Pale mauve sweet peas from my favourite local street flower stall in North West London.]

[Vase/Container: A vintage French cafe Pernod glass bottle - bought at a car boot sale in Suffolk.]

[Other props: A vintage basket, a cup made by the Swedish potter Lotta Zerrander, three sea urchin shells and some muslin fabric - all from stylist's own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and boards showing how to arrange flowers. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/