DIY Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 16 - Pink Chrysanthemums and Stock with Cream Roses

At this time of year it's not easy to know where to go to get fresh cut flowers. There might be a few winter flowering branches and some foliage in the garden if you are lucky. Buying flowers from the florists can be quite expensive and anybody selling flowers at farmers' markets are taking a break because they don't have anything to sell at this time of year. I often buy from a local street flower seller, but he is also taking a well deserved break after the very busy holiday period and even my local florist is closed for the month of January.

Well, I've decided to do an experiment! In the next few weeks I will buy most or maybe even all of my flowers from the supermarkets. I have a few around where I live - Waitrose, Sainsbury, Tesco and Marks and Spencer - so I do have quite a good choice of stores to choose from.  

I first went to Marks and Spencer but I didn't like the look of the flowers they had. They all had a 'Best Before' date on their labels but a lot had pollen showing and bruised petals so I left without buying any and went to Tesco instead. There I bought two bunches of pink chrysanthemums and a mixed bunch of pink stock and cream roses.

As usual I conditioned the flowers as soon as I got home and left them in a cool place for a while. I wanted to show off the pink flowers against a fairly neutral background and picking up the colour of the roses I choose some cream coloured vases, a vintage bowl with pink flowers and some lace .

I also decided not to mix any of the flowers but to keep them separate in a way that showed off their individual beauty. 

I think many of us look down on buying flowers from the supermarkets of even worse the petrol stations - but choose carefully, look after them well and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how even a bunch from the supermarket can make a beautiful and long-lasting flower arrangement at a very reasonable price!   

Enjoy Your Flower Arranging and 

Have a Fabulous Floral Wednesday!

I'll see you again on Friday with another Bunch for the Weekend.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

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

You can also find me on:

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DIY Flower Tips and Inspiration - #15 - White Amaryllis

This week my 'DIY Flower Tips and Inspiration' - is about how to make the flowers on your Amaryllis last a bit longer.

The Amaryllis usually have several flowers on each stem - that opens up one after the other - not all at the same time. As the flowers continue to open - you need to remove the old spent flowers. You can use a knife or a pair of scissors. Do it carefully - the little short individual flower stems sit very close together!

Then comes the moment when there is only one or two flowers left on each stem and the whole arrangement starts to look a bit sparse! 

What you can do is to simply cut the remaining flowers off the stem and put them in either their own individual vase, jar or container or put a few in each. 

They will last for a few more days and looks lovely grouped together on a tray or in a row on a table. The flowers are so big, that even as single flowers in their own little container on a small side-table, they will have enough impact to make an impression. 

Enjoy your flower arranging!

I will be back on Friday with another 'A Bunch for the Weekend'.

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

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

You can also find me on:

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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

DIY Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 14 - Orange Tulips and Ranunculus

This week 'DIY Flower Tips and Inspiration' - is mostly just orange. Tulips are appearing more and more on the flower stalls and Ranunculus have just popped up their pretty heads.

I found some gorgeous orange Tulips - the petals have streaks of darker colours that gives a variegated marbled effect - and makes them look just super pretty!

Some of the bright orange Ranunculus are in tight buds others have opened up showing their layers and layers of thin petals.

The vase is a vintage jar from Sweden and the sugar bowl is from the 1930's Art Deco period and from my grandmother back in Sweden. The chevron black and white fabric becomes an interesting contrast in colour and form.

The two flowers contrast each other in texture but match almost perfectly in colour. For somebody like me who loves colour - this combination just makes me swoon!! 

Enjoy your flower arranging!

Titti and I will be back on Friday with another FLOWERS with a new and different theme.

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

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

You can also find me on:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 13 - Red Winter Branches

This week 'Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration' - is pretty much all red - I have more of the same branches from before but I'm also featuring some different ones.

It's a combination of Crab Apples, Rose Hips, Ilex branches and Cornus alba and they all feature red in some form or another - apples, hips, berries or branches.

You can read about the Crab Apples and the Rose Hips in a previous blog post.

With all of these branches you'll need a strong pair of scissors or a pair of secateurs to cut the stems. Before you put them in water - make a vertical cut up the stem to help the plant absorb more water.

The Ilex verticillata is a deciduous holly that loose it's leaves in late autumn to expose clusters of bright red berries on bare stems that lasts throughout the winter. 

Like a lot of different flowers don't expose the berries to ethylene gas or it will cause the berries to drop - so don't put the arrangement next to the fruit bowl.

Ilex will last in a vase for between 7-14 days - so they are great value for money. They also come with berries in deep gold and yellow gold - if you are not keen on the red.

The Cornus alba or Dogwood as they are commonly called - there are many different types but this one with it's red winter stems is quite dramatic. It has long almost perfectly straight leafless stems. It can last for up to three weeks in a vase - so also god value for money. These straight branches also come in green and yellow. 

All these branches will happily mix with other flowers and they last for several weeks - so perfect to buy before Christmas and they will last well into the new year.

Enjoy your flower arranging!

Titti and I will be back on Friday with another FLOWERS with a new and different theme.

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

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

You can also find me on:

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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 12 - Dahlias, Crab Apples and Rose Hips

This time 'Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration' is all about Dahlias, Crab apples and Rose hips. 

But this time it's more about colour and how to use the flowers, fruits and rose hips. 

When I came across this mixture of flowers, fruit and hips at my local Saturday farmers' market - I knew it was a winning combination. 

The red and orange crab apples matches the red and orange Dahlias; and the little rose hips adds a different texture in a similar colour.

I have happily mixed the Dahlias with both the crab apples and the rose hips into a big riot of orange and red. Using a large plain clear glass container works well - as it will not take any attention away from the flowers.

You can use the crab apples by mixing them in with the flowers in the container, scatter them on the table or they also add colour by just simply putting them in a bowl. 

I have left some of the crab apples lower down on the branches so that you can see them through the clear glass - a fun and little different detail. Just keep them out out of the water.

The little sweet rose hips lasts quite well out of water - so you can add them to a wreath or a garland as well as combining them in a container with other flowers like I have done here.

This is an arrangement with a lot of red and orange colours as well as lots of different textures and movement perfect for greeting your guests in the hall or on a side table in a living room. 

Enjoy the autumn colours for the short time that they are here!

Enjoy your flower arranging!

I'll be back on Friday with another 'A Bunch for the Weekend'

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

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

You can also find me on:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 11 - Chrysanthemums and Snowberries

This time 'Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration' is all about Chrysanthemums and Snowberries.

Here are a few facts and information about the flowers: 

- The Chrysanthemum is originally from the Arctic, parts of Russia, China and Japan.

- The name Chrysanthemum comes from the Greek chrysos that means gold and anthemon that means flower.

- Chrysanthemums come in many different forms and shapes; pompon, quill, spider and spoon are just a few of the interesting forms of the flower.

- Snowberries comes originally from North and Central America but now grows wild in many places.

- Snowberries are a member of the honeysuckle family.

- Snowberries are an important food source in the winter for many birds. 

Brilliantly white fluffy Chrysanthemums and round white Snowberries are very effective and mixes well together at this time of year. 

I wanted to take a break from all the strong autumn colours I have featured lately. I love strong colours but I also love white. So here is a quick and easy all white arrangement.

I have used a large white vintage apothecary container for the big arrangement and a small white contemporary vase for my secondary complementary arrangement. Adding a few white honeycomb pompoms along the way.

Here I'm showing the arrangement with an all white background - white marble table, white French linen sheet   and white painted wood panelling. The arrangement works just as well as a contrast to something much more colourful.

Why not try it in a few different locations around your home - maybe you'll find some interesting colour combinations! 

Enjoy your flower arranging!

Next Friday it's time for another FLOWERS from Titti and I. We will inspire on how to give your guests a warm and flowery welcome!  

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

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

You can also find me on:

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 10 - Dahlias

This time 'Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration' is all about Dahlias.

Here is a little bit of facts and information about the flower: 

- Dahlias are named in honour of the Swedish Dr. Anders Dahl (1751-1789), who was a botanist and pupil of Carl Linnaeus.

- Dahlias are originally from Central America; Colombia and Mexico

- The Aztecs cultivated Dahlias for food and for decorative purposes.

- It's the national flower of Mexico.

I have created a very bright arrangement of two different Dahlias - in a large stainless steel flower bucket - then added a handful of similar coloured items - even the books are matching!

- Dahlia is an old garden flower that was out of fashion, as a cut flower, for a long time but recently have become very popular again.

- Dahlias are available from mid summer well into autumn.

- Dahlias come in an endless array of sizes, shapes and astonishingly vivid colours.

- When buying Dahlias look for crisp foliage and make sure the outer petals are firm not shrivelled. The centre of the flower should be very tight.

- Like always remove all foliage below the water line in the vase.

- Cut the stems at an angle.

- Stand in a cool position away from direct sunlight and radiators.

- Change the water frequently and re-cut the stems and the flowers will last longer.

- In general it's not a long lasting flower - 5-7 days is all you will get out of this flower - so look after it well. 

- At this time of year they mix well with berries and autumn leaves.

-Enjoy this gorgeous flower while you can!

Enjoy your flower arranging!

I will be back on Friday with another 'Bunch for the Weekend' from 'Of Spring and Summer'.

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

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

You can also find me on:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Do-It-Yourself Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 7 - Alstroemeria

This time 'Do-It-Yourself  Flower Tips and Inspiration' is all about Alstroemeria.

• Alstroemeria petals alternate between striped and solid coloured.
• Originally from Peru were it gets its common name from - Peruvian Lily.
• Each stem has a spray that bears several blooms. 
• They are available all year around.
• The flowers are very long-lasting - about 7-14 days.
• They come in many different colours - except blue.
• The flowers are fragile and bruise very easily - so handle with care.
• The Alstroemeria is named after Clas Alströmer, a pupil of the Swedish botanist Carl von Linné.
• Nip off any faded flowers to encourage fresh ones to bloom.
• When you buy them make sure at least one flower bud on each stem has opened. 
•  Alstroemeria is poisonous to cats and some people are allergic to the flowers.
• Alstroemeria is sensitive to ethylene gas - so don't put the arrangement near fruit or vegetable. 
• Alstroemeria is affordable, long-lasting and adds a touch of spice to any arrangement. 

Enjoy your flower arranging!

Have a Great Floral Wednesday!

I will see you later in the week with more Do-It-Yourself flowers from 'Of Spring and Summer'.

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

[Styling and Photography © Ingrid Henningsson - Of Spring and Summer]

You can also find me on:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

DIY Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 6 - Sweet Pees

This time 'Do-It-Yourself  Flower Tips and Inspiration' is all about scented Sweet Peas.

• A lot of people grow their own sweet peas in their garden or allotments but nowadays you can also buy this pretty flower at farmers' markets or floral street sellers.
• When you buy them look for flower stems where the top flower show colour.
• The flowers at the base die first so look out for any limp or dying flowers.
• Stand in shallow water as hairs on the stem cause water to creep upwards and could encourage botrytis (grey mould).
• Sweet Peas are very sensitive to ethylene gas - so don't put them next to a bowl of fruit!
• Change water every other day, re-cut stems and place in clean, fresh shallow water.
• Sweet Peas are a favourite summer flower they come in many, many different colours - white, cream, pale blue, lilac, purple, pale pink, cerise pink, burgundy as well as multi-coloured.
• Sweet peas are glorious when mixed together en masse in all kinds of different colours.
• Weather you grow them yourself or you buy a bunch - for the next few months is the time to enjoy this irresistible beauty!    

The pretty blue cup by Swedish potter Lotta Zerrander - who lives and works in Österlen in the south of Sweden.

The adorable little acrylic teaspoons are from the French company Sabre Paris.

Have a Great Floral Day!

I'll see you later in the week with more Do-It-Yourself flowers from 'Of Spring and Summer'.

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

[Styling and Photography © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer]
[Cup by Lotta Zerrander.]
[Spoons from Sabre Paris.]


You can also find me on:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

DIY Flower Tips and Inspiration - # 5 - Freesia

This time 'Do-It-Yourself  Flower Tips and Inspiration' is all about the lovely flower Freesia.

• When you buy Freesia look for plump buds and make sure at least one flower is open or about to open.
• The flowers open from the bottom of the stems towards the top.
• Not all the buds will open up along the raceme - to stimulate buds further down to open - you can remove some of the smallest buds at the very top of the flower stem. You can easily snip them off with a pair of scissors.
• Also remove any wilted flowers to encourage further flowering.
• Freesia are sensitive to ethylene gas so don't put them near any ripening fruit.
• Freesia comes in many different colours - pure white, lemon, yellow, orange, gold, amber, pale pink, deep pink, lilac, pale purple and purple.
• They last for about 5-7 days.
• Buy some and enjoy their wonderful scent! 

Have a Great Floral Day!

I'll see you later in the week with more Do-It-Yourself flowers from 'Of Spring and Summer'.

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

[Styling and Photography © Ingrid Henningsson for Of Spring and Summer]
[Ribbons by Jane Means.]


You can also find me on:

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Instagram - https://instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/