Creative with Flowers - # 34 - Pink Ranunculus

The Ranunculus is one of the loveliest and is also an extremely popular spring flowers. It has layers and layers of delicate petals and comes in many different colours and varieties.

This is a little "statement" that I add to the post - briefly explaining my thinking behind the posts:

"This series of blog posts - called 'Creative with Flowers' - are about using flowers in new and creative ways. It could be about how the flowers are combined - maybe in a little bit of an unusual way. It might be the choice of vase - maybe not a vase at all but a container that could be anything from jugs, bottles, jars, tins or teapots - vintage or new it doesn't matter. 

As always my arrangements will be quick and easy - and there will always be lots and lots of colour!"

Ranunculus are available from about October to April or May. When you buy them avoid buying flowers in tight bud - they usually never open up. Instead select flowers where the buds show colour.

Make sure to give them enough time to fully open up. They take a few days - so plan ahead if you are going to use them for a special occasion. 

The container I have used as a vase is a French vintage enamelled milk churn. It's decorated with hand painted lines and dots in two different blue colours.

I picked out three little vintage bottles in the same matching blue colour as on the milk churn. These bottles has such a lovely colour when the light shines through them. Worth keeping an eye out for similar at car boot sales or flea markets.

For this arrangement I have removed all the foliage - it tends to not be very nice anyway. The hollow and delicate stems tend to be prone to rot - so handle with care and put in shallow water.

The black ikat fabric is from Mexico - an interesting contrast to the vintage props and the deep pink flowers.

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

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back on Friday with another 'A Bunch for the Weekend' all about how to make a lovely bunch of flowers to enjoy over the weekend. 

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

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]
[Flowers: From my local flower stall in North London.]
[Vase/Container: French vintage enamelled milk churn.]

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A Bunch for the Weekend - # 59 - Ornamental Cabbage

'A Bunch for the Weekend' is back for a new season and what a season it is! Autumn has some of the most fabulous colours and Ornamental Cabbage is one of my favourites. Big, bold and colourful - not a shy wallflower.

HOW TO:

You'll need:

- 10 Ornamental Cabbages with tall stems. By florists they are also called Brassica.

- a very large clear glass vase or jar - in this case I have used an oversized vintage pickling jar. 

- a piece of fabric in the same bold colour as the flowers. In this case I have used a Mexican shawl that picks up the bright pink.

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:

This type of Ornamental Cabbage usually comes with long stems - without leaves. Remove any yellowing top leaves as well as any small dried bits on the stalks. 

Fill the container one third with fresh, clean water. Trim the stems so that the lower leaves rests on the edge of the vase.

I love seeing the colourful stems through the clear glass criss-crossing and making interesting angles. 

Turn the flowers so that you can see the colourful centre of the flowers. Add a colourful tablecloth or other piece of fabric.

Change the water every 2-3 days and keep removing any yellowing leaves. The flowers lasts for about 7-10 days. 

Enjoy this unusual flower while it is available at this time of year. It might not be to everyone's taste but it will certainly add a splash of vibrant colour and texture to your arrangement.  

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a great floral day!

I will be back on Sunday with another Florets - floral quotes by people passionate about flowers!

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

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

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