Transforming a simple, low-cost bouquet into a stunning floral arrangement is not only possible but also quite easy with a bit of creativity and imagination. Jennifer Murphy, owner of Forget Me Knots Custom Events and Floral Design in Floral Park, New York, suggests choosing fragrant flowers like roses and lilies to fill the room with their sweet aroma and make the bouquet more memorable. She advises trimming the stems of the flowers at an angle, removing leaves below the waterline, and placing the flowers in a vase to hydrate, giving them room to breathe and improving their longevity. Rearranging the bouquet by placing the tallest stems at the back and layering in shorter blooms towards the front creates a balanced look.
Adding greenery to the bouquet can make it pop and enhance its overall appearance. Murphy recommends grabbing some greenery from the garden or picking up eucalyptus or fern leaves at the market to add texture and fullness to the arrangement. Stems of garden plants like dusty miller, ivy, myrtle, and viburnum serve well as bouquet greenery, as do herbs from the kitchen garden such as basil, mints, oregano, and sage. Morning-harvested herbs are preferred for their slower wilting and stronger fragrance. Fillers like baby’s breath and wax flowers act as a florist’s secret weapon, adding depth and filling gaps in arrangements when incorporated between the larger blooms.
Incorporating filler flowers is essential in creating a well-rounded bouquet. Murphy emphasizes the importance of fillers such as baby’s breath and wax flowers, as they add depth and fill gaps in arrangements when placed between larger blooms. Garden plants with stems holding clusters of small flowers, like astilbe, catmint, chamomile, and heather, can also serve as filler flowers. Shopping for filler flowers in your garden can yield a variety of options, including plants like lavender, Queen Anne’s lace, yarrow, and verbena. It’s all about layering these different elements to create a visually appealing and cohesive arrangement.
When it comes to displaying the bouquet, don’t settle for a plain glass vase. Instead, get creative with your vase choice by using a cute pitcher or a vintage Mason jar to add personality to the arrangement. Murphy advises taking your time with the artistic process, as there is no need to rush. By following these simple tips and incorporating your creativity, you can turn a budget-friendly bouquet into a stunning floral arrangement that will impress and delight anyone who receives it.
For more AP gardening stories, readers can visit https://apnews.com/hub/gardening. Jessica Damiano, who writes regular gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter, provides valuable gardening tips and advice. For those interested in signing up for weekly gardening tips and advice, they can do so through the newsletter. With a little effort and creativity, anyone can create a beautiful floral arrangement that is sure to brighten up any room and bring joy to the recipient.
