In this month’s flower series we wanted to test ourselves with a color both Natalie and I don’t usually gravitate towards – purple. As we were walking around the flower mart picking out this month’s blooms, we kept seeing these deep purples (which I’ve come to like over the past few years). The vibrant color spoke to us so we thought we might as well give it a whirl. The end result was stunning. Read on for details and tips for this month’s arrangement.
What flowers did you use in this months feature?
Brodea (onion flower), scabiosa pod, “swan” garden rose, quince (as in the fruit), clematis, muscari (also known as grape hyacinth). The vase is from Martha Sturdy.
What are your tips for using a rectangle vase?
I love working in a rectangle vase. The shape allows for there to be two personalities to the arrangement. You can really play with movement with a longer vase and it doesn’t need to be as uniformed in shape as a round or square vase.
We used a frog – how does that help an arrangement? A shallow vase can be very hard to work with. Especially a rectangle shaped vase. The frog helps anchor the first flowers you put into the vase and helps start a grid pattern of stems. This will maintain the shape and will make sure that the flowers do not fall out of the vase or flop to the edges.
What other flowers are in season right now that you love to use?
This is an amazing time of year. It is the end of spring and the beginning of summer so we are seeing a lot of beautiful blooms. We are getting the last of the anemones and the tail end of ranunculus, the beginning of the scabiosa, and lupine (one of my favorites) is having its short season.
Is there a particular water level one should have for this type of arrangement?
I think it is especially important to keep an eye on the water level in a shallow rectangle vase. The stems are placed at an angle and they are not necessarily very deep in to the water. You will want to refill the vase with water to ensure that all the stems are reaching and that the arrangement lasts as long as possible.
Check back next month for our June arrangement – we’re featuring one of my very favorite flowers!
Flowers by Natalie Bowen Designs // Photos by Caitlin Flemming