What’s Budding for Spring?

Spring is all about fresh starts, so instead of opting for your old go-tos (tulips, peonies, and ranunculus — we’re looking at you), why not try a few new varietals? There’s nothing wrong with the classics, but you’d be surprised how refreshing an end table — or tablescape — with flowers you’re not familiar with can look.

One of the UK’s top floral designers, Willow Crossley, recommends spurges, hellebores*, and grape hyacinths as the centerpieces for a gorgeous and textured spring arrangement. We also love white anemones, irises, and delphiniums if you’re having any sourcing difficulties with the first three suggestions.

When it comes to building a bouquet, it’s all about getting the textures right. Everything else can be handled at home, but a proper foundation is crucial. Imagine strolling through a gorgeous field of wildflowers. It’s not all blooms; there are trees, twigs, grass, and moss interspersed throughout. And when you create an arrangement, mimicking nature will produce the most organic result.

Try and go for at least two textures, whether that’s weaving in a few branches, a couple of greens (such as the aforementioned spurges), or some moss.

Once you’ve gotten your textures sorted, land on a color scheme. Are you going full springtime bloom, with a bouquet of pinks, yellow, and purples? Or would you prefer to keep it simpler, with a few shades of the same color family? There’s no “right answer” here; it’s all about what your home looks like, what vases you’re arranging in, and what your personal preferences are. Another pro tip? Purchase some hardier potted plants from your local garden center or Farmer’s Market to mix and match with your purchased arrangement. They may be a bit more fussy — but they’ll last much longer.

Before you put your flowers into various vases, it’s crucial to cut them. Crossley advises cutting your tallest flowers to be one-and-a-half times as long as the vessel you’re putting them in. Quick note: when you cut, ensure you’re always cutting at an angle for maximum water absorption. As for your other flowers, make sure the heights vary. Remember, we’re going for a natural arrangement here, which means nothing should appear too perfect. Trust us, it’ll end up looking better this way.

Once you’ve cut and sized your flowers, it’s time to assort them into various vases. Not having a vase does not preclude you from being able to put together a gorgeous flower arrangement. Large, shallow bowls (for replanting your potted purchases), terracotta pots, baskets, and even small cups are perfect substitutes — or compliments. We love the idea of a tablescape with three large vases, interspersed with bud vases or cups of singular flowers.

Now that you’ve picked your vessel (or vessels) it’s time to drop them in. Criss-crossing the stems against each other will create a natural support network, and help head off the dreaded drooping.

If you’re using a bowl, and have extra space to fill once you’ve put the flowers in, Crossley recommends filling the space with gravel (for drainage) alongside moss, and even quail eggs if you’re looking for a thematic Easter touch.

*Crossley notes hellebore’s lifespan can run short, but her favorite tip for heading that off is to boil some water, take 10% of the length of the stem, plunge it into the boiling water for 10-15 seconds (while protecting the flower heads from the steam), then immediately submerge them in cold water before cutting at an angle and dropping into an arrangement of your choice. This should help them last much longer.