Debra Prinzing

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SLOW FLOWERS: Week 12

Sunday, March 24th, 2013

Zen in Bloom

Showcasing a single type of flower - here, it's spring daffodils - this technique is easy and carefree.

Showcasing a single type of flower – here, it’s spring daffodils – this technique is easy and carefree.

 

Ingredients:

15 stems common daffodils, from my garden

Multiple lengths of coral-pink twig dogwood, cut approximately 2 inches wider than the vase opening. Any straight, woody branch will work, including vine maple, pussy willow or the colorful twig dogwood (Cornus sanguinea or C. sericea)

Vase:

6-inch tall x 6-inch square glass vase (this design adapts to any square or rectangular glass vase)

The daffodil stems are stabilized by a "raft" of twigs, lashed to cover the opening of the vase.

The daffodil stems are stabilized by a “raft” of twigs, lashed to cover the opening of the vase.

Other supplies:

Decorative pebbles

Twine-wrapped wire (available at craft stores in natural or green)

Design 101

Borrow inspiration: The idea for this bouquet came from a project featured in Design, a publication of The Flower Arranging Study Group of the Garden Club of America. Whenever you’re inspired by another designer’s technique, it’s important to give it your own twist rather than make a direct copy. For example, the original creation used florist’s foam inside the container, but I found it unnecessary, especially since the pebbles and twigs are enough to hold the daffodil stems in place.

NOTE: Each Sunday of this year, I will post my photographs, “recipe” and tip for that week’s floral arrangement, created for my new book, Slow Flowers.

Enjoy the floral journey through 52 weeks of the year~

 

SLOW FLOWERS: Week 4

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013

“A nest for my orchids”

A classic indoor plant, each cymbidium stem holds several blooms – the antidote to a dreary winter day.

A classic indoor plant, each cymbidium stem holds several blooms – the antidote to a dreary winter day.

Ingredients:

20-30 cut stems colored twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), grown by Oregon Coastal Flowers
1 spray Cymbidium Sleeping Dream ‘Castle’, grown by Peterkort Roses
Vase:
7-inch tall x 4-inch square clear glass vase
4-inch tall x 5-inch long x 3-inch wide clear glass vase

orchid_detail_042

From the Farmer
Orchids as cut flowers: According to Sandra Peterkort Laubenthal, whose family grows roses, lilies and orchids in greenhouses outside of Portland, Oregon, cymbidiums can be displayed as a flower-studded stem or cut individually off the stem for floating or inserting in floral tubes. It’s hard to know, however, how fresh the flower is. “What makes the most difference is if they are cut right after blooming,” Sandra says. “Look at the lip to see if it has turned pink or is otherwise discolored. This is an indication that the flower has been pollinated by an insect – and that dramatically shortens the cymbidium’s lifespan.”
NOTE: Each Sunday of this year, I will post my photographs, “recipe” and tip for that week’s floral arrangement, created for my new book, Slow Flowers. Enjoy the floral journey through 52 weeks of the year~