We all love the smell and taste of fresh fruit and berries. What a healthy way to get our sugar fix without the nasty calories. But have you ever considered adding them to your flower arrangements? It can be quite a cost effect and visually stunning way to create interest and the result can be a show stopper.
Apples: I love to use really bright green apples in my arrangements. I love the mix of fresh white and lime green flowers to complement the shiny lime green apples. Try using a tall cylinder glass vase, fill with green apples and top up with water. Place soaked oasis wrapped in leaves at very top of vase and begin your flower arrangement. Be as creative as you like. Apples in different shades and types can also be secured into the base of arrangements by simply placing a stick halfway through the apple and place stick into the oasis. Apples are very versatile and can be sprayed, dipped in melted candle wax then glitter added. Great in christmas arrangements to add that little bit of sparkle. They will also last a lot longer when sprayed or dipped in wax.
Gourds/Pumpkins: With Halloween fast approaching there is no shortage of these festive treats. Mini gourds and pumpkins come in an array of autumnal colours and shapes. Some with little raised surfaces resembling pimples, a particular favourite of mine. Add to your arrangements just like the apples above. They can also be placed in bouquets of flowers just leave the stick longer. They can be carved out in the centre to hold a t-light to a low arrangement. Group around the base of an arrangement to add interest.
Berries: We all love to eat raspberries, blueberries and strawberries but what about the non-edible type. Hypericum berries, ilex berries, ivy berries? They have their own attraction and that is a visual one. I always like to spray leaf shine on mine to add that shiny fresh appearance. I find you get a better effect if you group larger amounts of berries in an arrangement. They look particularly well against a dark green leaf background. Add ivy berries to create that wild look. They can also be glitter sprayed but I personally prefer the natural berry look. They are also great lasters and will dry in your arrangements although they will lose some of their moisture content.
Oranges/Limes/Lemons: Try slicing your citrus fruits in thin slices, dip into lemon juice and allow to dry in warm conditions with good air flow around them. These colourful scented fruits make a great addition to any flower arrangement. They work particularly well on Christmas wreaths and garlands. I will be expecting to see a number of them when I drive through Balbriggan and Stamullen at Christmas time on customers doors. Don’t let me down. Lets get creative and have fun.
BIO
Ruth Gallagher is the Lead Florist at FlowersNow.ie and write and blogs about all things Flowers and Florists in Balbriggan, Dublin and Ireland
FlowersNow is an Retail and Online Florist located at 44 Dublin street, Ballbriggan, Co Dublin. We have an excellent team of highly qualified florists, with years of experience in floral needs, bouquets, giftware, weddings, corporate events & funeral flowers. Trust us for all your special events including Valentines Day, Mothers day, Easter & Christmas.
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