How To Make a Beautiful Fresh Flower Vase Arrangement With Locally Grown Blooms

At Claire's Cuttings, we take pride in offering the freshest, locally grown flowers straight from our farm and gardens to your home. Whether you're arranging flowers for a special occasion or simply to brighten up your space, making a fresh flower vase arrangement can be a fun and rewarding project. with a few easy steps, you can create a stunning centrepiece or decorative piece that celebrates the beauty of local blooms. Here's a simple guide to get you started!

What You'll Need :

• A clean vase, either clear to show off the stems or any vase of your choice.

• Florist tape or frog (only needed for wide, open vases like the one I'm using)

• Fresh, locally grown flowers (mix of colours and textures)

• Greenery (like eucalyptus, ferns or other local greenery)

• Floral scissors or a sharp knife

• Flower food (optional, but helps prolong the life of the arrangement)

• Water

Step 1 : Prepare the vase

Start by filling your vase with fresh, cool clean water. If you have flower food, dissolve it in the water to provide extra nourishment for your flowers. A clean vase is essential to prevent bacteria from affecting the flowers. So make sure it's free of any leftover dust or residue from previous arrangements. Adding some chicken wire and a grid to a larger vessel with florist tape will help support your flowers and allow them to stand better. Criss cross the tape across the top, then add a layer of tape around the perimeter to secure it down so it doesn't move. (see photo) I have added a glass bowl to this metal pedestal vase to make sure it is water tight.

Step 2 : Prep the Flowers

Before arranging, trim the stems of your flowers. This helps them absorb water more effectively. Use floral scissors or a sharp knife to cut each stem at 45- degree angle. Aim to cut them about 1-2 inches from the bottom. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water, as they can cause bacteria to grow and shorten the life of your flowers.

Step 3 : Start with the Greenery

Begin your arrangement by adding your greenery to the vase. This will create a base and shape for your arrangement. Use larger pieces of greenery like eucalyptus, ferns, or other locally grown foliage. These plants provide structure and make a wonderful backdrop for the vibrant flowers to come.

Step 4 : Add Your Focal Flowers

Now, its time to add your focal flowers! Choose one or two types of flowers that will stand out the most in your arrangement. These might include flowers like sunflowers, dahlias or roses. Here I'm using hellebores from the garden (see previous post on how to grow and condition hellebores) Place them on the centre or slightly off-centre of your arrangement. These will be the stars of the show, so make sure they're positioned to catch the eye!

Step 5 : Fill in with Secondary Flowers

Next, add in some secondary flowers to add texture and variety. These could be smaller blooms like daisies, zinnias, or nigella or tulips. These flowers can be placed around the focal flowers, filling in any empty spaces and adding visual interest.

Step 6 : Balance and Adjust

Take a step back and access the balance of your arrangement. You may want to adjust the height of the flowers to create an even look, making sure the flowers are not too crowded. If some stems are leaning in one direction, gently reposition them to keep the arrangement looking fresh and natural. Don't worry if it looks a bit asymmetrical - flowers in nature are rarely perfectly symmetrical, so embrace the organic feel!

Step 7 : Add Finishing Touches

For an extra touch of elegance, add a few delicate sprigs of Gypsophilia or small wild flowers. These tiny blooms can fill in gaps and bring a light, airy feeling to your arrangement. You can also add a decorative ribbon around the neck or the vase or some natural twine to give your arrangement a rustic, farm-fresh vibe.

Step 8 : Keep the Flowers Fresh

Once the arrangement is finished, place the vase in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources like air conditioners or radiators. Change the water every 2-3 days and trim the stems slightly to keep them hydrated and fresh longer.

Bonus Tip : Mix and Match Local Blooms

One of the joys of using locally grown flowers is the variety they offer depending on the season. Try mixing seasonal flowers for a truly unique arrangement that reflects the beauty of your area. You can also experiment with colour combinations that fit your style or the season- pale pastels in spring, bright tones in summer, rich oranges and reds in autumn, or winter whites and evergreens.

Conclusion :

With these simple steps, you can create a stunning vase arrangement that will brighten up any room in your home. Fresh, locally grown flowers not only look beautiful, but they also support local farmers and the environment. So, the next time you bring home a bouquet, try your hand at arranging it yourself- you'll be amazed at what you can create!

Remember, every arrangement is a reflection of your personal style, and with fresh flowers from Claire's Cuttings, you're sure to have the most beautiful, sustainable blooms in your vase.

Happy Arranging!

Claire x

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