Power Flower
As the holidays are upon us we find it takes a little of the pressure off if we make long lasting flower arrangements at the beginning of the season that will last well past the New Year.
Amaryllis certainly fill the bill for being long lasting, but they are so much more. The long sleek stems and buds are captivating even before they show color. As the bud develops and the color unfolds, they become even more interesting. Then, the bud opens and it is like a giant, longlasting firework in your home. Many garden stores carry them in plastic pots this time of year. With a quick little dress up you’ll have an extraordinary, carefree arrangement that will see you through your busiest days.
When shopping for bulbs, look for one that is plump and still has some roots at the base. The bulbs like to feel crowded, so they should be kept in tight quarters.
We keep a look out for large silver (or silverplated) vessels to use for arrangements such as these. We choose the low maintence route and enjoy the resulting patina.
The larger vessels in this photo are from estate sales and flea markets. The smaller cache pots are from Pottery Barn. They are perfect for a single Amaryllis. We like to pack up a few extras to give as hostess gifts throughout the season.
We used the large punch bowl to make a big, green arrangement. After lining the bowl with a mylar sheet we filled it 3/4 full with potting soil.
Next we filled it with a combination of nursery plants: 2 white Amarylllis, 3 Kalanchoe and 3 Hellebores.
We put the 2 white amaryllis in the center and packed the other wite flowering plants, alternating them around the perimeter of the bowl.
We placed pussy will and white branches in the pot now, to which we can tie the Amaryllis when they get tall and heavy.
All we have to do now is mist daily and rotate the plant everyday so it receives even sun exposure and grows up straight..
Pack moss or sprigs of greens around the arrangement to cover any soil.
So splendid, so simple.
Would you like to step into the future? Click on Hellebore to see what this arrangement will look like in 3 weeks.
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