A big yellow bouquet for the first day of spring…

I saw these gorgeous yellow ranunculus and peony tulips when I walked into Trader Joe’s the other day and knew I couldn’t live without them. I wasn’t really planning on buying any flowers but I just couldn’t resist. Scroll down to learn my top tips for extending the life of a cut flower arrangement and to watch these beauties as they bloom and grow.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen

Most of the tulip buds were still closed and they had the most beautiful wash of green on the exterior. I could just imagine how these flower might open up and create a splendid display of color and texture in the final dark, gray days of winter here in the PNW.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen

So I decided to go BIG and took 3 bunches of each along with a bunch of delicate greenery.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen

When choosing cut flowers I usually look for bunches with the most closed blooms, because I like to be able to watch the petals gently open over the days.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen

This arrangement nearly made itself, the flowers were so spectacular.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen

To extend the life of my plants and bouquets I take them out into the courtyard in the evening. The cool night air slows their opening schedule. All of the following shots were taken a week after those above.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen, bowl of Meyers lemons, Meyers lemons

I wanted to create a very natural looking arrangement so, after cutting the stems at an angle, I positioned the same flowers in groups together {a few ranunculus with ranunculus and tulips with tulips, as you would see in a garden} in fresh, cool water.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen, bowl of Meyers lemons, Meyers lemons

I’m not sure what you call this greenery, but it’s slightly spiky with tiny white flowers and very airy and delicate, the perfect surround for all of those bodacious blooms.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen, bowl of Meyers lemons, Meyers lemons

Some of the tighter ranunculus buds may never open. I love seeing that tight, green bud in contrast with the more fully developed blooms.

yellow ranunculus

Isn’t it amazing to think that all of this voluptuous perfection comes from a bulb??

yellow ranunculus

I built the bouquet in this white ceramic soup pot, a go~to treasure I’ve been using for decades.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen, bowl of Meyers lemons, Meyers lemons

The Meyer’s lemons are from my friends tree, they grow it in a lovely little conservatory and it is quite prolific every year. Click on Preserved Lemons to see how I used last years crop.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen, bowl of Meyers lemons, Meyers lemons

Another way to extend the life of your bouquets is to change the water every 3~4 days and re~trim the stems at an angle so there is more surface for them to drink up the fresh, cold water.

Yellow peony tulips, yellow ranunculus, white ceramic soup tureen, bowl of Meyers lemons, Meyers lemons

Happy Spring!

yellow ranunculus

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    • I hope you find some or something else you love. Trader joe’s is killing it these days! They have some great potted bulbs too, muscari and daffodils also check out the tomato vine candle {look at my instagram reel} it’s amazing. I’m also loving the orange body butter. I’m sure you’ll find something splendid!

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