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.
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.
So I decided to go BIG and took 3 bunches of each along with a bunch of delicate greenery.
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.
This arrangement nearly made itself, the flowers were so spectacular.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the tighter ranunculus buds may never open. I love seeing that tight, green bud in contrast with the more fully developed blooms.
Isn’t it amazing to think that all of this voluptuous perfection comes from a bulb??
I built the bouquet in this white ceramic soup pot, a go~to treasure I’ve been using for decades.
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.
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.
Happy Spring!
Beautiful! I need to head over to your Trader Joes. I did not see these at ours yesterday…
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!