Thrifty floral design ideas
If you see flowers as a luxury item, treat or gift then you are not alone! Many people only consider floral arrangements for special occasions because of the perception that flowers are expensive and difficult to look after. Whilst some luxury arrangements can be costly due to the season, type of flowers included etc, you can create many eye-catching designs for your home without breaking the bank! My starting point for any arrangement is my garden and no matter the size and shape of your plot you will undoubtedly find a little gem just waiting to be used. You may be lucky enough to have structural shrubs and trees which are easy ‘go to’ foliage or you may have to get imaginative with the ivy climbing over the shed. Below are a few ideas which I regularly use in the house to liven up a corner or create a welcoming centrepiece.
Eucalyptus
An absolute staple in my house, eucalyptus is a gift to anyone who loves flowers and foliage. You can invest in a large bundle for a few pounds or buy a plant for the garden (keep it in check as they do grow quickly!). The smell from the natural oils of the leaves are heavenly and add a subtle freshness to any room. The blue grey foliage needs little accompaniment and a good bunch will live happily in water for weeks. Unfussy and elegant, it is hard to go wrong with this design.
Interesting containers
I love to collect interesting containers for flower arranging and my ‘magic shed’ is full of bits and pieces which have caught my eye. Charity shops, car boot sales and antique shops are good places to start although some of my favourites are used jam jars and treacle tins! An interesting container can add a little oomph to any flower and if all else fails, fill a jam jar with sprigs of rosemary or mint for a pretty, rustic table arrangement.
Choose one bloom
If you find yourself overwhelmed by choice when buying flowers or indeed with very little choice then always stick to one type of bloom and buy in mass for a big impact. Gladioli (as pictured) are relatively inexpensive and create a lot of drama when grouped together. Tall, stately and elegant, don’t be tempted to mix colours or varieties in the same vase. The same applies to daffodils for a beautiful spring display.
Forage for branches
With any luck, you may have access to a tree or two, either in your garden or that of a friend/family member. If so, try snipping a few branches with interest to add to the house. Twisted willow, cherry and forsythia are stunning in a vase but take care to avoid fruit trees as inappropriate pruning can expose them to disease.
Seed Heads
Autumn and winter can feel a bit limited compared to the dizzy heights of summer blooms but seed heads are the florists friend and make beautiful seasonal additions to the house. Whilst you may want to leave some for the birds to enjoy in the cooler months, poppy, sunflower and allium are just a few examples of seed heads worthy of drying and bringing indoors. If you don’t already grow these in your own garden, you can find them at most flower suppliers where you can buy a good bundle which will last and last.
