4 Slip in the quaking grass stems between the flowers floral tack
to add delicacy and movement.
floral snips
CARE
Icelandic poppies and sweet peas have a vase life of 3–5 days, after which the petals will start to drop. The white laceflowers and quaking grass will last 7–10
days, so the arrangement could be refreshed with more poppies and sweet peas. Be sure to refresh the water and sear the stems of the new poppies.
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136 Late Spring & Early Summer
Rose
Rosa
The queen of cut flowers, rose’s
beauty and scent make it many
people’s favorite flower.
This quintessentially English flower comes
in a staggering range of varieties. It is
available in every color aside from true blue, and its heavenly fragrance is unrivaled. The old-fashioned varieties produce a breathtaking display of highly scented flowers in June,
while modern, repeat-flowering varieties
can be productive until October.
STEM HEIGHT 1–6½ft
FROM THE FLORIST Choose roses with outer
(0.3–2m), depending on
petals that are just starting to unfurl. The center variety; R. ‘Proper Job,’
should still be firm to the touch. Check that no petals up to 4ft (1.2m)
have been removed from the flower’s base.
FLOWER SIZE 1½–6in
(4–15cm), depending on
IN THE GARDEN Roses are best planted in the variety; R. ‘Proper Job,’ 4in
dormant season (during winter) as bare-root plants (10cm)
rather than in containers. They are hungry and thirsty plants, so to gain cut-flower-quality blooms they need LONGEVITY 3–7 days,
plenty of feeding and watering. Regular deadheading depending on the variety;
more fragrant roses have
wil encourage repeat flowering, and pruning them a shorter vase life
hard in late winter will encourage vigorous, tall regrowth.
FORMS multiple, such
CONDITIONING Cut the stems at a sharp angle as flat, rounded, cupped,
and sear them (see pp.22–23). Then place them in high-centered, rosette,
quartered-rosette
tepid water overnight.
COLORS pink, red, white, DISPLAY Roses are one of my favorite flowers orange, yellow, green
to arrange—the soft, relaxed character of garden The rose has been used throughout
FRAGRANCE fragrance
varieties makes them incredibly versatile focal varies from “fruity” to “tea”
flowers. Combine different varieties to show off their history as a political, artistic, and cultural contrasting shapes. I tend to use harmonious colors, BEST COMPANIONS
but you may want to explore different combinations.
sweet peas, herbs,
symbol. Today, it is most commonly
Select a range of flowering stages for further variation.
bel flowers, lavender,
bishop’s weed
CARE
associated with love.
Top off the water every 2 days. Recut and
re-sear the stems if the flowers start to look soft.
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Rose 137
Rosa ‘Proper Job’ has a quartered-
rosette form that is often referred to as
“an old-fashioned rose.”
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Rose 139
Harmonious Roses
This is an abundant, voluptuous design honoring the garden rose—its scale possible because of the punch-bowl container. To relish this flower in all of its glory, I included as many varieties as possible in harmonious colors.
YOU WILL NEED
ARRANGE
3 hornbeam branches
1 Place a large ball of chicken wire into the bowl—it (Carpinus betulus)
should be big enough to touch the edges—securing 3 berried American
with a cross of floral tape. Then fill the bowl with water.
cranberry bush stems
(Viburnum opulus)
2 Use the hornbeam branches to create a framework for the arrangement. They should be around two to 14 roses of different cultivars
(Rosa ‘Chris Beardshaw,’ R.
three times the height of the container.
‘Commonwealth Glory,’ R.
‘Duchess of Cornwall,’ R.
3 Cut the cranberry bush stems to around one-and-a-
‘Moody Blue,’ R. ‘A Whiter
fill in the front and sides of the arrangement.
5 milky bel flower stems
(Campanula lactiflora)
4 Fill the arrangement with roses. Hold them up to the vase to judge position and stem length before cutting 5 astrantia stems
and placing appropriately. Cut the large blooms (Astrantia major)
shorter and nestle them into the foliage. Place smal er 3 jasmine stems
roses with branching stems along the lines of foliage.
(Jasminum officinalis)
3 Chinese forget-me-not
5 Place the milky bel flower and astrantia in the gaps stems (Cynoglossum
between the roses.
amabile)
2 red-leaved roses
6 Add long lengths of jasmine, Chinese forget-me-
(Rosa glauca)
nots, red-leaved rose, and rambling rose. Angle some vertical y above the roses and trail others down 1 rambling rose stem
toward the table.
(Rosa ‘Wedding Day’ )
silver punch bowl
CARE
chicken wire
Keep in a cool position to prolong the vase life of the roses and top up the water daily. The most fragrant pot tape
roses will start to drop after 3 days, but others will last pruning shears
up to 7 days.
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140 Late Spring & Early Summer
American
Cranberry Bush
Viburnum opulus
These pom-pom-shaped, apple-green
blooms provide a wonderful backdrop
for other spring flowers.
I think of American Cranberry Bush as a
spring-flowering equivalent of hydrangeas—the round clusters of flowers look very similar, especially as they age. The tall, branching stems, soft-green flowers, and indented foliage are perfect for large-scale arrangements, creating a good foundation into which other flowers can be worked.
STEM HEIGHT cut
FROM THE FLORIST Choose stems with
branches to desired length
a good green color, and that are dense and firm to the touch. The flowers become larger, softer, FLOWER HEAD SIZE
up to 3in (8cm)
and whiter as they age.
LONGEVITY 7–14 days
IN THE GARDEN This fast-growing shrub is easy FORM round clusters
to grow and is happy in most positions and soil types.
of small flowers
The flowering season is short (only 2 weeks), so make the most of the harvest and prune after flowering.
COLORS green, white
FRAGRANCE none
CONDITIONING Cut a cross in the woody stems and sear the stem end (see pp.22–23).
BEST COMPANIONS
Icelandic poppies,
DISPLAY The soft, green flowers beautiful y balance sweet peas, al iums
&nb
sp; rich, vibrant colors and lift soft, muted ones. I like to combine them with spire-, daisy-, umbel-, and other bal -shaped flowers in a large pitcher or vase.
CARE If flowers and leaves start to droop, recut and sear the stems.
Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’
is known as “snowball tree.”
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The berries that fol ow the
flowers can also be used as
a fil er or final flourish.
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LATE SUMMER
& FALL
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LATE SUMMER
& FALL
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144 Late Summer & Fall
Achillea millefolium ‘Summer
Pastels’ is a short-lived perennial
that is easily grown from seed in
a wide range of pastel colors.
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Yarrow 145
Yarrow
Achil ea
Yarrow’s color palette reminds
me of a Persian rug, with deep
reds and pinks to golden yellow.
Yarrow produces flat-topped or slightly
domed flower heads. These emerge on
branching stems above clumps of fern-
textured foliage. The flower heads are made up of hundreds of florets that look like tiny daisies. As they age they fade, and their colors become softer and more muted.
STEM/BRANCH
FROM THE FLORIST Choose stems with brightly HEIGHT 12–32in
colored florets that are ful y open. Check that the (30–80cm), depending
foliage looks fresh, as shriveled stem foliage indicates on variety; A. millefolium,
that the plant has been in storage for too long.
to 24in (60cm)
FLOWER HEAD SIZE
IN THE GARDEN It enjoys a sunny spot and
2–4¾in (5–12cm),
does not mind poor soil, as long as it is not too wet.
depending on variety;
Although it is a perennial plant, I treat it as an annual, A. millefolium, 2¾–4in
replacing the plants every year or two. It can also be (7–10cm)
lifted and divided in the spring or fal .
LONGEVITY 7–14 days
CONDITIONING Strip the stem foliage, cut at FORMS flat-topped
a sharp angle, and condition overnight in water.
or domed clusters of
Handle with gloves if you have sensitive skin, as smal flowers
the plant can be an irritant.
COLORS red, orange,
yellow, pink, white
DISPLAY A great fil er flower for summer and fall In Greek mythology, Achil es
arrangements, yarrow’s warm colors suit the time FRAGRANCE
of year, and it is perfect for naturalizing mixed sharp and herbal
used yarrow to treat the wounds
compositions. The stems can also be air-dried for BEST COMPANIONS
winter work by hanging them upside down in a grasses, scabious, sea hol y
of his soldiers. This is why its
well-ventilated space.
botanical name is Achillea.
CARE Refresh the water every 2 days.
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146 Late Summer & Fall
Love-lies-bleeding is
associated with eternity due
to its long flowering period.
Amaranthus caudatus
‘Coral Fountain’ is
a half-hardy annual
with drooping tassels
of soft, coral flowers.
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Love-Lies-
Bleeding
Amaranthus caudatus
Love-lies-bleeding’s shape and
texture make it a dramatic
addition to summer arrangements.
Love-lies-bleeding has draping panicles that are similar in texture to chenille fabric. This half-hardy annual comes in a range of colors and keeps its cascade of velvet tassels or
spikes well into fall. It can also be dried and used for winter wreaths and garlands.
STEM HEIGHT
FROM THE FLORIST Check that the flower stems 3–5ft (1–1.5m)
are not limp, and that the leaves are still looking fresh.
FLOWER HEAD SIZE
IN THE GARDEN Love-lies-bleeding is easy to 18–24in (45–60cm)
grow from seed, started indoors in spring and then LONGEVITY 7–10 days
planted outside in a sunny spot after the last frosts.
Start to pick when the tassels begin to form and FORMS drooping spikes
before the tiny seeds start to drop. Keep picking of tiny flowers
and watering to prolong the flowering period.
COLORS red,
brown, green
CONDITIONING Remove most of the leaves
FRAGRANCE none
to reveal the tassel-like flowers. Then sear the stems (see pp.22–23) before putting them in deep water BEST COMPANIONS
overnight to condition.
dahlias, sunflowers,
hypericum berries
DISPLAY Love-lies-bleeding’s scale and drama demand bold, large-scale arrangements to
accommodate the draping stems, which look
wonderful in large footed vessels where the tassels can cascade down the sides.
CARE Top off the water every 2–3 days. If the stems look floppy, recut and re-sear them.
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148 Late Summer & Fall
When squeezed, snapdragon’s
flowers appear to open and close like
a mouth—hence its common name.
However, its botanical name means
“noselike” in Greek.
Antirrhinum majus ‘Madame
Butterfly’ is a half-hardy annual
with large, double flowers.
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Snapdragon 149
Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus
A garden favorite,
snapdragons have statuesque
stems lined with velvety flowers.
The snapdragon is what I call “a happy
flower.” It comes in an amazing range of
vivid colors and even bi-colors, and its scent reminds me of an old-fashioned candy store.
Snapdragons flower for months—from the
first statuesque cut of the primary stem
in high summer, to the quirky, kinky stems
that appear in fall.
STEM HEIGHT
FROM THE FLORIST Choose stems that have
¾–6½ft (0.25–2m);
a third to half of the florets open. Avoid those A. majus ‘Madame
where the lower florets are dropping.
Butterfly,’ 30in (75cm)
FLOWER SIZE
IN THE GARDEN Snapdragons are half-hardy
1¼–1¾in (3–4.5cm)
perennials that are general y grown from seed as annuals. Sow indoors in early spring and plant LONGEVITY 10 days
outside once the risk of frost has passed. Pinch out FORMS single, double
the tips when planting to encourage the plants to become bushy, with multiple flowering stems.
COLORS pink, purple,
Once they start to flower, keep picking and they red, orange, yel ow, cream,
will continue to flower for months.
white
FR
AGRANCE light, fruity
CONDITIONING Strip the bottom leaves and
condition overnight. Try to keep the stems upright BEST COMPANIONS
dahlias, berries,
in the bucket if you want them to stay straight.
bishop’s weed
DISPLAY The larger-stemmed flowers are perfect for bold, statement-piece arrangements such as pedestals, while the smal er stems add a feathery outline to bouquets.
CARE Buds will continue to open in the vase, but will be slightly paler in color than those that have opened before being cut. Keep the water clean by refreshing it every 2–3 days.
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Snapdragon 151
Sherbet Snapdragons
Snapdragons’ tall spire shapes naturally fit a tall, narrow container. However, I decided to go the other way by selecting a low, wide jar that would create a symmetrical fan of spires with plenty of air and light in between.
YOU WILL NEED
ARRANGE
5 bupleurum (‘Green Gold’
1 Fill the jar with water, then make a lattice over the or hare’s ear) stems
opening at the top using clear tape (see pp.14–15).
(Bupleurum rotundifolium)
7 bishop’s weed stems
2 Cut the bupleurum so that its stems can rest at a (Ammi majus ‘Snowflake’ )
sharp angle around the rim of the jar. Use its flowers to create the outline of your fan shape.
1 feverfew stem
(Tanacetum parthenium)
3 Cut the bishop’s weed stems to around two to three 15 snapdragon stems
times the height of the container. Use them as fil er (Antirrhinum majus
foliage to fill the area above the jar, maintaining the
‘Sherbet Toned
shape of the arrangement.
Chantil y Mix’ )
wide glass jar
4 Cut the feverfew short (around one to two times the height of the jar). Nestle it in among the green foliage clear, waterproof tape
to create a “carpet of daisies.”
floral snips
5 Cut the snapdragons to varying lengths between two and three times the height of the container.
Hold them up to the arrangement to judge
the required position and length. Scatter them throughout the other flowers, resting them on the other plants so their weight is supported.
CARE
Refresh the water every 2–3 days, removing any dropped flowers. The arrangement will last up to 10 days.
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