A FLORAL ODYSSEY
A step by step guide to creating the perfect summer arrangement for your space
Nothing symbolises summer as well as sunflowers. Not only do they actually look like the sun with their yellow petals radiating outward but they also bloom best in the summer months. They symbolise adoration, loyalty and longevity and are known for being “happy” flowers, making them the perfect gift to bring joy to someone’s (or your) day. Summer wreaths are reported to mean new life and growth
For our summer wreath we used a wooden form and covered it with some roots. Thereafter we added in small squares of floral foam (pre soaked in a solution to increase shelf life of the flowers). We then proceeded to anchor the sunflowers to the wreath at regular intervals. Once these principal visual points were set; we started building around them, filling in gaps and adding textural interest by way of the various ‘filler flowers’ and also the foliage. We used Spray crysthanthymums, ornitho, Ivy, Boston ferns and bottle brush. Once that was done we added a final flourish of a burlap ribbon
The Greek origin story of the sunflower is actually rather sad. Clytie was a lovesick water nymph who pined for Appolo, The Sun God, who never returned her love. In time the other Greek Gods felt sorry for Clytie and they decided to change her into a beautiful flower, a sunflower, as this was kinder than leaving her as she was. Clytie the sunflower always looked towards Apollo, the Sun God and this was how all sunflowers came to follow the path of the sun.