RETRO CHIC
I instantly fell for this 1950s housekeeper’s caddy. The removable top tray reveals a deep bucket that is perfect for showcasing all manner of flower combinations. Strong, bright colours work particularly well against the scuffed paintwork. I tried to use foliage with a similar glaucous green throughout the planting to unify the arrangement.
How to achieve the look
To create this fresh-looking spring display I removed the top tray from the bucket and placed a wide, elliptical glass vase diagonally across the base. At the bottom of the vase I secured two small metal pin holders with horticultural putty, and then filled the void around the vase with clay pellets before sinking the Callisia repens and two violas
(in their pots) in opposite corners. Callisia repens is a vigorous trailing plant used here as a foundation for the colourful spring flowers, and I like the way the stem colour blends with the scratches on the box.
The dark-purple petals of the viola complement the velvety black intensity of Tulipa ‘Paul Scherer’ combined with the more flamboyant T. ‘Blue Diamond’ an opulent late double tulip. Splashes of intense magenta come from a dark-flowered Lunaria annua and lilac sprigs from a friend’s garden. A drift of striped, dangling bells of Allium siculum are threaded throughout.
The callisia prefers warmth and humidity but not direct sunlight, so water and mist regularly. Deadhead the violas frequently to encourage flowering. The tulips will benefit from a good soak prior to arranging, but don’t be too concerned about straight stems, the tulips’ natural tendency to curve just adds to the charm.
Seasonal flowers work so much better in these arrangements, and I have tried to include flowers that can be grown in a garden or are easy to source. Buy locally wherever possible, as naturally grown flowers have so much more appeal, stamina and character.