Beautiful bouquet
Receiving flowers is one of life’s simple pleasures – and all the sweeter if someone has gone to the trouble of making a bouquet for you. As a florist, I love writing out all the gorgeous things people say to each other. A personal favourite simply said: ‘Because it’s Wednesday, and I love you.’ So romantic!
Once you’ve made your bouquet, you’ll want the flowers to look their best. If delivering your flowers within an hour, it’s fine to leave the stems exposed. But if you have further to travel, you’ll need to give your flowers a drink so they look their perkiest best.
To do this, stand the bouquet on a square of cellophane. Pick up each corner in turn, pulling them up to meet the bouquet. Secure each in the hand holding the flowers. Fasten the cellophane-covered stems with twine or string. Once secure, carefully trickle water into the centre of your bouquet
to cover the stems. (Make sure you keep your bouquet upright in transit to avoid spilling the water.) Then prettify your bouquet by wrapping it in paper and tying with a ribbon, if you like.
INGREDIENTS
Twine or string Wrapping (optional)
FOLIAGE & FLOWERS
I like to make my bouquets quite foliage-heavy (my normal ratio is roughly two-thirds foliage to one-third flowers). As well as being a lot more affordable, foliage adds a lush green background so the flowers can shine.
Foliage – Berried ivy, British eucalyptus, camellia, hebe
Flowers – Astrantia, blossom, Butterfly Ranunculus, ‘Caramel Antike’ rose, ‘Secret Garden’ rose, ‘Doctor Alexander Fleming’ peony, genista, lilac, ‘Raspberry Scoop’ scabious, sweet pea flowers and tendrils