A Cheery Bunch to SUMMON SMILES

Gathering flowers from the yard has always filled us with pure joy — and this sunny mix puts nature’s treasures on display beautifully!

WHAT’S NEW

Right now florists are composing perky button-centered bouquets in sunny hues to keep the spirit of summer going strong. “Here, an array of daylight-bright blooms (from sunflowers to zinnias) combine for a casual hand-gathered effect,” says floral pro Sharon Naylor. “The mismatched farmstand stems give this country bouquet a modern twist. It’s rustic and radiant all in one!”

GET THE LOOK

Gather and cut a dozen assorted sunflowers, six white zinnias and four amaranthus to 12 to 16 inches. Then fill an 8-inch–tall glass vase halfway with water and arrange sunflower stems first, varying the height and position for a grown-in-nature effect that highlights the differences in the varieties. Next, fill in gaps with the zinnias and tuck in tendrils of amaranthus, draping over the vase rim.

FLORIST’S SECRET

Even if you trim sunflower stems and change the water every other day, some of the flower heads may start to droop. That’s because even after they’re cut, the blooms will track the sun across the sky, absorbing light and heat. So if you notice a few flowers nodding, it may be because they need to catch some rays. Quickly move them to a sunny window for a half hour and the flowers should perk right up!