put a rubber band around the container first then cut the veggies the same height as the container. Then, just place each stem around the container securing it under the rubber band. It holds it all in place. You can also cover the rubber band with a beautiful ribbon and signature style bow. Build your arrangement inside the container and wait for the compliments to flow! Try using accents of other veggies in your arrangement too. I love using broccoli florets or cauliflower here and there in a piece for neat touches. They secure easily onto small wooden picks inserted into the arrangement. These accents also bring continuity from the base up to the floral design. There are so many wonderful spring vegetables with wonderful colors available this time of year! Spring Branches Abound! You can create dramatic focal floral by grabbing a few amazing flowering branches and placing them loosely in a tall vase. An old umbrella stand is great for a large piece as long as you know it will be able to hold water. Also, dig through the basement or attic for unusual items that can work well for signature style vases. As many of you know, we are always on the look out in the shop to find items that make a statement for your flowers as well as to serve a purpose long after the flowers are gone. Ahhhhh, spring is in full swing in our beautiful neighborhoods! Each day can filled with amazing adventure if you keep your eyes open for wonderful floral accents available at each turn! While taking your evening walks, let our neighborhoods be your palette for wonderful floral designs! Just being aware of all of natures bounty can revive your senses and renew your signature style spirits! As always, your neighborhood florist is available if you need us or have any questions to help you transform and inspire! Oh… and do not forget, Mothers day is May 11th this year. The one day of the year to recognize the amazing women who have remained our trusted and devoted inspirations. Do something wonderful for your mom this year or someone who has played the part of your mom. A small gesture can mean the world to someone who loves us unconditionally! Here's wishing all of you a wonderful Spring!
Now that our days are warmer and the sunshine is beaming throughout our beautiful neighborhoods, we all have an amazing opportunity to let our spirits soar and create amazing Signature Style florals that are distinctive and reflect your own personal style. Using simple accents found at every turn, you would be amazed at how easy it becomes to brighten dark corners and grand entryways with your very own signature style flair! While grocery shopping recently, it occurred to me that there are wonderful components for creating your very own masterpiece right in the produce area. As always, I loaded my cart with some wonderful things I felt would accent arrangements. In the shop, I thought it would be interesting to share them with our readers in this month's column. I have included a rundown of how to design with my favorite accents, especially in the spring. Think citrus! Lemons, limes, and oranges make wonderful fillers in a clear vase. In the shop, we always make sure the bottoms of our vases are filled with something wonderful that draws attention instead of just showing stems through the clear glass. I cannot tell you how many times it is the very first comment a customer makes when they see their flower arrangement. Try loading a vase with an assortment of lemons, limes, and oranges. Slice a few to line the outside of the vase and add even more drama. I use a wooden spoon handle to shove the slices here and there to make sure the effect is even from the bottom to the top of the vase. You will also love the fact that those whole fruits down in the vase give stability when adding flower stems. Try dropping a few more here and there before finishing and they will hold the piece exactly in the placement you love! For a neat colorful centerpiece, try making a cone shape topiary with lemons and limes. Find a Styrofoam cone, and small wood picks can be used to secure each fruit right on the tree. Mix some of your early spring flowers into the cone and you have a wonderful accent that lasts and lasts! Think veggies. When you are wondering what might be an unusual way to cover a usually boring cylinder, imagine how interesting covering it with tall veggies such as asparagus or celery standing vertically side-by-side all the way around the container could be! I usually
Use Supermarket Produce To Create Unique Springtime Arrangements
Kerry Kennedy is the "Mayor of Western Avenue"… If you have comments or thoughts, he would love hearing from you. E-mail Kerry at kkennedy256@earthlink.net, or visit his Web site at www.kskennedy.bravehost.com
Kerry's Monthly Article "Signature Style" In Pittsburgh's "Northside Chronicle"