february filled with flowers

I love February because I feel like I have carte blanche to fill my world with flowers. Who am I kidding? I surround myself with flowers 365 days a year!

At least I feel like I am a bit more "normal" in February.

Having bought every kind of cut flower imaginable, I have come up with my top 5 list of "go-to" flowers that are long lasting and no fuss. (Plus they all come in a variety of colors...surely colors that will coordinate with your décor!) Now I am a creature of habit, I tend to buy the same varieties over and over again.

Here are my suggestions if you want to surround yourself with romantic no fail flowers this February.

 

 

TIP: Whether you shop at a farmer's market, the grocery store or a florist, make sure you go with a list in hand.

If you are anything like me...I get totally distracted the second I see buckets upon buckets of beautiful blossoms! It's so easy to over-shop.

 



 

IMPORTANT: Take the time to properly clean the flowers and containers. All leaves that will be below the water line in the vase need to be gently removed. Next, trim away all spent blooms. They take energy away from the rest of the flowers. I wash all of my contains with a diluted bleach solution and rinse them thoroughly. Make all cuts with clean sheers then place a freshly trimmed stem into clean cool water.

 

TIP: Most of the time, fresh flowers are packaged with a packet of flower food. If you do not have any, you can keep the flowers lasting longer by adding a crushed Aspirin to the water. The salicylic acid in the Aspirin will help keep the water clean and free of flower damaging bacteria. Another option is to use a solution of sugar, bleach, and lemon juice to keep your cut flowers lasting longer. 

 

TIP: If you are intimidated by making formal flower arrangements follow this easy rule of thumb. Divide the flowers by variety and shape, Then match a container accordingly. I like to group 3 sizes and shapes together. This is a terrific combination: delphinium, baby's breath and roses.

 

TIP: Select colors that coordinate with your décor.

 

I use vibrant delphinium in my living room and a slightly lighter shade in one of my bedrooms... 

 

A coffee table is a lovely place to display an arrangement.

TIP: It is best to keep the shape low as to not interfere with conversations or television watching.

This is one of my very favorite combinations for an easy-to-create arrangement: cream hydrangeas and blush roses.

 

I use the same blush roses combined with pale blue hydrangeas on the breakfast table. For special occasions I will add a few white lilies. They add a wonderful fragrance!

 

Since I have an affinity for white and cream, I always have buckets filled with baby's breath around the house.

TIP: Be sure to change the water often to keep the flowers looking healthy as long as possible. Cut off the ends of the stems if they start to look like they are beginning to rot.

 

Another favorite to add to the list is stock. It lasts a long time and the scent is so refreshing.

TIP: For a punch of color, add a bowl of fresh fruit to your floral displays. These apples are as delicious as they are beautiful! The green and white colors make my kitchen look so cheerful!

 

So here is my list of go-to cut flowers:

hydrangeas

roses

delphinium

stock

baby's breath

The other reason these are my favorites...

all of these flowers can be dried! I can enjoy them while they are fresh then they get a second life in dried flower wreaths, flower arrangements and potpourri...then I can enjoy them forever!

Make your list and go shopping!!!

Happy February...