The Flower Book Read online

  4 Slip in the quaking grass stems between the flowers floral tack

  to add delicacy and movement.

  floral snips

  CARE

  Icelandic poppies and sweet peas have a vase life of 3–5 days, after which the petals will start to drop. The white laceflowers and quaking grass will last 7–10

  days, so the arrangement could be refreshed with more poppies and sweet peas. Be sure to refresh the water and sear the stems of the new poppies.

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  136 Late Spring & Early Summer

  Rose

  Rosa

  The queen of cut flowers, rose’s

  beauty and scent make it many

  people’s favorite flower.

  This quintessentially English flower comes

  in a staggering range of varieties. It is

  available in every color aside from true blue, and its heavenly fragrance is unrivaled. The old-fashioned varieties produce a breathtaking display of highly scented flowers in June,

  while modern, repeat-flowering varieties

  can be productive until October.

  STEM HEIGHT 1–6½ft

  FROM THE FLORIST Choose roses with outer

  (0.3–2m), depending on

  petals that are just starting to unfurl. The center variety; R. ‘Proper Job,’

  should still be firm to the touch. Check that no petals up to 4ft (1.2m)

  have been removed from the flower’s base.

  FLOWER SIZE 1½–6in

  (4–15cm), depending on

  IN THE GARDEN Roses are best planted in the variety; R. ‘Proper Job,’ 4in

  dormant season (during winter) as bare-root plants (10cm)

  rather than in containers. They are hungry and thirsty plants, so to gain cut-flower-quality blooms they need LONGEVITY 3–7 days,

  plenty of feeding and watering. Regular deadheading depending on the variety;

  more fragrant roses have

  wil encourage repeat flowering, and pruning them a shorter vase life

  hard in late winter will encourage vigorous, tall regrowth.

  FORMS multiple, such

  CONDITIONING Cut the stems at a sharp angle as flat, rounded, cupped,

  and sear them (see pp.22–23). Then place them in high-centered, rosette,

  quartered-rosette

  tepid water overnight.

  COLORS pink, red, white, DISPLAY Roses are one of my favorite flowers orange, yellow, green

  to arrange—the soft, relaxed character of garden The rose has been used throughout

  FRAGRANCE fragrance

  varieties makes them incredibly versatile focal varies from “fruity” to “tea”

  flowers. Combine different varieties to show off their history as a political, artistic, and cultural contrasting shapes. I tend to use harmonious colors, BEST COMPANIONS

  but you may want to explore different combinations.

  sweet peas, herbs,

  symbol. Today, it is most commonly

  Select a range of flowering stages for further variation.

  bel flowers, lavender,

  bishop’s weed

  CARE

  associated with love.

  Top off the water every 2 days. Recut and

  re-sear the stems if the flowers start to look soft.

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  Rose 137

  Rosa ‘Proper Job’ has a quartered-

  rosette form that is often referred to as

  “an old-fashioned rose.”

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  Rose 139

  Harmonious Roses

  This is an abundant, voluptuous design honoring the garden rose—its scale possible because of the punch-bowl container. To relish this flower in all of its glory, I included as many varieties as possible in harmonious colors.

  YOU WILL NEED

  ARRANGE

  3 hornbeam branches

  1 Place a large ball of chicken wire into the bowl—it (Carpinus betulus)

  should be big enough to touch the edges—securing 3 berried American

  with a cross of floral tape. Then fill the bowl with water.

  cranberry bush stems

  (Viburnum opulus)

  2 Use the hornbeam branches to create a framework for the arrangement. They should be around two to 14 roses of different cultivars

  (Rosa ‘Chris Beardshaw,’ R.

  three times the height of the container.

  ‘Commonwealth Glory,’ R.

  ‘Duchess of Cornwall,’ R.

  3 Cut the cranberry bush stems to around one-and-a-

  ‘Moody Blue,’ R. ‘A Whiter

  half times the height of the container and use them to Shade of Pale’ )

  fill in the front and sides of the arrangement.

  5 milky bel flower stems

  (Campanula lactiflora)

  4 Fill the arrangement with roses. Hold them up to the vase to judge position and stem length before cutting 5 astrantia stems

  and placing appropriately. Cut the large blooms (Astrantia major)

  shorter and nestle them into the foliage. Place smal er 3 jasmine stems

  roses with branching stems along the lines of foliage.

  (Jasminum officinalis)

  3 Chinese forget-me-not

  5 Place the milky bel flower and astrantia in the gaps stems (Cynoglossum

  between the roses.

  amabile)

  2 red-leaved roses

  6 Add long lengths of jasmine, Chinese forget-me-

  (Rosa glauca)

  nots, red-leaved rose, and rambling rose. Angle some vertical y above the roses and trail others down 1 rambling rose stem

  toward the table.

  (Rosa ‘Wedding Day’ )

  silver punch bowl

  CARE

  chicken wire

  Keep in a cool position to prolong the vase life of the roses and top up the water daily. The most fragrant pot tape

  roses will start to drop after 3 days, but others will last pruning shears

  up to 7 days.

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  140 Late Spring & Early Summer

  American

  Cranberry Bush

  Viburnum opulus

  These pom-pom-shaped, apple-green

  blooms provide a wonderful backdrop

  for other spring flowers.

  I think of American Cranberry Bush as a

  spring-flowering equivalent of hydrangeas—the round clusters of flowers look very similar, especially as they age. The tall, branching stems, soft-green flowers, and indented foliage are perfect for large-scale arrangements, creating a good foundation into which other flowers can be worked.

  STEM HEIGHT cut

  FROM THE FLORIST Choose stems with

  branches to desired length

  a good green color, and that are dense and firm to the touch. The flowers become larger, softer, FLOWER HEAD SIZE

  up to 3in (8cm)

  and whiter as they age.

  LONGEVITY 7–14 days

  IN THE GARDEN This fast-growing shrub is easy FORM round clusters

  to grow and is happy in most positions and soil types.

  of small flowers

  The flowering season is short (only 2 weeks), so make the most of the harvest and prune after flowering.

  COLORS green, white

  FRAGRANCE none

  CONDITIONING Cut a cross in the woody stems and sear the stem end (see pp.22–23).

  BEST COMPANIONS

  Icelandic poppies,

  DISPLAY The soft, green flowers beautiful y balance sweet peas, al iums

&nb
sp; rich, vibrant colors and lift soft, muted ones. I like to combine them with spire-, daisy-, umbel-, and other bal -shaped flowers in a large pitcher or vase.

  CARE If flowers and leaves start to droop, recut and sear the stems.

  Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’

  is known as “snowball tree.”

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  American Cranberry Bush 141

  The berries that fol ow the

  flowers can also be used as

  a fil er or final flourish.

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  LATE SUMMER

  & FALL

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  LATE SUMMER

  & FALL

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  144 Late Summer & Fall

  Achillea millefolium ‘Summer

  Pastels’ is a short-lived perennial

  that is easily grown from seed in

  a wide range of pastel colors.

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  Yarrow 145

  Yarrow

  Achil ea

  Yarrow’s color palette reminds

  me of a Persian rug, with deep

  reds and pinks to golden yellow.

  Yarrow produces flat-topped or slightly

  domed flower heads. These emerge on

  branching stems above clumps of fern-

  textured foliage. The flower heads are made up of hundreds of florets that look like tiny daisies. As they age they fade, and their colors become softer and more muted.

  STEM/BRANCH

  FROM THE FLORIST Choose stems with brightly HEIGHT 12–32in

  colored florets that are ful y open. Check that the (30–80cm), depending

  foliage looks fresh, as shriveled stem foliage indicates on variety; A. millefolium,

  that the plant has been in storage for too long.

  to 24in (60cm)

  FLOWER HEAD SIZE

  IN THE GARDEN It enjoys a sunny spot and

  2–4¾in (5–12cm),

  does not mind poor soil, as long as it is not too wet.

  depending on variety;

  Although it is a perennial plant, I treat it as an annual, A. millefolium, 2¾–4in

  replacing the plants every year or two. It can also be (7–10cm)

  lifted and divided in the spring or fal .

  LONGEVITY 7–14 days

  CONDITIONING Strip the stem foliage, cut at FORMS flat-topped

  a sharp angle, and condition overnight in water.

  or domed clusters of

  Handle with gloves if you have sensitive skin, as smal flowers

  the plant can be an irritant.

  COLORS red, orange,

  yellow, pink, white

  DISPLAY A great fil er flower for summer and fall In Greek mythology, Achil es

  arrangements, yarrow’s warm colors suit the time FRAGRANCE

  of year, and it is perfect for naturalizing mixed sharp and herbal

  used yarrow to treat the wounds

  compositions. The stems can also be air-dried for BEST COMPANIONS

  winter work by hanging them upside down in a grasses, scabious, sea hol y

  of his soldiers. This is why its

  well-ventilated space.

  botanical name is Achillea.

  CARE Refresh the water every 2 days.

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  146 Late Summer & Fall

  Love-lies-bleeding is

  associated with eternity due

  to its long flowering period.

  Amaranthus caudatus

  ‘Coral Fountain’ is

  a half-hardy annual

  with drooping tassels

  of soft, coral flowers.

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  Love-Lies-Bleeding 147

  Love-Lies-

  Bleeding

  Amaranthus caudatus

  Love-lies-bleeding’s shape and

  texture make it a dramatic

  addition to summer arrangements.

  Love-lies-bleeding has draping panicles that are similar in texture to chenille fabric. This half-hardy annual comes in a range of colors and keeps its cascade of velvet tassels or

  spikes well into fall. It can also be dried and used for winter wreaths and garlands.

  STEM HEIGHT

  FROM THE FLORIST Check that the flower stems 3–5ft (1–1.5m)

  are not limp, and that the leaves are still looking fresh.

  FLOWER HEAD SIZE

  IN THE GARDEN Love-lies-bleeding is easy to 18–24in (45–60cm)

  grow from seed, started indoors in spring and then LONGEVITY 7–10 days

  planted outside in a sunny spot after the last frosts.

  Start to pick when the tassels begin to form and FORMS drooping spikes

  before the tiny seeds start to drop. Keep picking of tiny flowers

  and watering to prolong the flowering period.

  COLORS red,

  brown, green

  CONDITIONING Remove most of the leaves

  FRAGRANCE none

  to reveal the tassel-like flowers. Then sear the stems (see pp.22–23) before putting them in deep water BEST COMPANIONS

  overnight to condition.

  dahlias, sunflowers,

  hypericum berries

  DISPLAY Love-lies-bleeding’s scale and drama demand bold, large-scale arrangements to

  accommodate the draping stems, which look

  wonderful in large footed vessels where the tassels can cascade down the sides.

  CARE Top off the water every 2–3 days. If the stems look floppy, recut and re-sear them.

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  148 Late Summer & Fall

  When squeezed, snapdragon’s

  flowers appear to open and close like

  a mouth—hence its common name.

  However, its botanical name means

  “noselike” in Greek.

  Antirrhinum majus ‘Madame

  Butterfly’ is a half-hardy annual

  with large, double flowers.

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  Snapdragon 149

  Snapdragon

  Antirrhinum majus

  A garden favorite,

  snapdragons have statuesque

  stems lined with velvety flowers.

  The snapdragon is what I call “a happy

  flower.” It comes in an amazing range of

  vivid colors and even bi-colors, and its scent reminds me of an old-fashioned candy store.

  Snapdragons flower for months—from the

  first statuesque cut of the primary stem

  in high summer, to the quirky, kinky stems

  that appear in fall.

  STEM HEIGHT

  FROM THE FLORIST Choose stems that have

  ¾–6½ft (0.25–2m);

  a third to half of the florets open. Avoid those A. majus ‘Madame

  where the lower florets are dropping.

  Butterfly,’ 30in (75cm)

  FLOWER SIZE

  IN THE GARDEN Snapdragons are half-hardy

  1¼–1¾in (3–4.5cm)

  perennials that are general y grown from seed as annuals. Sow indoors in early spring and plant LONGEVITY 10 days

  outside once the risk of frost has passed. Pinch out FORMS single, double

  the tips when planting to encourage the plants to become bushy, with multiple flowering stems.

  COLORS pink, purple,

  Once they start to flower, keep picking and they red, orange, yel ow, cream,

  will continue to flower for months.

  white

  FR
AGRANCE light, fruity

  CONDITIONING Strip the bottom leaves and

  condition overnight. Try to keep the stems upright BEST COMPANIONS

  dahlias, berries,

  in the bucket if you want them to stay straight.

  bishop’s weed

  DISPLAY The larger-stemmed flowers are perfect for bold, statement-piece arrangements such as pedestals, while the smal er stems add a feathery outline to bouquets.

  CARE Buds will continue to open in the vase, but will be slightly paler in color than those that have opened before being cut. Keep the water clean by refreshing it every 2–3 days.

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  Snapdragon 151

  Sherbet Snapdragons

  Snapdragons’ tall spire shapes naturally fit a tall, narrow container. However, I decided to go the other way by selecting a low, wide jar that would create a symmetrical fan of spires with plenty of air and light in between.

  YOU WILL NEED

  ARRANGE

  5 bupleurum (‘Green Gold’

  1 Fill the jar with water, then make a lattice over the or hare’s ear) stems

  opening at the top using clear tape (see pp.14–15).

  (Bupleurum rotundifolium)

  7 bishop’s weed stems

  2 Cut the bupleurum so that its stems can rest at a (Ammi majus ‘Snowflake’ )

  sharp angle around the rim of the jar. Use its flowers to create the outline of your fan shape.

  1 feverfew stem

  (Tanacetum parthenium)

  3 Cut the bishop’s weed stems to around two to three 15 snapdragon stems

  times the height of the container. Use them as fil er (Antirrhinum majus

  foliage to fill the area above the jar, maintaining the

  ‘Sherbet Toned

  shape of the arrangement.

  Chantil y Mix’ )

  wide glass jar

  4 Cut the feverfew short (around one to two times the height of the jar). Nestle it in among the green foliage clear, waterproof tape

  to create a “carpet of daisies.”

  floral snips

  5 Cut the snapdragons to varying lengths between two and three times the height of the container.

  Hold them up to the arrangement to judge

  the required position and length. Scatter them throughout the other flowers, resting them on the other plants so their weight is supported.

  CARE

  Refresh the water every 2–3 days, removing any dropped flowers. The arrangement will last up to 10 days.

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