When creating a budget-friendly flower arrangement, Jennifer Murphy, founder of Forget Me Knots Custom Events and Floral Design in Floral Park, New York, suggests selecting fragrant flowers such as roses and lilies, which will release a delightful aroma and make the arrangement more unforgettable. Once you bring the flowers home, trim the stems at an angle, remove any foliage under the water level, and place them in a vase to hydrate. This step provides the flowers with “breathing space,” improving their lifespan. Next, arrange the flowers by positioning the tallest blooms at the back and gradually layering in shorter ones towards the front for a balanced appearance. Greenery can be added to the arrangement by collecting it from your garden or purchasing eucalyptus or fern leaves at the supermarket. They will enhance the arrangement’s texture and fullness. Herbs, such as cinnamon basil, mints (apple mint, chocolate mint, or spearmint), oregano, and sage, harvested in the morning, are slower to wilt and have a stronger scent compared to those plucked in the afternoon or evening. Filler flowers, such as baby’s breath and wax flowers, should be integrated between the larger blooms, serving as a florist’s secret weapon to provide depth and fill gaps in the arrangement. Additionally, instead of using a common glass vase, consider presenting the arrangement in a unique container, such as a pitcher or a vintage mason jar. As per Murphy, there’s no need to rush the creative process; take your time.
Jessica Damiano, a frequent writer on gardening for AP, offers further gardening guidance via her Weekly Dirt Newsletter. To receive weekly gardening tips and advice, subscribe here. For additional AP gardening stories, visit https://apnews.com/hub/gardening.
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