Nature is certainly a wonder. Each of its elements an awe-inspiring beauty. The garden a delight in every sense, and those who feel a connection to nature in their heart and soul and have a garden they tend to daily, will tell you there’s this unexplainable connection felt with each of it’s lovely growing beings — whether it’s the grand trees that bring the air into our breathe, the vegetables and fruits that sustain us, or the endless gorgeous and dainty smelling flowers that make us smile. There is a blissful pleasure in it all.
One of the many reasons my garden brings me an immense joy is the vast range of life that blooms, wildly and vibrantly, but also in subtle discreet corners one has to look closely to truly admire. And one of my favorite flowers that grow in the garden are Clematis. Delicate petals that flicker with the faintest of breezes, soft calming hues of whites, lavender and violets, trellising up and down, twisting and intertwining with one another, gathering up towards the sunshine — always creating a beautiful wonder to see.
Whenever you see arrangements or bouquets with Clematis flowers you instantly get this special feeling, a unique and elegant free-flowing look. These arrangements are always quite special because it’s a rarity to see Clematis flowers since they aren’t known for being these best cut flowers. They are gorgeous in gardens decorating a fence or climbing up an arbor, but once these beauties are cut and placed into a vase, their beauty almost seems to wilt away. They’re quite fussy with the environment they’re in and have to be arranged in a specific and delicate manner, which makes them very hard to readily use in centerpieces.
It’s why Clematis are not used frequently in wedding arrangements and are mostly incorporated in a single centerpiece or bouquet often for editorial work, because they have an unfortunate short lifespan once cut to be able to last an entire wedding day. Oh, but whenever they’re used in a fine art wedding styling or photograph, it always captivates and moves me. Like this stunning wedding or any of these photographs,…ohh goodness how utterly magical and ethereal. Breathtaking!
There are so many gorgeous Clematis growing in my garden, making mid-Spring one of my favorite times of the year in the garden. They certainly add so much beauty to see and feel outside, but I’ve always wanted to get my hands on working with them in an arrangement. Working with Clematis flowers requires patience, a calm and clear, peaceful mindset. They cannot be forced into looking a certain way. One must allow them to flow in every which direction they feel, their delicate petals and stems worked with a light hand and yet with a strong and sturdy base as well.
When arranging Clematis flowers in a vase it is crucial to use a flower frog, the tool of choice for florists who don’t work with oasis {which is not eco-friendly} and whose style is more natural, loose and organic. Without a flower frog, arranging Clematis flowers will be difficult, but you can always put them in small bud vases with plenty of cold water and they will be just as beautiful in your home!
The other tip I can give when creating an arrangement with Clematis is that you will need to accept the fact that your gorgeous centerpiece may only last a day or two. And it will require some tender loving care in making sure the water is fresh and full, and the quickly wilted blooms are removed.
Oh you naturally wild and free-flowing Clematis, you bring a graceful romance for all our eyes to gaze up…..
That is exactly how I describe this arrangement created with only Clematis nestled in a small vintage glass coupe. I put on some French jazz and allowed my heart and mind to be guided by the organic elegance of these Clematis blooms. And because of that I can’t quite tell you how to make this arrangement….only that you must simply work with each stem the way it feels in the moment.
Begin with your longer stems, the stems that have that beautiful natural curve and a few vibrant green leaves. Use those stems to create the overall shape and movement you’d like for you arrangement. Allow for one side to sweep down and lovingly onto the table, while the other side will create the height your arrangement needs to be visually captivating.
Then fill in your empty spaces with your smaller Clematis stems to complete the arrangement. Remember not to fuss to much with the shape once you secure your stem into the flower frog, it’s best to leave it as it, as you may potentially break the thin stem or it might not secure itself back in another position. Yes, they are that delicate.
That is why I love Clematis flowers, you only need to guide and secure them. Their beauty and graceful movement does all the work.
In a simple minimalistic way, they create such beauty and elegance. Their movement so natural and organically romantic.
Clematis truly are one of my favorite flowers, and in a way I’m so thankful life has slowed down, and we’ve been able to pause during these trying times, because I was finally able to calmly create with these lovely blooms. To recreate an arrangement I’ve been so inspired to create myself, like the fine art florists I admire so.
And now I have the memory of this afternoon, and these calming and beautiful photographs that I often find myself looking back and swooning over. Photographs that bring me so much peace, so much joy. Bliss in every sense of the feeling.
And I hope this arrangement inspires you to fall in love with this unique and lovely flower, but that it may also bring you a moment of peace, calm and joyful bliss as well….
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