There’s nothing quite like the kaleidoscope of summer Zinnias, with their magical frills and voluminous thrills. And if there was a flower to epitomize summer, it might just be the Sunflower. Grand and prominent, and as golden as the sun. The days may ever-so slowly be shortening, as we enter the last long stretch of Summer. Where the yellows become richer and the garden bursts with its final abundance. And these two centerpieces are perfect for these days, of soaking up as many al fresco dinners and relaxing moments we can gather for.
Nature has always been our greatest source of inspiration. A walk in the garden where different plants, textures, and colors combinations grow and evolve … all coming together in wondrous ways. How could we not do whatever we can to give back to it.
Sustainable floral design is beauty without serving up toxins from single use foams onto our tables. I get it, floral foam can seem like the easiest, cheapest and fastest way to design with flowers. Especially because sustainable floristry is not a one and done act. It’s a creative intentional practice that requires a bit more care, more technical ingenuity, especially when it comes to larger and free-flowing pieces. It hones one’s art and constantly reminds us it doesn’t need to be rushed.
Practice. As it is with most things, the more we learn different forms and techniques, the more we practice and experiment — the more sustainable floristry become second nature to us. And so too our confidence with it. Even now as I’ve dedicated to creating florals with sustainable techniques, it took time and I’m still constantly learning how to improve. This is not to devalue anyone’s work, but an assurance that better ways are possible and attainable, especially in floral design.
And these arrangements are proof of just that, and I hope they inspire you too…
Z I N N I A S
In the garden, it is not so unhappy. – Vincent Van Gogh
Especially when the garden greets you with a rainbow of Zinnias that attract the butterflies, bees, and every much needed pollinator. They are a sight to behold, and gift especially for floral designers as this bloom loves to be cut and tended to. The more we cut its fully bloomed or spent stems, the more it gives to us. And that is the power of regenerative gardening, simply not for our consumption but to intentionally give to the environment {who in turn gives back to us}.
The cherry tomatoes have been bursting with the sweetest of summer flavors, and colors of reds, yellows, oranges and greens. They were the perfect compliment to the colorful Zinnias. In a ceramic bowl recently brought back from Obidos fitted with a pin frog and tape grid mechanic, I created an arrangement with a slightly contemporary shape. Still organic and naturally wild, but with a more precise focus on the flower’s different levels and heights. Other than an array Zinnias, I only added ‘Patriot’ Hosta Leaves and flowering stems for additional texture.
The sustainable tool I bring along with me for event setup, other than my clippers of course, is my actual tool belt. It helps me keep everything I’m using or could need to fix a foam-free centerpieces, like tape, or installation with zip-ties.
S U N F L O W E R H U E S
All the yellow hues and seashell textures … peak summer…
When making arrangements with flowers from the garden that are just for me {not an order or an event} — I almost never pick the freshest blooms. I leave those for the pollinators and birds. It’s usually the faded colors, the ones in need of deadheading so more blooms continue to grow or stems already dried and sake-keep for cooler months. And still a lovely arrangement, and a moment of joy is always created.
Almost anything can become a vessel for flowers with reusable pin frogs, chicken wire, a tape grid and stems that can then be composted. All it needs is enough water and some creativity to become beauty that nourishes the soul, without hurting the planet. In this centerpiece, an upcycled container filled with a repurposed piece of chicken wire that was molded and secured on its own, served as the only necessary support for these yellow garden blooms. Every stem held its position and lasted over a week, having an organic flow and movement that foam can never seem to effortlessly achieve.
Featured in this arrangement was every yellow flower growing in the garden :: Sunflower ‘Suncatcher,’ Cutleaf Coneflower ‘Hortensia,’ Marigolds, Zinnias, Rose ‘Easter Basket,’ Rose ‘Sunsprite,’ Seeded Parsley, and Dried Cilantro Seeds {Coriander}
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