Fresh cut flower arrangements that have the look of wildflowers or garden flowers have been popular for decades. These kinds of flowers have universal appeal. We seem to enjoy the unfettered spontaneity and the casual appearance of such floral designs, reminding us of a walk in the woods or a stroll through the garden, whether or not the flowers really are wild or gathered from a perennial border. But cutting wildflowers isn't always practical or even permissible, and not everyone has access to a garden full of lovely blossoms just waiting to be picked. Fortunately, your professional florist has the skills and the materials necessary to create an arrangement which evokes the feeling of a meadow, lush with wildflowers or the nostalgia of Grandma's colorful flower beds.

While the flowers found in a typical flower shop aren't truly cut from the wild, there are many floral materials available which can give the impression that they are. A wildflower design will usually be composed of delicate-appearing blossoms that are often relatively small in size or delicate in texture. Such flowers as alstroemeria, freesia, yarrow, or crocosmia might be incorporated. The slender, curving stems and frilly petals of flowers like scabiosa or lisianthus can enhance the mood of the arrangement. Small scale line flowers, such as veronica, lysimachia, or even certain grasses, mix well with the others. Filler flowers like Queen Anne's lace, Monte Casino asters, or Misty Blue limonium add depth and texture. For foliages, choose willowy fronds of asparagus `ferns' (they aren't truly ferns), wispy blades of bear grass or branching twigs of huckleberry. Visit the Society Of American Florists website to see pictures of some of these wildflowers.

Out of the Woods

Wildflower style arrangements are comfortable in either a vase or a basket. In any case, the cut flowers are usually placed in a random, almost `unarranged' fashion that incorporates a fair amount of open space, suggesting the way flowers might appear if they were growing in a field or a meadow. Similar blossoms may be subtly grouped together, just as they are in nature. Tying a few strands of raffia around the neck of the vase, or tucking some green moss into the base of the basket enhances the casual feeling of a wildflower arrangement. An empty bird's nest can be a charming accent.

A garden flower arrangement is similar to a wildflower arrangement in that the mood of both designs is relaxed and informal. But an arrangement of garden flowers will usually feature larger blossoms in a profusion of colors. The feeling is one of abundance and variety, just like a well-planted flower garden. Cultivated flowers such as hydrangeas, zinnias, stock, and roses are arranged in a profusion of blooms. Dominant line flowers like gladioli, snapdragons, or delphinium may be incorporated for height, while bold form flowers such as gerberas or lilies may command attention in the focal area of the design. Baskets or simple vases are appropriate for garden style arrangements as well.

Garden Trellis Arrangement

Garden flower arrangements will usually reflect the offerings of the season. For example, tulips, iris and hyacinths may be featured in the spring whereas sunflowers and dahlias make their appearance in mid-summer. A garden-themed arrangement may even feature flowers arranged in a vegetative style - that is, grouped and segregated into specific zones within the design to suggest they way they might actually grow in a well-planned flower bed. What you most likely won't find in a garden style arrangement are the tropical cut flowers, such as anthuriums or birds of paradise (unless, of course, you happen to live in Hawaii)!

If you want to create an arrangement of flowers from your own garden, be sure to cut the blossoms during the cool part of the day - early morning is best, because that is when the flowers are full of energy which has been assimilated overnight from the photosynthesis of the day before. Select blossoms that are just beginning to open; they'll last longer and continue to open in the vase. Cut the stems a little longer than you think you'll need them, because you'll want to re-cut them once you've brought them indoors. See our earlier newsletter on approved care and handling procedures to keep the flowers looking their best for the maximum amount of time. You might even want to pick up a few extra stems from the neighborhood flower shop, such as a sprig of babies' breath or a handful of miniature carnations, to augment the blossoms you've cut.

Remember that your professional florist has the expertise to create any kind of arrangement you may desire, including wildflower and garden flower designs. With modern growing techniques and overnight international shipping, practically any kind of flower can be had at almost any time of the year. You'll get your best value, however, if you ask your florist to stick to flowers that are in season. Whether buying a few fresh stems for yourself, or sending a bouquet to someone far away, your local florist can help re-create that happy feeling of communing with those colorful gifts of nature - the subtle beauty of wildflowers or the abundant diversity of the garden.