Once the holly and the ivy come down on the 6th we all yearn for the fresh growth of Spring and all the Spring flowers.
Some of the flowering bulbs need no introduction, the tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Some will have been in the flower shops during the month of December.
For the bride who wants the most natural and softest bouquet (or bunch) the flowers of Spring are the perfect choose.
Tulips
No one needs an introduction to tulips. In Holland (unsurprisingly) they are the third best selling flower. Tulips come in a huge range of colours from white to pastels, yellows to mauve purples.
Some nice varieties to watch out for ‘Angelique’ a soft double pink tulip or ‘Arma’ a rich dark red (in Victorian times a red tulip symbolized declaration of love – perfect for Valentine’s day) or ‘Rococo’ a tulip which has slightly contorted petals of red with hints of yellow,
Using tulips and most Spring flowers are best suited to a natural hand tied bouquet either simply tied with raffia or a chiffon ribbon, with twigs or beargrass or with some exotic dark green leaves (maybe Fatsia or Philodendron).
For the house, buy tulips when the flowers are still tight in bud to get a full week out of them. Remember that they still grow so provide a vase that will give them support, as their stems will frequently flop as they stretch for the light. Some people will like this wild abandoned look. For those who don’t, tulips can be wrapped in paper, stems can be recut and placed in fresh water for a couple of hours.
Narcissi / daffodils
We all know the big bright yellow daffodil (or daffs) worn on Marie Curie Day (symbolizing new hope and life).
Narcissus in Greek mythology fell in love with his own reflections by a stream and became rooted to the spot. To prevent him from dying, the Greek gods changed him into a flower.
All narcissi exude a watery sap, which can harm other flowers. Before arranging it is best to place them in a separate vase for a couple of hours with fresh water.
Although the stems are delicate they can with care be used for wedding bouquets. Again simplicity is the best. Fragrance is a reality with many varieties. Look out for the smaller flowers of the tazetta type. All white ‘Ziva’ is a gem for bridal bouquets with the sweetest of perfumes. Also ‘Soleil d’Or’ as the name suggests has some yellow.
For those who are interested in astrology, these flowers suit Geminis for the bright yellow colours, and also suit Pisces for the sweet fragrance.
Feng Shui enthusiasts can note that for the home daffodils in flower at the start of the year will bring good luck for the next 12 months.
Hyacinths
One hyacinth can scent a whole room.
Hyakinthos in Greek mythology was loved by Apollo, the Sun god. While playing discus he was wounded by the god of the jealous god of the West wind. He died as a result and Apollo named a flower, which grew from a drop of Hyakinthos’ blood.
Avid gardeners will know that some may have allergic reactions to the bulb. Some may suffer from holding the stems. However the power of the perfume would easily fill a church if clusters were placed strategically.
Best colours are the famous ‘Delft blues’ and white and pink ‘Anna Marie’
Ranunculus
Ranunculus comes from Latin meaning little frog. It is closely related to the common buttercup. The only difference being that the ranunculus has layer upon layer of the softest tissue like petals. Colours range from white to pink, orange to copper to red.
Care has to be taken with the stems. It is strongly advised that they are wired for extra strength.
In the old Victorian language of flowers they mean ‘you are rich in attractions’.
For the church
Besides having Spring flowers in your bouquets, your church or reception can be equally decorated with the simplest arrangements. Leave behind the traditional pedestals of lilies, chrysanthemums and roses and opt for large bunches of Spring blossom.
Group clumps of yellow forsythia or blush pink Prunus (early cherry blossom), fragrant lilac or the soft green white snowball bush (Viburnum opulus ‘Sterile’)
It may be windy and wet outside but you can still have your Spring wedding with some thought.
