You'll need:
- 5 stems of Ornamental Cabbage - with large firm and colourful flower heads.
- 30 stems of two contrasting Tulips - a generous amount to give some impact and contrast in texture next to the large and compact Ornamental Cabbages.
- a wide but fairly low vase or container - in this case I have used a vintage stainless steel milk pail.
- the only prop this time is vintage Mexican shawl that is picking up the colours in the flowers. I often use this shawl as a vibrant and colourful tablecloth.
For conditioning the flowers - you'll also need:
- a pair of florists scissors
- a florist bucket filled with fresh water
Condition the flowers by removing any leaves that would end up below the water line in the vase. This is to reduce any growth of bacteria from deteriorating leaves. Also remove any broken or bruised leaves.
Cut the stems at a sharp angle - this is to increase water absorption.
Put in a clean container with fresh water and leave in a cool, dark place over night or at least for a few hours, to let the flowers absorb the maximum of water, before making the final arrangement.
You might have to re-cut the stems while making the final arrangement to suit the size of the vase or container and to get the right proportions.
Method:
- Start with the large heads of Ornamental Cabbage - remove any damaged leaves and cut the stems so that the flower heads sit just above the edge of the container.
- Then do the tulips - I have kept as many leaves as possible as I'm not adding any extra foliage.
I wanted to keep the arrangement low and compact - so measure the tulip stems against the side of the container and cut them long enough to sit just above the large flower heads of the cabbage.
- Change the water every 2-3 days and if possible re-cut the stems. The tulips will last for about a week - the cabbages will last much longer.
Once the tulips have finished flowering - keep the cabbages on their own in a vase - but remember to change the water frequently - the water can become a bit smelly!
Ornamental cabbages are still available here in the UK and you can find them in a few different colours.
This is an arrangement that doesn't need any additional foliage - the tulip leaves provides more then plenty of greenery.
Tulip season is truly here and I'm delighted!
Enjoy your flower arranging and have a great floral day!
I'll be back on Sunday with 'Florets' and another floral quote from someone passionate about flowers.
~ xoxo ~
Ingrid
[Styling and Photography: © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]
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