Bloom and Gloom: Flower Tips for the Current Economy

Throughout history, flowers have been associated with exaggerated exuberance:  think of the lavish confections of roses and lilacs in the court of Versailles, the Dutch tulip mania in the 1600s, or the Victorian-era obsession with hidden meanings of flowers and florid floral décor.  Contemporary floral trends, while decidedly more muted and sedate, still celebrate flowers as a desirable element for marking life’s special occasions – or for just enjoying everyday life. It seems that whether it’s an era of economic boom or bust, flowers transcend practical considerations to become an object of fancy and desire.  

Yet, the relentlessly bad economic news can put a damper on even the most enthusiastic flower aficionado.  After all, flowers are expensive and ephemeral and are easy to dismiss as a frivolous and ultimately wasteful expense. 

But if you subscribe to the notion that flowers have intangible qualities that provide charm, beauty and happiness, the challenge becomes how to integrate them – stylishly and inexpensively – into your recession-era lifestyle.  Here are some flower tips to remind you that spring is on the way and that the economy will get better soon.

 1.  Buy seasonal flowers.  The least expensive flowers are always the ones you can buy locally in season from the farmers’ market or from the grocery store.  This time of year, the daffodils and tulips make their debut, providing a cost-effective, heart-lifting glimpse of spring.  In addition, spring branches are always a good buy, offering high impact and longevity for a relatively low price.  Look for quince, pussy willow and curly willow tips to display now and over the next few week as the buds unfold.  (photo above by Kate Headley)

2.  Use a single flower judiciously.  It’s a well-known fact that one carefully selected focal point flower conveys more impact than a jumbled collection of uninspiring flowers or arrangements.  The key to getting a sleek, modern look is to invest in a single, elegant flower such as a phaleonopsis orchid or Dutch hydrangea, and present it creatively – in a beautiful container, slanted on an angle, or in pairs or groupings.  (You can find them at Red Barn Mercantile) 

 3.  Use less expensive flowers en masse.  On the other hand, if you admire unabashed extravagance and want an opulent look for less, a good strategy for stretching your floral dollar is to use large amounts of inexpensive flowers (e.g., daisies, carnations, etc.) in a large, monochromatic bouquet.  (photo byRobinson Photo).

4.  Add fruits and vegetables to flower arrangements.  A top tip from L’Ecole des Fleurs, the French flower school in Paris, is to incorporate fruits and vegetables in floral arrangements.  Fresh seasonal produce adds color and bulk – as well as a contemporary touch – to traditional bouquets and is an economical alternative to flowers.  Use vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or celery to create organic containers and add seasonal produce, (e.g., apples, artichokes, or lemons) as accents in flower arrangements.  Unusual elements, including potatoes and onions, can create surprising, yet effective, results.  (insert apple branch bouquet photo, credit:  and potato wreath. (photo by Kate Headley)

5.  Make a personal statement with flowers.  The most rewarding aspect of having flowers in the home is when you create something original, special and beautiful for yourself.  Look around your house and garden to locate materials and found objects that can be incorporated in your designs.  These elements, ranging from snippets of ribbon and paper to tiled fruit, can be used to craft bouquets that bring natural beauty and personal style to your interior décor. (photo credit "Orange" bouquet above left:  Kevin Allen.)

 

Comments

[Colleen Bontempo]

Wow, Laura you are so amazing! I am so inspired and in awe of the beauty and the vision you exude in your designs!
Colleen

[Margaret]

Hi Laure,

I love your work, it is so romantic and inspiring.

Margaret

[Allan Thomas]

Dear Ms Dowling,
I know you are really busy with your new job but please consider continuing your blog!
Allan Thomas

[Lucia @ LeprechaunChildCostume]

Thank you for providing this beautiful website. I will tell all my friends so they can come and visit.

[Josh@Little Mermaid Costume]

I found your site while goggling for cheap flower arrangements and I LOVE IT! I see you haven't posted anything in a while and I find that you should share with us more of your marvelous ideas.

[creative recreation]

I have been looking through your blog, I love your projects they are so cute and the fabric projects are awesome.Thanks for sharing,

[flower Philippine]

I like the flowers bouquet on this post that was really beautiful I love it. Keep posting!

toni

[Cheap Jordans]

You have to believe in yourself. That's the secret of success.

[Fey@ silk bouquets]

Wow, that fruits and vegetables door wreath is pretty cool and very unique, it looks good, but what concerns me is the weight, isn't it heavy?

[Florist Sydney]

The idea of mixing fruits and flowers in the arrangements looks beautiful, specially the second one from the top, I love the centerpiece, having different flowers on it definitely looks gorgeous. Great job.

[Boot camp]

Its incredible what you can do using fruit and vegetables in conjunction with flowers, this creations are not only beautiful but also so original and unique, great job!

[Lofts Barcelona]

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[Retail Design Brisbane]

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[Shop Fitters Brisbane]

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[The Silk Flower Store]

Wow! Great color combination… Simple but yet having elegant look. This post is really good i would definitely recommend this…

[barcelona pisos alquiler]

After a bit of a blogging break, I'm back. It's so lovely to read your news. Your blog is looking beautiful. AS xx

[Nike Brand Shoes]

Tack, jag har söker efter information om detta ämne i evigheter och din är det bästa jag har hittat hittills.

[Marian Horton]

Miss Dowling, somewhere I read about a book that inspired you to pursue floral design. I cannot find that article, so can you share with us the title and author of that book??
I LOVE everything that you do with flowers, you are my inspiration to pursue floral design myself.

[Apartments Barcelona]

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