Summer is such a wonderful time of year.  There is such an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and – best of all- flowers.  Some of my favorite flowers are readily available this time of year.

With that in mind, I thought I would share with you how to create a visually appealing but easy to create floral arrangement.  

First, I am a big fan of a “wow” factor in floral arrangements.  Particularly if the flowers are near an entryway or if they are serving as a center piece on a table.  

Second, I am too frugal to pay the high prices associated with professional floral arrangements.  Although they are lovely, the cost simply isn’t in the budget.

That left me with my own devices.  So here are a few tips that I have learned over the years.

1. Pick a giant vessel – the bigger the vessel the better.  I generally prefer simple vases. The one shown in this photo is about 2 feet high.  However, it cost less than $30. The size and height of the vase makes a big impact.  

In the past, I have also used the following vessels for floral arrangements: galvanized buckets (the older the better), large antique battery jars, matte white pottery vases, baskets (with a waterproof vessel inside), old canning jars (the bigger the better) and old salt glazed crocks.  

 2. For this particular arrangement, I knew that the stems of the cut flowers would not reach the bottom of the vase.  I also knew that having a bunch of empty space in the middle of the vase would not look great. So, I went outside to my yard and gathered some small but lengthy sticks and branches.  I gathered enough so that they would fit snuggly along the sides and length of the vase.  Then I filled the vase with water.  The branches are completely submerged in the water. 

3. Next, I went out to the yard to gather flowers and foliage.  To give the arrangement structure, I cut some foliage from a tree in our yard.  The great thing about the submerged branches is that they provide support for the flowers and foliage.  (They act a little bit like a flower frog).  Then I went to cut some small/medium size hydrangea blossoms.  The ones shown here are called “Little Lime”. 

4. Find your statement flowers.  Arrangements usually need some big, showy, statement flowers.  Statement flowers give your eye some place to rest.  They create a focal point.  All the smaller flowers and foliage play a supporting role so that the statement flowers can shine.  For this arrangement, I used the large mop head white hydrangeas. (Unfortunately, I don’t know the variety)  I didn’t need many – perhaps 3 or 4. 

Some other varieties that make great statement flowers include:

– Dahlias

– Lillies

– Roses

– Peonies

– Lilacs

– Large Chrysanthemums

5. Add some other foliage, as needed.  After I added the hydrangeas , I felt like the arrangement needed some texture.  So, I went outside again and cut some fern fronds and tucked them into the arrangement. 

That’s it.  The arrangement is done.  All the flowers are free.  (If you can grow them in your garden or get them from a friend’s garden) The vase is probably the most expensive part of this arrangement.  However, you can always use something you already have on hand.  In the past, I have been known for using giant pickle jars to create flower arrangements back in the days when I couldn’t afford to buy proper vases. (By the way, it worked great)

Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  If you decide to make your own flower arrangement, please send me a photo via email.  Or you can message me on Instagram or Facebook.  Happy floral arranging!