How to Buy Spring Flower Arrangements

Buying spring flowers requires a bit of floral knowledge and savvy shopping skills. In order to choose the best flowers for your arrangement and decorating scheme, get to know the varieties of spring flowers. You can head to the florist or "dig up" some interesting stems at your local market or farm stand.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Size and shape of display table
• Decorative planter or vase

1. Compare florists in your area. Ask the floral designer what varieties of spring flowers are available. Some shop owners import flowers year-round, whereas others operate on a seasonal basis. Give the florist a couple of weeks notice when you order special varieties of flowers, such as sterling roses.

2. Determine the size and shape of the area where you intend to place your floral arrangement, since the dimensions and purpose of your table will dictate the configuration of the floral arrangement. Centerpieces for banquet tables work better arranged in low, long shapes, while low, oval floral arrangements are ideal for round dining tables. Bulky flower arrangements tend to disrupt eye contact and prevent communication between guests. Flower arrangements for an entrance hall or side table can be more vertical.

3. Select spring flowers for designing a long, low arrangement. Use a shallow container filled with wet floral foam to ensure that the flowers stay fresh. Buy long, vertical flowers (such as liatris) and insert them sideways into the foam to establish the bottom length of your arrangement. Frame the sides of the arrangement with peonies and a mixed assortment of alstromeria (also known as Peruvian lily). Add body to your arrangement with peonies, which have layers of large, ruffled petals. In contrast, the delicate alstromeria will sit comfortably next to the hearty peonies.

4. Select flowers for an upright arrangement. Your vase should be at least half the height of the flowers, including stems. Select daffodils, tulips, lilacs and other spring blooms, either mixed together for bright country charm or in masses of a single flower and color.

5. Add a floral preservative to the water. This is usually provided by the florist in a powdered form. Mix with warm water before adding the flowers.

6. Give the stems a new cut before putting them into the water. Clip the stems on an angle, under water to avoid any air bubbles from getting trapped in the stem. An air bubble will cause the flower to wilt. (In some cases, a wilted flower can be revived by re-cutting the stem.)

Tips & Warnings

• Visit upscale produce markets to buy bunches of seasonal flowers to display around your home.
• Buy fresh-picked spring flowers at local farm stands for a bargain.
• Avoid certain spring flowers. For instance, irises will begin to brown and wilt after a day or two. Choose long-lasting daisies and lilies for endurance.