This Valentine’s Day, why not put your green thumb to work by making a handmade gift: a beautiful bouquet for your sweetheart. If your green thumb is a little rusty, Jenna Dedina is here to offer guidance. Since growing roots in our community at a local floral shop, she received her Horiticulture degree, and is now a Florist Manager. She is the perfect individual to guide us through the process!
Beyond the typical rose around Valentine’s Day, Jenna suggests the “big hitters for romance” which include tulips, calla lilies, and stargazer lilies. These staple flowers are in season and come in a variety of colors from white to muted magenta. Carnations are colorful, always in season, and an inexpensive go-to as a backup. Mix and match using your loved one's favorite colors.
Next you'll want to include some fillers such as “stock flowers” – tall flowery stalks, wax flowers, and monte asters, which come in many colors. Of course, there is also the classic baby’s breath–the tiny, pure white speckles that brighten up a bouquet. Baby’s breath is especially unique because floral spray paint can transform them into any color that complements your bouquet.
Now take this flower knowledge to your local floral shop and create your best arrangement, for Valentine’s Day or ANY day. As you are shopping, try to keep in mind how the different textures can fit together, as well as the colors. Florists can be your friend when gathering your supplies and for more tips. The options are abundant, so use your imagination and add your own creative eye to curate the perfect arrangement.
When building a bouquet, staples come first, followed by the filler, and lastly, leafy greens. Start with the largest flowers in the center and work your way out, mixing in other varieties and fillers. Once you are satisfied with the bulk of your arrangement, add some leafy greenery around the collar of the vase or bouquet. Leather leaf, sword fern, and eucalyptus add fragrance and texture, for example.
Jenna's pro tips when building a healthy floral arrangement: always start with clean supplies – including the vase and scissors, cut stems at an angle, and use enough flower food in the water for the flowers to “drink”. The key is to make sure the bouquet looks full and eye-catching from any angle, making it a 360 design. As a finishing touch, try adding a ribbon around the vase or bouquet and tie with a bow.
Perhaps Jenna’s best advice is that “it takes some time to adopt the correct design techniques and habits, but for a DIY bouquet, the biggest thing to remember is to have fun with it and pour your love into it. The special person receiving the flowers you make will love them no matter what.”
Complete this sweet gesture by creating a handmade card using paper and craft supplies you have on hand, and adding some homemade tasty treats. Go it alone or host a Galentine's crafting party, and let the creative fun begin.