Remember when I went "vase" shopping in the canned food section of Uwajimaya in Seattle? Well this BEAUTIFUL almond jelly can was one of my selections. I couldn't resist the pink ombre-effect can.
When I was passing the floral department of the grocery store, I found these unusual carnations and raspberry roses in separate packages in the clearance section. Could any flowers be more suited to my new vase? I don't think so. (However my peonies are about to bloom, so stay tuned!)
I put a plain drinking glass inside of the tin (to avoid any water/rust) and Voila! It looked so pretty it inspired me to pull out my 3 pink lustre teacups and sandwich plates. Who wants to come for tea?
There is something so very charming about a teacup bouquet. A sweet display of color on an end table or nightstand. Gardeners know that sometimes a teacup bouquet simply means that there aren't enough flowers blooming for a whole bouquet! But that's okay, cute comes in small packages.
The secret to stable arrangement is using a floral foam called Oasis. You use a knife to cut a block to fit your teacup, press it into the cup (you'll be surprised how it forms to the shape when you press a bit) and then soak it with water. The foam will hold the water and weight down the cup. Now you can gently press the stems of your flowers into the wet foam. The flowers will stay just where you place them - I just love that! Every few days, pour more water into the cup to keep everything hydrated.
What am I planning for January? Tiny blossoms in a vintage teacup! The man at the garden center told me that these Muscari "Valerie Finnis" bulbs need 6 weeks of cold sleep and then can be brought out into a warm room to grow. I have planted them in this vintage teacup (look at the unusual cup shape!) and it is now tucked away in the refrigerator. Just after New Years, I'll bring it out and let the warm sunshine in my family room work its magic. It is my own little Secret Garden.
