December Spotlight: Bay

In our work here at Bouquets for Days we eagerly embrace the natural beauty that surrounds us and becomes seasonally available throughout the year. One particularly versatile and enchanting foliage to reach for as winter properly sets in is the humble bay leaf. Primarily known for its culinary uses, the bay leaf also possesses a unique charm that makes it an excellent choice for floral displays.

Bay leaves, derived from the aromatic Bay Laurel tree, bring a touch of sophistication and, most importantly, a delightful fragrance to any arrangement. The glossy, dark green leaves are not only visually appealing but also carry a subtle, spicy aroma that can infuse a room with warmth and character. Working bay leaves into floral designs adds depth and complexity, making it an ideal choice for seasonal displays in December.

Delicate branches of Bay have been a staple of Bouquets for Days Christmas Wreaths in recent years. When cut fresh, the rich green hue of these leaves acts as a neutral backdrop, allowing other floral elements to pop and take centre stage and then as December progresses, the leaves gradually dry out and bring a golden hue to wreath arrangements.

The abundance of bay laurel trees in the UK makes it an eco-friendly choice, reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing exotic foliage, another clear win from our perspective!

The use of bay as foliage is a brilliant way to harness the beauty of this season. Its accessibility, versatility, durability, and sustainable nature make it a standout choice to include in your wedding or event.

If you’re thinking about flowers for a December wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

November Spotlight: Chrysanthemums

Credit: Thursd.

It’s likely that “Chrysanthemum” is a flower name you’re already familiar with but did you know this humble classic could look quite as dramatic as the variety pictured above? Autumn is the best time of year for Chrysanthemums here in the UK and this blog post is going to show you that these flowers can be SO much more than just filler in a brightly coloured supermarket bunch! These versatile flowers showcase a remarkable variety of colour tones, shapes, and sizes, making them a true Autumnal treasure.

Native to Asia, Chrysanthemums have been cultivated for over 2,500 years and hold significant cultural importance in countries like Japan and China. The colour palette ranges from deep burgundies and oranges to delicate pinks and yellows, reflecting the rich tapestry of Autumn foliage.

With an incredible diversity in shapes – from the classic daisy-like petals to intricate, pom-pom forms – they offer something for every aesthetic taste.

Kicking off with Bloom Chrysanthemums. These single headed flowers are fuller, bigger, and more extroverted than their multi-headed siblings. They encompass a range of forms from those with jumbo sized, pom-pom shaped heads to others that are far more spider-like with petal tendrils that delicately unfurl.

Chrysanthemums are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also symbolise positivity and longevity which is reflected in their vase life, these hardy cut flowers will happily live indoors for up to two weeks and are guaranteed to make a statement wherever they’re placed.

Wedding Tip: with their bold colours, their rounded shape, and their many layers of petals, large, single-headed Bloom Chrysanthemums make a fantastic alternative to Dahlias which aren’t reliable enough for weddings this late in the season.

If you’re thinking about flowers for a November occasion and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

October Spotlight: Zinnias

Credit: The Wild Zinnia

On the blog this month, we have another guest writer. Please welcome one half of The Wild Zinnia, Debs. The Wild Zinnia is a Bristol flower farm and they’ve grown loads of the produce that’s been used in weekly creations at Bouquets for Days this year. Given their namesake, it felt only right that we asked them to wax lyrical about October’s Spotlight flower, the magnificent Zinnia. Take it away Debs…

“Zinnias stole my heart from the first moment they flowered in my cutting garden. Flowers within a flower, zingy sweetshop colours and a ‘Wiggle’ test before you pick them; what’s not to like?

Ranging from bright colours, buttery blends, crested centres to magical shades of terracotta and antique rose; the range is endless. Once I started, I was hooked; but they aren’t for the faint hearted!

Half-hardy annuals only happy in the driest and hottest of UK Summers. Growing them outside is risky. They sulk in damp summers, a hot, dry August is their moment of glory.

Repeat flowering on long stems; fading gracefully in the vase after 3 weeks, they’re a great addition to any cutting garden.

A wiggle test is essential, placing two fingers either side of the top of the flower wiggle the flower head, if it stays upright, it’s ready to cut. If is sways from side to side it needs a bit more sunshine, cut too soon the bloom will flop in a vase.

Zinnias are best bought from your local flower farm; with a hollow stem behind the flower head, they don’t travel well. They’re divas drawing the eye in any arrangement, once you recognise this unusual beauty I guarantee you’ll be as smitten as I am!

Each year I’m jealous of the American flower farmers as they have access to far more varieties than we have, so we’re busy hand-pollinating our own favourites; and saving seed from every rogue that appears from a standard packet. So, find your local flower farmer and follow them to see what new and unusual varieties they’ve got in store for you next year.”

If you’re thinking about flowers for an October wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

September Spotlight: Dahlias

When you think of quintessential English gardens in late summer, images of vibrant dahlias in full bloom might come to mind. These flamboyant flowers have been gracing the landscapes of England for centuries, and their history is as rich and colourful as their petals.

With their wide range of shapes and colours, they were perfect for adding character to both grand and modest garden settings. By the late 19th century, dahlias were frequently featured in horticultural shows across the country, where enthusiasts vied to showcase the most impressive blooms. In recent times, largely due to the resurgence of the "cutting garden" trend, Dahlias have made a strong comeback, securing themselves a significant place in modern floristry.

Common dahlia flower shapes used today include:

1. Single: Single dahlia flowers have a central disc surrounded by a single row of evenly spaced petals. They are often smaller and have a simple, elegant appearance.

2. Anemone: Anemone dahlia flowers have a dense cluster of elongated petals surrounding a prominent central disc, giving them a striking, eye-catching appearance.

3. Pompon: Pompon dahlias are small, globe-shaped flowers with tightly packed petals. They resemble miniature pompoms, making them ideal for adding texture to bouquets.

4. Cactus: Cactus dahlias feature twisted or spiky petals that give the flower a dramatic and vibrant look, often with a more irregular shape.

5. Dinner Plate: Dinner plate dahlias are known for their exceptionally large and showy blooms, which can reach up to a foot (30 cm) in diameter. These massive flowers are available in various colors and are sure to make a statement in any garden or arrangement.

6. Waterlily: Waterlily dahlias have multiple layers of petals that create a flower with a resemblance to a waterlily. They have a soft and inviting appearance.

With so many varieties at hand, their versatility in floral arrangements is unmatched. They also blend seamlessly with other seasonal flowers and foliage, making them a top choice for bouquets, centerpieces, and wedding decor.

If you’re thinking about flowers for a September wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

August Spotlight: Cosmos

In the world of garden flowers and floristry, Cosmos stands out for its timeless charm and so Cosmos is going to be August’s Spotlight Flower. These delicate and graceful blooms have a special place in both English gardens and modern floral arrangements, adding a touch of dreaminess to any setting.

Characterised by slender stems and floaty petals, their light & airy appearance makes them ideal for adding an element of wild elegance to floral designs. Their delicate nature brings an air of romance and whimsy.

Cosmos flowers resemble daisies with their open, single or double-petaled blooms. They have a prominent central disc surrounded by petals and these petals can be flat, slightly cupped, or fluted, depending on the variety. Cosmos flowers come in a range of colors, including white, pink, magenta, crimson, orange, and even chocolate brown.

In the cutting patch, there are two striking features that set Cosmos apart. Firstly, some varieties can staggeringly grow to heights of 6 feet tall! Whilst a bonus of the Cosmos is their prolific blooming. Once they start flowering, they continue to produce a profusion of blooms throughout the growing season, attracting pollinators and adding a vibrant display to the garden.

Popular varieties that we love to work with here at Bouquets for Days include the deliciously named ‘Apricot Lemonade’ as well as ‘Purity’ and the somewhat madly named ‘Double Click Rose Bon Bon’ but there’s another variety in particular that stands out and that is the Chocolate Cosmos.

Chocolate Cosmos feature small & delicate, deep maroon to nearly black petals that are velvety in texture and magically have a chocolatey fragrance - they truly are like no other flower around!

If you’re thinking about flowers for an August wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

July Spotlight: Sweet Peas

Credit: Ruby Moon Floral

Sweet pea flowers, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, are a quintessential summer bloom. Their vibrant colours and enchanting fragrance make them a beloved addition to bouquets and arrangements.

Sweet peas have a rich history in the UK, dating back to the late 17th century. They gained popularity during the Victorian era and then in the early 1900s, renowned horticulturist Henry Eckford bred sweet peas into the diverse and colourful range we know today.

They belong to the legume family and are annual climbing plants, known for their tendrils that help them cling to trellises & supports, as well as provide beautiful tumbling visual lines to floral arrangements.

Our temperate maritime climate is ideal for sweet pea cultivation and the flowers thrive in cool, moist conditions. In the spring, they can withstand cooler temperatures and in the summer, they bask in the milder warmth.

The dainty, butterfly-shaped petals of Sweet Peas can be found in an array of colours, from soft pastels to deep, vibrant hues but beyond these visually enticing colours, they have another trick up their sleeve - a glorious scent. Their sweet, heady scent is a true embodiment of summer in the UK and the addition of sweet peas can turn any arrangement into a sensory paradise.

If you’re thinking about flowers for an October wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

June Spotlight: Delphiniums

Credit: Pinterest

Come June, the British flower season is in full swing and towering above everything else in the fields is the magnificent Delphinium so it’s only right that this beauty is our Spotlight flower for June.

The most popular Delphiniums used in floristry in the UK are white and various shades of blue and purple. Their height can span anything from 40cm to a staggering 130cm and its these tall beauties in particular that can create incredible whimsical drama in floral creations.

According to the RHS, the name “delphinium” originates from the ancient Greek word 'delphis', referring to the individual flowers that form along the stems of these flowers and give them their bold block of floral colour.

A particular favourite here at Bouquets for Days is known as ‘Black Eyed Angels’; a towering white variety with black eyes at the centre of each individual white flower along the stem (see the gallery below).

Wedding Tip: which it’s their sheer size that often grabs peoples’ attention, the individual dolphin shaped flower heads on Delphiniums can be used in smaller work as well and make lovely additions to buttonholes, delicate flower crowns too.

If you’re thinking about flowers for a June wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

May Spotlight: Cornflowers

Credit: Siobhán Danielle O’Dwyer

On the blog this month, we have another guest writer, please welcome Sacha aka The Floral Potager - like Sarah from Compton Garden Flowers last month, Sacha is another one of my local suppliers. Although they’ve been a little slow in the fields this year due to the long cold start to this year’s spring, Cornflowers are finally blooming and I’ll leave Sacha here to share a little more about these cuties...

“Cornflowers, scientifically known as Centaurea cyanus, are beautiful wildflowers that have captivated people for centuries. These delicate blossoms, with their vibrant blue hue, are native to Europe and have become popular not only for their beauty but also for their cultural and symbolic significance.

Cornflowers are annual plants that typically grow between 1 and 3 feet tall. They possess slender stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that give rise to solitary flowers at the top. The flowers are characterized by their distinct, intense blue colour, although they can also be found in shades of pink, white, and purple. The striking blue petals surround a central disk of yellow florets, creating a visually captivating contrast. These flowers have a daisy-like appearance, and their simple elegance adds a touch of natural beauty to any garden where they will benefit pollinators.

They are best grown in full sun in an open position and can be mixed with other wildflowers such as corncockles and poppies. Sow seeds from March to May outdoors for flowers from June to September, or sow during August and September to flower from May onwards the following year.

These wildflowers have a rich history and cultural significance. In the past, cornflowers were commonly found growing among cereal crops, particularly cornfields, hence their name. They were considered troublesome weeds by farmers due to their invasive nature. However, over time, their aesthetic appeal won the hearts of many, and they are now cherished as ornamental plants in gardens and floral arrangements.

Symbolically, cornflowers are associated with various meanings. In folklore and traditional medicine, they were believed to possess medicinal properties, often used to treat eye ailments and promote healthy vision. Additionally, cornflowers are a symbol of hope, prosperity, and fidelity. They have also been associated with remembrance, making them a popular choice for memorial gardens and commemorative ceremonies, particularly in Europe.

The beauty and versatility of cornflowers have made them a favourite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts. Cornflowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any pollinator garden and make excellent cut flowers, adding a touch of natural charm to floral arrangements and bouquets. They also dry well and keep their colour to use in dried flower arrangements, as dried petal confetti, or for dyeing fabrics.

In addition to their ornamental value, cornflowers have culinary uses as well. The petals of these flowers are edible and can be used as a decorative garnish in salads, desserts, and beverages. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and add a pop of colour to culinary creations.”

April Spotlight: Anemones

Credit: WedLuxe

On the blog this month, please welcome the wonderful Sarah of Compton Garden Flowers - one of my local suppliers - talking all about Anemones. Take it away, Sarah!

“The beautiful Anemone. Believe it or not there are almost 200 species of Anemone, common name: Wind Flower.

There are several meanings attached to the humble anemone including forsaken or forgotten love, protection against evil and ill wishes and my favourite, fairies and their magical world of twilight.

As a cut flower the species most commonly grown is the Anemone coronaria. The most popular colours are whites, blues, reds and pinks. Some have dark black centres and some light green centres.

They make beautiful cut flowers with a vase life of five to seven days. Top tips for extending vase life: change the water everyday (they are very thirsty stems) and do not keep near the fruit bowl as they are particularly sensitive to ethylene.

Whilst Anemones will keep coming back for around three years, survival rates are not good, particularly if we have very hot summers and each year, those that do survive, have reduced stem length. Therefore, to maintain the quality required for cut flowers I plant a fresh batch each year. Starting in the Autumn, around October time, with a process called pre-sprouting. If you are in a part of the country with very hard winters it would be better to start this process in early spring.

Each plant is grown from a dark coloured tuber which is quite small (4-5cm in circumference). It all starts with tubers being soaked for up to 48 hours, at room temperature and then shallow planted in trays with a mix of compost and vermiculite and left in the greenhouse. After 2-3 weeks you will start to see shoots and leaves forming, at this point they are ready to be planted out.

I usually grow outside and cover with a low tunnel during periods of extreme cold because the buds do not like getting frosted. That said Anemones are a cool weather flower, they will not tolerate warm/hot weather so are enjoyed in the springtime.

Anemone flowers will open during the day and close at night I guess that is why the fairies favour them at twilight!”

If you’re thinking about flowers for an April wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

March Spotlight: Narcissi

Credit: Bouquets For Days

March heralds the start of Spring with it’s ever so slightly warmer days and dark mornings gradually becoming a thing of the past. It’s also when we start to see colourful little Narcissus buds coming into bloom.

The most common of the Narcissus family is the Daffodil. A classic signifier of Spring and the national flower of Wales, the large, single-headed Daffodil is most commonly found in bright sunshine yellow but Narcissi have so much more to offer beyond this classic and in this blog post we’re going to look at some of the lesser known varieties.

A particular favourite here at Bouquets for Days is ‘Early Cheer’. Characterised by small, buttery yellow, double flowers this Narcissus surely lives up to its name.

Another popular variety is the Paperwhite. These teeny tiny star like flowers are beyond delicate and they’re snowdrop white in colour. In the UK, the majority of Paperwhites are grown on the Isles of Scilly and shipped to the mainland weather permitting. They’re one of the earliest varieties to come into bloom and their season tends to taper off as the more common yellow varieties come to fruition.

It’s not just the miniature multi-headed Narcissi that come in a multitude of styles, the larger single-headed flowers also vary. The most classic would be a Dutch Master with its bright yellow trumpet, whilst Professor Einstein offers something a little different with pale cream petals and a juicy orange trumpet.

Given that the family of this flower is so hugely varied, a beautiful way to use Narcissus is to display many different types alongside each other. In this way you really get to see the intricate differences - squat or long & thin trumpets, pointed or rounded petals, double or single layers, the list really is wonderfully endless! Take a look at some of the mix of varieties in the gallery below.

Wedding tip: Narcissus in general (and especially the mini varieties with multiple heads on each stem) can be really fragrant. If you’re unsure about wanting this unique scent right under your nose perhaps opt not to have these in your bouquet or within your table centres, instead opt to have them elsewhere - perhaps in pew ends or outside your venue welcoming guests with some sunshine yellow on arrival?

If you’re thinking about flowers for a March wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

February Spotlight: Herbs

Credit: Studio Choo

At this time of year, scented British flowers aren’t available in abundance so February is a great time to get creative with other ingredients and look elsewhere for scent. One alternative option is herbs.

Herbs hold a multitude of meanings in various cultures, for example legend has it that ladies used to tuck sprigs of Thyme (which symbolises strength & courage) into the armour of knights headed to battle. If you’re looking to source florals for a specific occasion there may very well be a herb specifically for that…

Rather than the flowering varieties - Lavender, Dill, Mint - in February the greener varieties with hardier woody stems are more abundantly available - Rosemary, Bay - and will provide a more long lasting look for your occasion. The verdant greens look particularly striking paired against the first bright white flowers of the year, such as dainty little Snowdrops or Hellebores, to create a very seasonally appropriate look.

Wedding tip: a variety of herbs planted in different pots can make a really beautiful scented table centre arrangement for a wedding and the pots can double up as being gifts for guests to take home with them.

If you’re thinking about flowers for a February wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more seasonal ingredients making an appearance throughout the month.

January Spotlight: Lunaria

Credit: Our Food Stories

In the depths of winter here in the UK we’re hard pressed to find fresh flowers meaning that January is a fantastic month in which to experiment with dried produce. A wonderful multitude of British flowers can be picked throughout the year, stored carefully so that they dry completely (rather than go mouldy!) and then used in abundance when we’re short on fresh produce.

One particularly intriguing dried material to work with is Lunaria, commonly known as Honesty.

Lunaria naturally flowers in Spring, its delicate purple flowers are a beautiful splash of colour in hedgerows. By autumn the flowers are long gone, replaced instead by delicate, papery, oval seed pods. When picked, dried, and peeled these fascinating stems covered with translucent seed pods create a textural delight for any floral arrangement. Nothing quite matches their fantastical structure.

To truly highlight the delicate and unusual seed pods, Lunaria pairs well with grasses that contrast in their linear form.

Wedding tip: to gain a vivid and fresh white colour, a lot of dried flowers are in fact bleached or dyed, however, Lunaria has a natural trick in that each seed pod is actually covered. Once the seed pod sides are carefully peeled away the result is a gorgeous white, papery oval. A smell of bleached or chemicals can be avoided on your big day if you opt for dried stems that remain in their natural colour rather than being artificially enhanced.

If you’re thinking about flowers for a January wedding or event and you would like to discuss seasonal availability then get in touch and keep an eye on the Bouquets for Days Instagram for more Lunaria making an appearance throughout the month.