With garden flowers in full bloom, it's a joy to bring some of the outside in. Snip a little of this, some of that and trimmings from a shaggy bush will make great filler. People think you need training & talent, but a vase, water & snippers will do the job.
First I gather an armload or a few flowers & greenery. Pick ones that look crisp & new. Weeds, pods & tiny tree branches also work. Choose pieces with strong & long stems. Cut as long as possible & trim up later. Strip the bottom third leaves off of each stem and toss. This keeps your water from smelling. If flowers grow along the length of the stem, cut it into two pieces just above the lower flowering group, leaving both stems at least 4 inches long.
Fill your vase half full of water adding some floral extender you've saved from store bouquets. A vase with a 2" throat is easiest to fill. Buy them at the thrift store for $.50-$1 & keep on hand until needed. Wash them out with dish soap if they look a little dusty & rinse.
Trim the bottom of each piece to the length you desire beginning with your show pieces (1-3 is all you need) placing them in the center of the vase. Put secondary & smaller flowers in next. Add greenery and last of all baby's breath or any tiny lacy floral. Move them around until the arrangement looks balanced if all sides are seen or for a front only view.
With just a few flowers & greenery, it's possible to make several arrangements & share with friends, neighbors, co-workers or someone down on their luck. They'll love you for it.
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