Creating Luxury in Everyday Life
by katrine west
Come early Saturday morning, most are still fast asleep and enjoying an extended weekend snooze. But not me. It’s time for competitive flower shopping. (A tongue-in-cheek nickname, I assure you, as I avoid any stressful encounters.) I am heading to our local farmers market to check out the season’s blooms before they get picked over—or worse, sold out. The earlier you arrive, the better the blossom selection.
The reward is well worth the effort. Maine’s gorgeous blossoms are a little luxury that always bring a smile. It’s been scientifically proven that fresh flowers trigger happiness and have positive long-term effects on mood.
By 7:30 a.m., the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is hopping. The farm stands are heaving not only with fruits and vegetables but also with local jams, honey, artisanal cheeses, fresh eggs, baked goods, and, yes, flowers!
Every week brings a new floral adventure. Spring delivers pops of pink tulips and cheerful yellow daffodils. Summer is lush with fuchsia peonies and orange lilies that burst onto the scene. Late summer brings the happy faces of sunflowers, dahlias and zinnias. By autumn, the fragrant eucalyptus and asters arrive. Each week, I discover new varieties, bold colors, rich textures, and sweet fragrances.
The next time you pass some lovely flowers at the farmers market and you smile, go ahead and splurge. It’s Mrs. West approved.
Mrs. West Approved Suggestions for Selecting Blooms
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Shop Local
Make your floral investment last longer by choosing blooms cut that day. We are spoiled for choice in Maine with our fabulous farmers markets and are particularly lucky that some of the finest floral purveyors in the state show up every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer months at the Portland Farmers Market. Be sure to check out the Snell Family Farm stand for a wide selection and say hello to Carolyn to learn about what’s in season.
Visit mainefarmersmarkets.org for information on farmers markets across the state.
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Be Bold
Don’t be afraid to go big and bright. A vase full of posies that pop will make you smile every time. I particularly love to pair unexpected colors like moody plums and purples with splashes of canary yellow and lime green. Also, a variety of textures will add depth and dimension to your arrangement to make it interesting from all angles.
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Mix & Match
Some of my more memorable arrangements had elements of surprise incorporated. For instance, blackberry branches or rosehip berries offer a bit of romance, sheaves of wheat or sorghum bring height and whimsy, and bronze fennel fronds or mint add an herbaceous kick.
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Assembly Required
Once you get your blossom bounty home, don’t just unceremoniously drop them in water and be done. Take the time to build out your arrangement. I lay out the stems on the countertop and pick the one or two that I want to be the feature of the arrangement. Holding them like a bouquet to get a view from all sides, I add stems until I get a sense of size, scale, and shape. At that point, I cut the stems to fit the vessel and then add in any remaining flowers to fill out the arrangement. It’s important to give the stems a fresh cut on the diagonal so they last as long as possible. I tend to lean towards an asymmetrical, quirky style, but there is no right or wrong. Make it your own.
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Vase Optional
I have collected all sorts of vases over the years, but there is something really satisfying about using a non-traditional vessel to add to the allure. If it can hold water, it’s fair game. Think teapots, jam jars, pitchers, urns, and terracotta flower pots to add a touch of whimsy. You will want to choose based on the size and shape of the arrangement you wish to create.
