It's time for a simplicity break. Quiet winter beauty is so welcome after the rush and glitz of the holidays. Majestic magnolia leaves are a quintessential winter bouquet unto themselves, loosely arranged in a raku vase....This is Magnolia grandiflora 'Victoria' - a small evergreen tree which is perfectly hardy here despite its Southern, warm-weather good looks. The bud hints of the large, fragrant ivory flowers that'll open in summer. But for now, the magnolia's glossy green leaves, in contrast to their furry golden-brown undersides (called indementum, and some species of magnolia are more blessed with this attribute than others) are understated perfection.
I love that you only need cut a few branches and you have a stunning arrangement that lasts for a couple of weeks, even in a warm room. The only other winter shrub or tree that I can think of that makes an arrangement all by itself is the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), with handsome bark, little white flowers, narrow evergreen leaves, and bumpy little red fruits (hence the common name) all happening at the same time in early winter.
If you can think of any other plants so well endowed in winter, please let me know...and I'll include them in the book I'm writing and photographing...."Petal and Twig: A Little Book of Bouquets. Fresh, Organic, Handmade From Your Garden" (working title & subtitle), due out next fall...
Love that "working title", Val.
You're such a natural when it comes to naturals! Wonderful idea for a book....
Happy New Year!
Alice
Posted by: Alice | January 01, 2011 at 12:45 PM
I cut some cherry tree stems that were knocking into my roses. I put them into a vase and I did not think they would bloom. I was about to throw them out when their buds swelled and viola they produced tiny white/pink blossoms. What a nice Christmas surprise.
Posted by: Lori | January 02, 2011 at 11:49 AM
This is an obvious one that I'm sure you already have slated to go into the book but I use witch hazel cuttings by themselves when not much else is is bloom. Added bonus...they scent the room, as well!
Posted by: Chris | January 04, 2011 at 04:58 PM
It is really very cool and great can be swelled in all these there are so many things which can be produced several blossoms can be performed it looks very cool to know about it.
Posted by: R4 DS | January 04, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Hello! I created a site called flower-guide.org, can you please critique it and tell me if I got it right?
Posted by: Jessica | January 22, 2011 at 01:55 PM