The Modern Southern Garden
The Profile
Peonies
Peonies are prized for their sweet fragrance & large blooms. They make wonderful bridal bouquets & centerpieces when entertaining. Bright white varieties are my favorite however there are many colors available from soft pinks & lilac to radiant reds & coral. Relatively drought tolerant, peonies can be used in mass plantings around the garden to really make an impact or as a specimen that’s cherished for several weeks of vibrant blooms. Use them throughout indoor spaces. If watered regularly the tuber-like root system multiplies year after year which increases the flower production each spring. Learn how these beautiful blooms can spruce up entertaining spaces quickly.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Navigate Peonies
Beautiful flower arrangements should change with the seasons so begin by choosing items currently in bloom. Savvy southerners know to have distinctive, indigenous garden varieties planted around their outdoor space that can be used for a number of occasions. These arrangements are designed to be effortless & fast to prepare since entertaining involves many fine details as the event draws closer. Start by choosing a selection of simple beverage glasses & vases with clean lines to really allow bouquets to shine. Peonies are always a good choice to use when entertaining as just a few stems are needed to really make spaces shine.
The Technique
Once you are familiar with several blooming plant & shrub varieties, making your own flower arrangements can be fun & fulfilling. If you don’t have these garden staples growing in your green space, select & plant one now from a local nursery to use in a number of lovely ways.
No. 1
The Profile
Peonies
Festive Maxima was introduced in 1851 & it has been a Southern garden favorite ever since that time. It’s a bright white, double bloom variety of peony that features crimson watercolor-like brushstrokes around some of the petal tips & in the center once open. The vibrant foliage offers a handsome contrast to this sweetly scented sophisticated lady. In the South, the bloom time runs from mid to late spring. Peonies prefer full sun although be certain to plant in a location that offers some high noon dappled light as the leaves may burn if exposed during the hottest time of the day. Once a location has been chosen to plant this clumping perennial, leave it to grow in that spot as they do not care to be moved nor bothered. Transplanting may very well insure demise. Once the blooms have put on a good showing, use the glossy, deep cut leaves in other arrangements throughout the summer & into the fall.
No. 2
The Peony Yard Clippings
Although the bold, beautiful peony blooms make ideal arrangements with impact, several small groupings can be created for simple style that’s just as lovely. Choose low glasses with clean lines. A modern wine glass works particularly well. Snip & gather blooms early in the morning. Invert the flowers & give them a little shake– ants in particular go wild for the fragrance. They like to hide between the petals. Once indoors, remove the leaves & snip the stems low enough so that the blooms rest on the lip of the glass.
2a
Create odd groupings & use them down the center of dining room tables. The arrangement is particularly smart to use when seated gatherings are in order as they allow guests to converse without distraction. The flowers can also be used throughout entertaining spaces & around your home on side tables, vanities & kitchen islands.
The Tune
“Pennies From Heaven” Billie Holiday
social butterfly
instagram: buttermilklipstick
facebook: Buttermilk Lipstick
twitter: Buttermilk Lipstick@ButtermilkLips
{college football} Rebecca Gordon@TidefanFare
pinterest: Buttermilk Lipstick
Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
Comments are closed.