A modern seasonal arrangement created to be enjoyed both now and later, providing a “cool” factor and added value for the recipient and customer.

Cut stems of river cane to desired lengths, and arrange them in groups into floral foam soaked in flower-food solution. These placements will establish the vertical parallel line and rhythm.

Pour pieces of crushed glass over the top of the floral foam to cover the mechanic. Clean and peal bare-root bulb flowers, and insert a wood pick into the bottom of each bulb (seven were used in this design). Nestle the bulbs among the pieces of crushed glass until they are seated atop the floral foam.

Cut small openings in the floral foam with a floral knife in which to insert the hyacinths and grape hyacinths. TIP: Because the hyacinths have soft, fleshy stems, insert a chenille stem into each stem before inserting these flowers into the floral foam, to provide support. Arrange various sized loops of lily grass into the floral foam, throughout the design, to add circular visual movement.

Complete the design by arranging stems of hybrid sweet William (Dianthus ‘Green Trick’) and mimosa (Acacia) as well as balls of coral-colored excelsior, faux bird eggs and, if desired, hyacinth florets.

Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! This softly colorful sensation, which screams spring and Easter, comprises both cut bulb flowers (Hyacinthus and Muscari), to be appreciated in the here and now, and blooming bulbs (Narcissus), which can be planted later in a garden and enjoyed for years to come. How’s that for added value?

The soothing combination of pastel sherbet-like hues forms an advanced color harmony known as “double complementary” – two pairs of complementary colors (in this case, lavender/yellow and blue/coral) in one composition. In addition, the arrangement of materials vertically and parallel create a pleasing yet contemporary parallel rhythm. This design also has elements of the vegetative style, in which botanicals are selected and placed to represent of slice of nature, such as the “groundcover” of Acacia and hybrid Dianthus.