The winter garden provides unexpected inspirations. Strolling through the acre of overgrown English gardens (see Back Pew Economy), I chatted with its gracious owner about local inter-parish politics. Our grim conversation brightened when confronted with a spray of orange-colored rose hips. She assured me they would not be missed and agreed they would look lovely in an arrangement with the store-bought peach carnations and alstroemeria.
Living in a small rural town, there are no flower markets or wholesale distributors. Usually I don't plan a design- I look at the liturgical calendar, consider the color of the vestments and leave the rest to divine providence and what is available at the local grocery store.
When cutting greenery I choose a variety and abundance of textures and and sizes. Having the flowers at hand helps choose the greenery most suitable. In these arrangements I used privet, ivy, lilac and redwood.
One of the advantages to being a growing Latin Mass community in a shrinking novus ordo parish, is that the altar guild is only too happy to have new faces eager to contribute. They welcome my arrangements with open arms and are always very appreciative of my efforts (more on that later!).
Here they are on the altar.
Living in a small rural town, there are no flower markets or wholesale distributors. Usually I don't plan a design- I look at the liturgical calendar, consider the color of the vestments and leave the rest to divine providence and what is available at the local grocery store.
Here they are on the altar.
Just beautiful. I wish I had these at home! Gemma, I have to ask: Have you had formal training as a flower arranger?
ReplyDeleteAll glory to God! I don't have formal training. I do have a background in theatre, so that helps. My mother was very creative- I will do a blog about her one of these days.
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