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Assumpta est Maria: Altar Flowers for Assumption Day


My first time using these Dutch blue hydrangeas was a dismal failure.  They were too dark, the vase was too brassy, the backdrop provided little contrast.  This time I was determined to succeed.  
After reading Fleur de Marie-Jacqueline's blog posts on Assumption flowers, I was disappointed to find no white roses, no white lilies, only the usual poms, alstroemeria and carnations.  It was time to liven things up a bit with the Dutch blue hydrangeas from the garden- blue like Our Lady's veil!
They look purple in this picture!
This is the first time I attempted preserving hydrangeas by submerging fresh-cut stems in boiling water for 30 seconds.  We'll see what they look like by Sunday!  I also put alum powder in the water and let them soak overnight.   
Some of the blooms were very heavy and the stems a bit saggy so I used stem wire and floral tape to make them cooperate.  This was a first as well!
Here they are on the altar. Assumpta est Maria!



Comments

  1. Marie-JacquelineAugust 15, 2020 at 9:18 AM

    Absolutely stunning! I'm glad you were able to use the blue hydrangeas and make them work. With all your labor I think they will hold up for Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GemmaAugust 15, 2020 at 2:06 PM

      I am glad you like them Marie-Jacqueline. There is so much blue in this church, the hydrangeas are a natural fit!

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