I love flowers. In fact, I love them twelve months of the year and especially during the holiday season. April brings beautiful bulb plants while July and August bring sweet stems of wild flowers. Even the fall produces an extraordinary array of options including sunflowers, asters and cabbage. New England is almost a year round resource for botanicals but there are those sticky few months where the wind chill factor drops to below zero and that white fluffy stuff drops from the sky. Alas, Boston florists have made it their mission to supply their customers with hardy and most importantly, beautiful, blossoms during the months of January and February. Now you can’t go into this without realizing that flexibility is a must. You might not find peonies but you will be able to choose from a delightful selection. Here are some of my favorites for the winter season.
Sweet Peas are probably one of the most sought after flower for weddings during this time of year and remarkably, comes from several different countries of import such as Holland and Japan. Petals come in shades of purple, yellow, white pink, blush, fuchsia, peach and even red. Their delicate appearance makes them perfect for wedding bouquets, showing a dreamy like appearance when stems are tucked tightly within European styled handhelds.
Lilly of the Valley is another popular item because again, it’s shipped into the US on a standard basis during the wintertime. Also dainty in nature, these tiny stems hold white cups that resemble bells dripping off the vine. This variety is one of the more fragrant options and also becomes popular with brides using sprigs for hairpieces and corsages. Be careful though, they likely will not live for a long period of time so weddings and party work are the best place to utilize this variety.
photo credit: Flower Factor
Tulips are everywhere during this time of year and for a good reason. They come in a mass assortment of shapes and colors and in most cases are priced reasonably. Tulips can either be ordered from your Boston florist or picked up in your grocery store-its that simple. While the spring bulb may not look like a decadent additive to your floral arrangements, they present a “clean” appeal that is also extremely easy to work with.
photo credit: Flower Factor
Cypripedium orchids are stunning, end of story. They are small in height but produce the most gorgeous green, pedaled face that has a striped green and white throat. These little babies might cost a penny or two but one things for sure, they last! You wont need too many stems either as they are perfect standing alone in a simple fuss-free glass holder. Trust me, you wont be disappointed with this pick!
Suzie and Ryan Canale, Boston MA 2014
Suzie once served as the South End Wedding Planner for examiner.com