Exotic Flowers in Boston

While some (like myself) choose to hide underneath layers of wool and fleece during the colder months of the season, others relish in the snowy months doing whatever they can to suspend the colder days of the calendar.  There is skiing, ice skating and snow shoeing to partake in the chilly outdoors while other indoor activities such as sewing, knitting or cooking appease to others.  For many of the creative types wandering around New England, they see yet another way to explore the beauty and enchantment our home as to offer by tapping into to their imaginations and diving in to their love of flowers.  If you find yourself in this category and adore this season’s blissfully, beautiful charm, why not design arrangements that are thematic of the snow and ice we are surrounded by (probably until next spring)? Truthfully, by using specific accents and a certain variety of blooms, you’ll be able to build gorgeous displays of winter inspired presentations.  Here are a few tips to get you going!

Using white flowers may be an obvious step in the process but many times people aren’t aware of the large spectrum of species available to them when designing a piece representative of winter.  White cymbidiums, hyacinth, anemones and peonies are excellent substitutions for more boring options of mums and roses.  Implementing sparks of gray is also a great way to further push the motif like sprigs of lamb’s ear, silver brunia and pussy willow.  If done correctly, a mixture of these two-color tones is simply stunning and makes a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.  When selecting a vase, keep in mind the look you are going for such as selecting a metallic container to inspire an “ice” appearance or a frosted bubble bowl to mimic snow.

Here’s another great example of using the natural beauty around us to turn an ordinary flower arrangement into a winterized bouquet.  Think white birch vases that are becoming very popular and can be bought in craft stores such as AC Moore and Michaels.  Adding hints of green can be a remarkable way to transform your piece into a tree-like model and if you really want to impress onlookers, add a few berries and pine to complete the conversion.  Eucalyptus is another great foliage to keep in mind for these arrangements as well as mimosa greenery.

One last piece of advice is to always add flavors of blooms that you prefer over what is seen on the cover of a magazine.  Many times, we get the false impression of what is available when we become sucked in by these professional images and regret not making our own rendition with what we have on hand.  Winter centerpieces can be made in a variety of ways and if you keep the color palette and texture in mind, whatever you come up with is assured to be absolutely stunning.  

Baby, it’s cold outside!  New England winter weather is a season of snow, ice and gusty winds that make us all want to find warm and comforting ways to take solace until the spring returns once again.  Perhaps your method is to light a fire or invest in a nice wool sweater- if you’re from these parts, it’s a guarantee you’re looking for anything to heat your body and mind up! One way to put the sizzle back in your life is by stimulating the senses such as sight and smell.  By surrounding yourself with pleasurable triggers that ignite these sensations, we can encourage inner happiness to fight off the freezing months.  One way to go about this task is to select particular types of flowers that are known to be excellent inducers of warm and fuzzy feelings.  For some it is their shading of petals and for other varieties, the scent is the beneficial element to create this magic spell.  If you’re having trouble with the wintery blues this season, try picking out one or more of these stunning blossoms to pick your spirits up and out of the cold.

For the Aroma

Freesia- Freesia is one of the best blooms to add to your home from December through February because the smell it fills a room with is absolutely unforgettable.  Not too sweet and not too strong, this incredible spring flower will waft you towards your Eden of heated sanctuary.

Hyacinth- Hyacinth is another great example of a bloom that has the magic power to elude you into thoughts of warmth and peace.  Available in a wide range of colors, you won’t have any problem finding these buds in your local flower shop this winter as well as other floral carriers in the area.

Narcissus - Paper Whites are one of my own favorites because you can either use them in arrangements as a cut stem or watch them grow from a single bulb.  The scent is pungent- I’ll warn you but if the smell appeals to your nose, they will probably become a frequent investment for many winters to come.

For the Sight

Charm Peonies- Oooooohhhh, Charm Peonies are an A-Lister in many high-end flower shops and the reason lies in the truth that these remarkable blossoms are stunning enough to be left alone in a vase by themselves. The bushy outer layering of the petals looks like feathers and the deep red shading resonates with many as meaning passionate, intense and alluring behavior.  

Anemones- Anemones are another go-to during this time of year, offering a naturally cheerful vibe to any area where an arrangement is displayed.  Not only are the heads adorable in pretty shades of purple, red and white but the foliage is just as enticing due to its wild appearance.

Brr, it’s cold out there but we still love our flowers!   During the chilly month of January, the blues might set in and a beautiful bouquet is just the thing to cheer us up.  Although there is a plethora of choices that Boston florists can offer you, there are certain blooms that are more appropriate for this time of year.  Reasons might include durability, availability and color shades which makes them popular and a wise selection when browsing window case coolers.  I realize we all have our favorites (mine is the chocolate cosmos, virtually impossible to find in January) but trust me, now isn’t the time to be stubborn.  Opting for flowers that are not seasonal can often lead to high costs and a premature lifespan of the plants.  Don’t worry, I’m sure one of these blossoming beauties will satisfy all of you Bostonians until the warmer temperatures roll around again. 

Paper Whites

Paper Whites are a delicate variety related to the daffodil family.  Its simple but elegant appearance makes them a flexible fit for any décor or room style.  Paper Whites are gifted with the characteristic of a strong smell that is sweet and aromatic for your living space.  The stems are often sold in bulb form either already potted or organized in bags for their owner to maintain.  These are a great pick after the holidays because they are long lasting and affordable for every flower budget.  

Roses

You can never go wrong with roses for a couple of reasons.   For one, they come in a variety of colors that most florists carry daily within their shops.  Number two, roses come from a multitude of states and countries around the world, so they’re pretty accessible which is a good thing because low inventory means a higher price.  Another pro is that they are universal in appeal and if fresh, they can withstand a fair amount of time in a vase.  Places that are ideal for roses to be grown from are Holland, Ecuador and California.  That is until your own garden roses begin to bloom again!

 Tulips

You might think that tulips are boring but in all honesty, they are remarkable in breed, size, color and affordability.  Available the most during the colder months (they hate the heat), tulips are carried by an extensive list of retailers because they are pre-sleeved and already set for merchandising.  This factor allows pricing to be relatively low, usually costing anywhere from $6.00 to $15.00 for 10 stems depending on the location of the store.  Their packaging makes them a great grab-on-the-go item and another bonus is that they are easy to care.  Something to keep in mind is that tulips stretch in length so if they are put in oasis, you might have to double trim their stems to keep the desired height of the centerpiece.

 Suzie & Ryan Canale, Newbury Street, Boston 2014