Petite Flower Arrangements Bring Big Joy

Last month was a hands-on, creative outlet for members of the Rhododendron Garden Club. At the end of the session, 14 floral arrangements were assembled and admired for their beauty.

Jean Jackson, president of the Rainsville Garden Club and Flower Show judge, was the guest speaker, demonstrator, and encourager extraordinaire. She explained that for years her family appreciated the petite designs she made for placement on the counter in her bathrooms. They were also lovely for a nightstand to welcome guests. Using small containers and cutting plants found in the garden reduces cost and brings the outdoors in.

Jean provided the containers and several varieties of miniature roses. First, she cut a straight piece of boxwood one-and-a-half times the height of her container to make the line for the design. It was placed in the shot glass (filled with water, of course). Since the design was under 12 inches tall, it was important to have petite plants in proportion and scale to each other and the container. A peony would have overwhelmed the 4-inch-tall shot glass. In taller, larger containers, plant material size and number can be increased.

Once the line was established, pops of color with the roses were added. If the roses were floppy, Jean showed how to attach the stem to a pick or skewer so it stood straight. Another option is to wire the roses to the line material. Jean had sheets of paper that could be wrapped around the shot glass to add color and hide the stems. Another option for hiding stems is to line the inside of the container with leaves.

Members enthusiastically created, as Jean offered suggestions, encouragement, and helpful hints. Creative floral arrangements should be fun and stress free. Even with all using the same plant material, the designs were completely different and matched the designers’ personalities.

Recent research published by Rutgers University shared results of the link between flowers and life satisfaction

• Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
• Flowers have a long-term positive effect on mood. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction
• Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers leads to increased connection with family and friends.

“Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” said Dr. Haviland-Jones. “Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being. (safnow.org)

RGC is encouraging folks to decorate their mailboxes for the Semiquincentennial. What better way to celebrate 250 years and lift spirits than with red, white and blue?

Our next meeting is June 8 and will be a road trip to Lookout Lavender Farms. We will carpool but did not discuss the logistics of times to meet, so check the RGC Facebook page for that information.

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