Make no mistake, like any other florist I like and appreciate the pretty peony in all her shades from palest pink, to deep red ot yellow, and I eagerly await her short stay in our annual flower cycle but if I am honest, I really don’t think they’re all that. Maybe it’s because I am fed up of seeing them used solely in those tight, mushroom shaped bouquets or maybe it’s that they’re unpredictable or maybe, it’s that they’re in every picture of every florists arrangements in all the world, filling everyone of my social media feeds from April through July.
For the bride reading this whose wedding I am doing in the next couple ‘o months using peonies, I’ll be vainglorious and say that I like the way WE are using them in your schemes and I do love them when used wildy, interestingly and, like I say, differently. There are so many other flowers around this time, that often get over looked. I’d rather use peonies more exclusively, in a select few weddings rather than using them just because they’re in and only around for a couple of months…
To me, the real star of the season is cow parsley. Insignificant at first glance it may be, and like one of my brides, it’s brings some out in a nasty rash (NOT a result of my flowers- we knew this before!) but it adds whimsy wildness and, in my opinion, a touch of rough luxe to any arrangement. Used alone it is structural, unusual and, at times, challenging… now, peonies and cow parsley- I’m all over that…
Peony pretty
Wild ‘coral charm’- peonies roughed up a bit. Blink Photography
Hidden gem, ‘gardenia’ peony with cow parslet and wild flowers
Country style peony bouquet with cow parsley and wild flowers
Foxgloves, peonies, cow parsley = LOVE
Sheath style bouquet with cow parlsey. FO Photography.
Green eye rose, mint, cow parsley and wild flowers
I suspect I’ll be chastised for uttering such words, and many will probably take personal umbrage but hey, I’m just putting it out there… and really, all I am saying is do something different!
Jx
