Fresh Flowers

My sweet co-worker had some fresh mums left over from a science experiment.

She tried to give them to me but I told her to take them home and enjoy them. She didn't want to.

I was perplexed because I love fresh flowers in all sorts of containers. 

She mentioned that it was a pain to get out the vase, change the water and then have to deal with the stinky water afterward.

I couldn't believe it. All those "obstacles" seemed so minor but worth it for something so pretty.

I pondered this for a bit. I really think that the main obstacle is the stinky water at the end of the week and maybe the residue in the vase when the flowers are dead.

I don't think that the water smells that bad. Occasionally, I will have the discoloration in the vase or jar.

I trim most of the leaves away when I cut the stems. The leaves stink up the water. I don't even use the little packet of stuff that comes with the bouquet.

I must throw them out when they start to droop, before the water gets too rank. Maybe roses aren't as stinky because that is what I usually buy.
If I let the vase sit too long full of decaying stems and it does get some residue, I pour vinegar in the vase and let it sit for a while.

I was appalled that not everyone liked having fresh flowers around and I knew it deserved a blog post. She even teased that she might end up on the blog. ;) 

I remembered that I gave her some tulips for her birthday back in January. I guess I won't do that again.

I wonder if the issue isn't the flowers or the stinky water but the vase. The vase is a critical component to a good arrangement. 

I like a nice cut glass vase or I like to use quirky and unexpected containers for my flower arrangements.

Adding a glass jar to a container can turn any household object into a vase. The arrangement will be more interesting.
Pairing the container with something else will make the tabletop more interesting as well. 

I went home and arranged the mums and set the vases in front of my cutting board collection. I took a picture and posted it to Facebook. 

Of course now she wants me to come over every week and take care of her flower arrangements. :)    
I would do that for her. "If you give a teacher a flower....."

Katie
Linking with,
French Country Cottage   
The Brambleberry Cottage  
The Charm of Home  
Common Ground

Roses, Daisies, Sunflowers and More

I thought I would show you some images of flowers that I have had in the house over the last few months.

It has been such a busy week at school that I haven't had time for many projects. I will be back in the swing of things next week. 

  These were grocery store roses. 

They were so beautiful. 

My husband gave them to me to wish me a 

"Happy Spring Break."

These were from one of my darling students who remembered purple is my favorite color.

I thought these from my yard were so beautiful.

I haven't had them so gorgeous in a number of years.

My darling Bill sent me these for our anniversary. He was out of town on business. 

 He has been really drawn to yellow this spring. 

   

Finally, my dear daughter got me these for Mother's Day.

They lasted about a week.

My youngest got me these for Mother's Day.

Can you tell I am into ball jars? They make

such cute vases.

One of my favorite indulgences is fresh flowers.

But I don't always have something in the yard blooming.

Thankfully grocery store flowers have come a long way since I was a young bride.

To get the best blooms check with your store to find out when they get their flower shipment. 

Katie 
Linking with,
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch 
& Newbie Party over at Debbie Doos 
& Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage