As the New England landscape grows monotonously drab in mid-winter, it’s only in the Boston Flower Exchange and floral shops that we find good clear reds and tangerines and pinks in living vibrancy, not to mention blue delphiniums, yellow tulips, purple and lime orchids while amaryllis, in softer, paler shades, lingers on. Hunger for color this season makes me think big and bold. I find myself gazing at interior design books and magazines, as much for the flowers arrangements on desk, table, and kitchen counter as for the furnishings and artwork. I have a yearning for warmth and beauty.
For bold statements, it’s good to think mono-floral in February, to consider amaryllis, gerbera daisies, orchids, lilies, and less expensive gladiolas and tulips. Roses, of course, are always with us, particularly as Valentine’s Day approaches. But miracle of miracles, while the world is still swathed in white, or bringing sleet and high winds, tulips, pussy willows, daffodils, and pale pink quince blossoms are making their first appearance at the Boston Flower Exchange.
Just today, I watched a sheaf of red hypericum berries, silvery green seeded eucalyptus, and pinky brown pepper berries being wrapped and readied for a foray out into the cold.
Yes, the season has definitely turned away from the reds and greens and whites of December, and yet Valentine’s Day presses upon us. I urge you to consider flowers other than red roses, whose price zings up with the demand. A bunch of red tulips even – who can resist their sleek heads? (Cut them extra short to start with, as the tulip, like one's nose, keeps growing. ) Delphinium in seriously delicious shades of blue (from pale to midnight) are regal and long lasting. There are two kinds to consider, the hybrid with their dense flowers, and the Belladona delphs with their dancing airier blooms. The former really can stand alone; the latter goes well with pussy willow, or green amaranthus spilling over the side of the vase. Or consider lime green cymbidium orchids in a low square Asian vase, with jade roses. Now there's a Valentine vase your beloved will remember.
