Wednesday, June 1, 2011

hydrangeas, peonies, and a french zinc bucket



Hello!
I hope you are all having a great week!
I just wanted to share a few pictures I took of a french zinc bucket that I added to my online shop last  weekend.


This vintage french bucket has an antique french label attached to one side of the bucket...
I filled it with pale pink hydrangeas along with a couple of peonies....


When filling a large tub with flowers, I just put a bucket inside the tub upside down for added height, and then add another bucket filled with water and flowers...
 It is a lot easier to arrange the flowers this way...
At least it is for me. : )



I don't know about you, but I have had problems cutting my hydrangeas for arrangements and then before I know it they are wilted.  
I just recently learned that if you slightly smash the ends of the hydrangeas and add ice to your water, 
your cut hydrangeas should last longer...


I so far have had better luck with my hydrangeas lasting longer when doing this.



Do you have any flower arranging tips and or flower care tips you would like to share?

Thank you for taking the time to stop by for a visit.

Take Care,

Maria



69 comments:

Irene b said...

Maria,love every single pics!!! thank you for this inspiration

Simplegirl said...

These are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your photos here, truly inspiring.

Vær våken said...

Hi Maria! The colors on these flowers are breathtaking! How lucky you are to have them in your garden. I tried to leave a comment on your yesterday's post also, but couldn't figure out how to. Maybe blogger problems...Have a lovely Thursday!!!

Kristin xx's

the fishermans cottage said...

As usual beautiful photos and a great bucket, hard to believe the label is still there. You could also try burning the ends to seal your flowers this works for poppy's to keep them fresh.

I live in the UK and was so pleased to see your beautiful home in my 'Homes and Antiques' magazine, I can now see your lovely home in print :) x

Jessica said...

If you put a penny in the bottom of the vase, it helps your tulips stay straight. It's an oldie but a goodie :)

Margherita Calati ph said...

your style is wonderful, your are always an inspiration for me!!
great photos :*

Robynne's Nest said...

Maria, my Mum used to smash the ends of the hydrangeas also. The only other flower tip I can think of is to prick the top of the stems of tulips...right up below the flower...right through with a needle or pin...this stops the flower head drooping as it prevents too much water being absorbed. Robx
p.s. lovely photos..great bucket.

martinealison said...

De superbes photos pour le plaisir des yeux...
Bisous

wandalee said...

well, personally, I don't put my hydrangeas in water - I just arrange how I like and then they "dry" and last a loong time :-)

Rumour has it said...

Hydrangeas are always so fresh and full of beauty! These pictures bring me into a happy mood... :)
Best regards, Marjolijn

Tiff said...

What stunning flowers! Your galvanized bucket looks so gorgeous, there is something just perfect about matching hydrangeas and metal! X

It's me said...

So beautiful.....come and join my give away is you like flowers....xxx...lovely day...xxx..

Consuelo said...

Love each photo!So beautiful...
Thanks for inspiring!

Kellie Collis said...

How lovely! I think any flower would be so beautiful in it. Have a gorgeous day, Kellie xx

Unknown said...

woww i love all imagines. so simple, but elegant and pure! The colours and the objects that you choose are amaing!
so inspiring me

Rosita said...

Beautiful pictures!

If you want to keep hydrangeas nice and perky for a long time, dip the ends of the stems into powdered alum before arranging. It works like a charm.

NanaDiana said...

BEAUTIFUL images-dreamy and lovely! I adore the zinc bucket filled with flowers!

I don't always comment because I don't always have time but I do look and love! Hugs- Diana

Screaming Meme said...

Your photography touches me...It is so beautifully done...It needs no words...simple...refreshing and inspiring...You are truly talented! It is so fun to come and visit your blog! I wanted to let you know, I am having a Chalk Paint Giveaway (2 cans)…Stop by and check it out…And I have a few finished projects…a slipcover with ribbon ties down the backs, a chalkboard I revamped and a new piece of furniture that orig. was $2300 that I snagged for $200…and the story about trying to get it home! lol :D lol

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Maria ~
I love your bouquet!! It looks just beautiful!
I have been having a really hard time picking my hydrangeas too! I want to find out how to dry them and have them keep some of the color ~ If you have any tips please share them with me :)

xoxo
Lori

Caroline (Piorra Maison) said...

Just beautiful. Great tips. I will try this!
Carolie

Tricia said...

Oh my, that bucket is just yummy...it looks so pretty with the hydrangeas and the peonies. I don't really have any flower advice, I have heard the tip about smashing the ends though, but that was for lilacs :)

{northern cottage} said...

this is absolutely GORGEOUS...thanks so much for sharing and starting my day off with this lovely image!

www.northerncottage.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful post Maria! I love the big buckets you always fill with beautiful flowers! I always get so many ideas and so much inspiration when you do a post. :)

I work in a flower shop and to keep the hydrangeas longer we cut the ends...do not smash them...and dunk the heads of the flowers in a bucket of cool water for about an hour. Just shake them lightly to get off the excess water and they should last longer for you. Hope that helps!

Sarah

Leah said...

Your pictures always make me smile

Unknown said...

I love that bucket Maria!!! Your photos are gorgeous as always!!! I wish I could grow hydrangeas as pretty as yours...

xo

:) T

Patina said...

LOVE this post and that bucket! Your hydrangeas are so soft and sweet!

High Street Cottage said...

Hi Maria, I gave this tip on my blog, it's just something I do if I'm having company and no time to arrange, I purchase posts of flowers and set the pot directly into the vessel I'm going to use until I can go back and arrange them properly, it's quick and easy, particularly if you have antique crocks or large buckets like yours etc. And there's lots to do to get ready.

High Street Cottage said...

Hi Maria, I gave this tip on my blog, it's just something I do if I'm having company and no time to arrange, I purchase posts of flowers and set the pot directly into the vessel I'm going to use until I can go back and arrange them properly, it's quick and easy, particularly if you have antique crocks or large buckets like yours etc. And there's lots to do to get ready.

Michelle said...

Hello! I recently found your blog (and added to my reader) when googling "white paint". We are about to paint our walls all white this weekend and was hoping you could recommend a good white wall color (something warm as we have a lot of walls, lots of light and high beamed ceilings). Would I do a pale cream? I tried a patch of BM white cloud earlier in the week and it was too white. Thanks if you get a chance to respond. Best, Michelle

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

So pretty! I love the bucket~ Hugs,Rachel ;)

French Farmhouse 425

Heidi said...

Very pretty! I have hydrangeas, but not white! I need to find some white hydrangea to grow! Your photos inspire me!

Dreamy Whites said...

Hi Michelle,

I just wanted to suggest a Ralph Lauren color, called Country Dairy. I painted my bedroom walls that color and love it. It is a nice warm white. Home Depot should still have the formula, if not you can go to the Ralph Lauren website and find a local paint store that carries Ralph Lauren Paints.
Benjamin Moore also has a warm white that I like called
White Dove.
I hope this helps!
Take Care,
Maria

DustyLu said...

Beautiful! Beautiful! Hugs lulu

Brooke ~ The Eclectic Cottage said...

That zinc bucket is gorgeous! I love hydrangeas too, they're my favorite! I like to add a little bit of lemon juice and sugar to my water when arranging flowers. The sugar helps the flowers take up more water and the acid from the lemon helps keep bacteria from developing in the water.
Hope that helps!
~Brooke

Lara said...

Hi Maria :)

I just LOVE when you post! It is like opening up a fresh new magazine.. only better!

Your hydrangea arrangement is absolutely gorgeous in that zinc bucket - LOVE these pale colors! A few weeks back I purchased hydrangeas stems from the store & when I woke up they were all wilted; I was so bummed.

Your photography is so dreamy to my eyes!! I am hoping to order again from you soon!!

Hugs,

Lara

Deborah said...

Beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

LOVE that bucket, Maria, and the flowers you chose to display in it... the colors are sooo pretty!! I'm always glad when you share your product pics with us... always inspiring!! :)
xoxo,
Jo

Burlap Luxe said...

A favorite flower of my daughters and I, your photos are fabulous! Breath taking beauty can always be found over here with you!

Love the Galvanized zinc bucket perfect in every way!

xx
Dore

joanne said...

beautiful ! glad you learned the secret to extending the life of hydrangeas and passed it on to us....thank you...love your postings

Fairfield House said...

Maria,

If you'll soak the hydrangea flower in a bowl of lukewarm water for 20 minutes before placing it in an vase, it will hydrate the flower and keep it fresher looking longer. Place the hydrangea flower upside down in the bowl of water. Be sure the entire flower is fully submerged in the water while it's soaking.

Your Friend,
Deborah

bikim said...

lovely your photos!
****
happy weekend,
Rosa

Rachel Callaghan said...

Gorgeous photos and fab blog! Another tip for hydrangeas - pick them, then soak them overnight UP TO THEIR NECKS in water, before arranging the next day. Seems to work for me.... Keep up the good work. Rachel

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Maria,
I really love the huge bucket and the image on the side is perfect.
The flowers are so pretty.

hugs
Sissie

Sweet Young Journey said...

I love this french bucket! Your hydrangeas are so beautiful!
I have one that's similar and i like putting hydrangeas in mine too!
hugs, Cheryl

Stacy CUrran said...

I have never heard about adding ice....it's so hard To cut my precious flowers, but knowing they will last a little longer will make it easier. Thanks for the tip.
Stacy

Coastal Health and Home said...

Dear Maria,

Love the flower arrangement!

They just happen to be two of my favorite flowers.

Best,

Coastal Blue Ocean

Rebecca said...

I am a florist and dipping hydrangea stems in powdered alum is the way to go. The stems contain a sticky sap that prevents them from taking up water; the acidity of the alum prevents the sap from clogging the stems. Even wilted hydrangea heads can be revitalized by giving them a fresh cut and a dip. Thanks for your inspiring photos :)

Jeannie B. said...

Simply beautiful. Love the gray bucket against the white.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Hydrangeas are my favorite!
Your photos are gorgeous and thank you for the tip to making them last longer!

Alli said...

Hydrangeas like short stems and no leaves! Gets all the nutrients to the flower easier and not to the leaves... they will last SO much longer using this tips.

Unknown said...

I've always loved to see flower images. So serene and lovely.
I like to put ice in the vase water or use cold water. That's what I do to care for them.

I'm having a giveaway, hope you can participate. http://priscilapetersdecor.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway.html

Natasha Harrison said...

I need that bucket!! its beautiful and your flowers are stunning, i love the whole idea of it!
Im slowly creating vintage shabby chic thins for my bedroom, and adding them to my blog! and your blog really inspires me :D
natasha http://bonjourshabbychic.blogspot.com/ xox

Mimi said...

Just beautiful! Mimi xx

Rose Garden Malevik said...

Hi Maria
LOVELY Hydrangeas :)
and do not miss

S
A
T
U
R
D
A
Y

S
H
O
W

O
F
F

WELCOME :)
Håkan ( The Roseman)

Arabella said...

I'm in love with that bucket and it is even more divine with the hydrangeas in it! Fabulous shots you captured!

Unknown said...

So beautiful things I see here. I'm excited!

I hope the Sunday will be beautiful for you!
Tine

kate said...

tes belles photos,j'aime beaucoup
bon dimanche
kate

Tina said...

what a wonderful flower!

Lars John Anderson said...

SWEEET! Thanks for sharing the tips! This brown thumb has not been able to get the hydrangeas to grow but this is the year this novice gardener turns it all around! ;)

Michelle said...

Thank you so much Maria! I will check them out today. Best, m.

Anonymous said...

I have popped over to your blog from Sea Cottage...your pictures are beautiful and i love the french bistro chair if i am lucky enough to win i will be sending it to Kerrie of Sea Cottage...i am going to read through your old posts now,
Love Kristina x

Anonymous said...

The alum is the way to go, it also firms up the bloom. You will be amazed at how well it works! Thanks for your always inspiring photos!!

A Bit of Bliss said...

I would adore so many things in your shop with the gift card- I hope I am leaving this at the right place. I especially adore your linens and the bucket just above this comment thread. I love your site- I hope some day to have a home that is as dreamy white as yours! Thank you for your wonderful posts that you share with us all each day! ~ Jessica Pownall
blissinmyeyes.blogspot.com

Brenda Nassarian said...

ARUNDEL ECCENTRICS

here, messaging from
Arundel in the UK.
I found your beautiful blog the other day and have mentioned it a couple of times on my blog here in Sussex.

Its absolutely gorgeous,
The photos are wonderful.
Kind regards
Brenda Nassarian

Essay Writing said...

That was a different thought track. I love your quality that you put into your work. Please do move forward with more similar to this. Thanks for posting about this, I would love all pics...

Queen of the Nest said...

i have a hard time cutting my hydrangas too!!love them in that bucket!!

Shabby Beach Nest said...

My favorite flowers in my favorite form of display on my favorite blog. ^_^ Life is good. Your daughter and her goat are so adorable together!! Just wanted to add that in - such a cute photo.

I also wanted to let you know that I linked to you in my post today. http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/give-modern-bottles-a-vintage-twist/

Thank you for inspiring us!!

~Nicole @ www.shabbybeachnest.com

Sandra said...

Love your blog...discovered it via the Nate Berkus show that was aired this morning in South Africa. My tip for preventing Hydrangeas from wilting is that you must only cut them when they are fully open - the tiny flower inside the petal (size of a pin head) must be open as well. Works for me :)

Anonymous said...

I just discovered a tip to re-hydrate droopy hydrangeas which worked for me. I boiled water in my 4-cup pyrex measuring cup and put my wilted hydrangeas (after snipping a 1/2 inch off stem-bottom first) into the water. Over the course of a couple of hours they perk right back up. I was able to extend the life of my bouquet over several days this way!