How to Make a Pretty Farmhouse Flower Bouquet

How to Make a Pretty Farmhouse Flower Bouquet (updated)

Do you suffer from “No-Talent-For-Flower-Arranging-Syndrome?”  I would have described myself the same way for years.  I simply had no knack for putting a bouquet together.  Over time, however, I’ve come across some tips and tricks that have been most helpful in overcoming “NTFFAS.’  Here are my tips and tricks for how to make a pretty farmhouse flower bouquet!

First of all, I generally don’t go for very formal-looking flower arrangements.  If you do, this isn’t the place for you.  But I do love country-fresh, free-flowing, and even somewhat wild-looking, flower combinations.  Both in the garden and in the vase, I just love that feel!

Single Blossom Bouquet

In the interest of keeping things simple, a lovely bouquet can be built around a single type of blossom.  To add to the effect, match the vase to the color of the blossom.  Below are some of my beloved Mock Orange branches in a matching white pitcher.  Mock Orange was one of my Mother’s favorite flowers.  If you are not familiar with it, it gives off such a delicious fragrance!  We enjoy it for as long as we can.

While some may view this as playing it “safe,” I view it as a very Zen-like move.  I don’t like to clutter or complicate things when I don’t have to.  However, if you do wish to be more adventurous, there are ways to make this happen without sacrificing too much simplicity.

Same Flowers, Different Colors

Stick with one type of flower, such as a Rose, to keep things elegantly simple.  If several different colors are in bloom, enjoy mixing them up!  I didn’t have a whole lot to choose from, so I combined the three colors that I had.

Another view shows how they look in the room.

The Peonies look just as lovely in three colors as well.

It’s hard to tell that the pink shades are different, but they are.  It’s a very subtle difference.  Here is another view.

Bouquet with Different Flowers and Colors

Now, if you’re feeling even more daring, combine different flower types and colors!  I love these Field Daisies paired with Geum from the garden.

Here are a couple of more views to show how these look in this room.

Adding Herbs to the Mix

Here is a bouquet that uses some Mint to add interest, as well as fragrance.  The only other additions are Roses and Daisies.

For another view, you can see the mint more clearly on the right side.

Wildflowers and Weeds

Bouquets made of “weeds” can be delightful!  I believe they are actually wildflowers, although some of them can get a bit bossy and aggressive.  Oh well.  Here is a bouquet I gathered from the wilder areas on my property.  As you can see, I’ve thrown caution to the wind and collected different varieties and colors for a bright, cheerful bunch!

This brings back memories of my children picking blossoms out in the meadow for me!  It is such a gray, rainy day, which makes me appreciate these colorful beauties all the more! (If you look out of the right side of the window you can see my Evening Primroses in bloom. ) Here is a closer look at this grouping, containing Field Daisies, Clover, Hawkweeds, and Wild Carrot.

Finally, herbs can be a wonderful alternative to flowers!  In one of the bouquets above, I added mint to the flowers.  In the picture below, I left out the flowers.  Instead, I’ve grouped together some Tarragon, Mint, Oregano and Catnip.  That may sound like a weird combination, but I was looking specifically for tall stems for my vintage vase, which used to be Grandma’s!  The fragrance combination is rather nice.  If you are old enough to remember the first version of Herbal Essence Shampoo, it smells a bit like that.

Quick Tip List:

-Use one type of flower, all the same color, for a sweet, easy, peaceful arrangement.  Use 2-3 stems of said flower.

-For variety, try using the same type of flower, but in different colors.  Two or three colors is enough to keep it interesting, yet uncomplicated.

-For even more fun, use different types of flowers in different colors.  I would start with two or three types at first, then add more as your imagination and confidence increase.

-Use wild flowers and weeds in your bouquets for a true home-spun feeling.

-Herbs are wonderful by themselves or mixed in with your flowers.  They give off wonderful fragrances.

“Bonus” tips:

-Trim the bottoms of your stems at an approximate 45 degree angle, under running water.

-If stems are super-leafy, trim some of the bulk off with scissors to increase space in the vase.

-Place your stems in a container filled with water, and check the water every day to make sure your bouquet doesn’t get too dry.

-Some charming Farmhouse container suggestions include: Mason jars, pitchers, milk cans/jugs/bottles, watering cans, and vintage vases.

-Compost your stem clippings and spent blooms.

-Use discretion with fancy longevity solutions.  Some suggestions contain sugar.  This tends to attract ants in my house!  I won’t recommend any such solutions, as I find using plain water is sufficient.  However, you have to do what you see fit.

-Remember to enjoy your flowers, for their loveliness is fleeting.  Perhaps take photos, or if you are artistic, paint a picture of them while they are giving you their best show!

If you have “NTFFAS,” suffer no more!  And what are your favorite tips for arranging flowers?  I’d love to know in the comments.

Happy Flower Arranging!

<3

Wendy