Fast Flower Video: Negative Space Arrangement with Poppies, Maidenhair Fern, and More!
I'm so glad the poppies are back on the wholesale market as well as locally in warmer parts of the states! In this airy floral arrangement, you’ll see lots of negative space used to create interest. I love the lightness and brightness poppies bring to an arrangement. I also chose maidenhair fern (generously misted each day) and spirea to keep it all pretty light—along with a few kumquats at the base to anchor it to earth.
Steps
Start with a chicken wire-filled vessel (or a tape grid), and create a wide, airy base with the maidenhair fern.
Next, arrange poppies in a variegated pattern following your design principle of choice, starting from tallest to shortest, creating the bulk of the arrangement’s shape and character.
Add kumquats in low and wide, draping some over the lip of the vessel. Finish with a few sprigs of spirea for a bit of filler, gesture, and lightness!
The poppies continued to stretch open and were so beautiful for several days after these photos were taken, arguably prettier and punchier! We are all delighted to let go of the "these don't last" norm that was prevalent for so long with poppies. Some varieties are indeed less viable for cuts, but the icelandics, shirlies, and peonies, Yes, bring them to the party! If you're growing at home, do water them well a day or two before you plan to snip and bring inside so they are well hydrated from the get-go! Singe edges to seal all that moisture inside and you're all set. That first round of processing is really the most important to keep them looking great. The poppies used in this video came shipped and were well hydrated upon arrival. I snipped, did quick dip, and put them in regular water. They were happy for a week—while some of the blooms lasted 10 days and then some.
Key Points
Keep things sprawling and light, reflecting the maidenhair fern’s natural growth pattern.
Think big with the poppies, allowing them ample space between each other, and significant reach.
Use the kumquats and spirea to accent and draw attention back to the poppies.
Have a project coming up you're using poppies for? Tell me about it in the comments below!
