How to make Sunflower Arrangements

Welcome to another Market Flower Monday! Today I am going to show you how to make sunflower arrangements using green cuttings from your garden and grocery store sunflowers.

I almost hate to admit it, but there was a time when I turned up my nose at sunflowers. Don’t get me wrong, I think they lovely flowers, so bright and full of sunshine. But, all of the sunflower arrangements that I saw were bland and boring.

Sunflowers can be tricky to arrange since they have long thick stems and very top heavy. The bloom itself hangs over with the flower hanging down, making them predisposed to just leaning up around the outside of the vase.

Luckily you don’t need any special tape, chicken wire or floral frog to get a nice shaped arrangement.

In previous Market Flower Monday posts I shared how I start with filling the vessel with greens to create a nice base. I have done the same thing with this sunflower arrangement, this time using greens with thicker woody stems. Clipping them from some shrubs in my yard was quick, easy, and free!

It is important to crisscross the stems of greenery to create a web of spaces in which to insert the stems of the sunflowers. The woody branches will also give a strong support for the stem of the flower to rest against rather than just leaning on the vessel itself. Hence, keeping some blooms in the center of the arrangement.

After you have a nice, full base of greens that you are happy with, begin to add the sunflower stems, one at a time, also crisscrossing them to further add to the web of stems under the water line.

Continue adding the blooms nestling them among the greens, creating a shape that you are happy with. Use the sunflower stems that are particularly hooked around the lip of the vase.

You can also very gently manipulate the stems to help the head of the bloom stand up a bit straighter, but if you use the greens to support the blooms within the center of the arrangement, you will find that they do lay very nicely. Plus, you can turn the stem to ensure the face of the bloom is facing upward.

And, that is all there is to it! Can you believe it cost under $10?

When I think back to those bland sunflower arrangements that I spoke of earlier, I also recall that not much thought had been given to the vase they were displayed in. Often just a simple clear glass vase.

Not to worry though, if that is all you have, the greens are going to really have an impact on the over all look.

My suggestion is to have a look around your home and see what else you could use that compliments the flowers, and elevates the overall look. That is what I did.

I pulled out both this copper bucket and an old yellow enamel pitcher and really couldn’t decide which one to use. I eventually decided on the copper, but couldn’t resist slipping the arrangement into the yellow pitcher to see how it looked.

As you can see, either one makes a great base. Both add character and interest to the overall look of the arrangement.

Displayed on my DIY tin lined tray, it looks stunning in my screen porch. Now that we have had a few days without stifling humidity, I have been spending the mornings enjoying a cup of tea and writing my morning pages out there.

Now, it’s time for you to try your own sunflower arrangements!

I would love to see how they turn out. The beauty of floral design is that it is as individual as any type of art. Whether you make one exactly like mine, or one that is wildly different, as long as it speaks to you and makes you smile, then it is perfect!

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Until next time…..