May 25, 2023
Initially called, “Decoration Day,” because early traditions included the decorating of the graves of those who died in service to our country, Memorial Day was first proclaimed a national holiday in the U.S. in 1971, though its origins date back to the Civil War.
Today, Memorial Day is a celebration of our freedom and the men and women who died protecting it. If you’re hosting a Memorial Day gathering this year or just enjoying a small family lunch, below are some tips for setting the tone for your event with tastefully appointed Memorial Day gathering plants and arrangements.
Color Inspiration
Most people opt for the red, white, and blue theme for Memorial Day flower arrangements and planters. However, you might consider selecting one of the three to make a more profound statement — for instance, all-white lilies in red planters or centerpiece arrangements of red gladiolas in white vases. Also, yellow roses represent an appreciation of the military, so they can make a powerful image juxtaposed against an American flag backdrop.
You might also consider picking two colored flowers for your bouquets such as a striking mix of delicate white edelweiss and sturdy red carnations in plain white planters. The variegated red and white striped dahlia hybrid is a beautiful and literal symbol of the American flag stripes. Red roses would also make a strong tribute, and if you love the thought of the three-colored assortment, red roses look graceful with a simple collection of baby’s breath and classic blue hydrangeas. Alternatively, red geranium, white alyssum, and blue Ageratum are the traditional floral representation of the red, white, and blue trio. These can be in planters or pre-planted in the ground for patriotic accents.
Make a Memorial Day Entrance Path
The placement of oversized planters along the pathway your guests will walk on can set the tone for your event. For a statement look, use galvanized tubs in whatever size is relative to the size of your driveway, front walk, or patio edge, and fill them with flourishing red, white, and blue flowers. Some recommendations for these types of planters include:
You can be bold or subtle with your choice of plant combination. Finish off your planters with golden Lysimachia or Silver Falls dichondra, which will blend well with the metal tub and spill out over the sides. If you want, you can add an American flag to your planters or stencil white accents stars on the tubs.
Centerpiece Tribute
A classy, celebratory centerpiece at a Memorial Day gathering can also make a statement and pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom of all U.S. citizens. A dramatic arrangement placed at the center of the family table will help remind everyone what the day is truly about. As an alternative, you can arrange a wreath for your exterior doors to commemorate the Memorial Day wreaths placed on soldier graves throughout the country.
Selecting the perfect plants for your home on Memorial Day can be a meaningful and symbolic gesture. Visit the Flower Works greenhouse in Marquette, MI to start planning and picking out a unique array of flowers and plants for your Memorial Day gathering. For ideas or to learn more about our greenhouse and products, contact us today.
October 14, 2024
This season is all about dark and moody hues that give a spooky look to floral arrangements. Colors such as purple, maroon, black, or dark blue hues give a different twist to a dark and moody arrangement. You can then add other pops of color, such as different shades of red, oranges, and even yellows.
October 03, 2024
With the coming of the fall season comes a plethora of colors, such as golden yellow, maroon, crimson, bright orange, and russet brown. These colors can be reflected in the changing leaves, pumpkins, gourds, and florals of the season. Even if you are not a florist, you can create beautiful centerpieces to use as decorations for your harvest festival celebrations.
September 12, 2024
Just because the prime summer months are beginning to wind down does not mean that you need to become complacent with the outlook of your home garden. Whether you are simply looking to add some flowers to your home or inject some new color into your already lush summertime garden, there is a wide variety of easy-to-care-for flowers that bloom in the late summer and can thrive as we transition into the autumn months.