A pair of floral pillows, a light, flowery tablecloth or a posy-covered shower curtain are certain to lighten up inside spaces, but fresh flowers are just the thing for folks who regularly like to switch it up, while also adding the scents of spring.
Whether you go to the grocery store and pick up cash-and-carry blooms to arrange yourself, or consult a florist who will do the job for you, fresh flowers are the quickest and easiest way to cheer you up when it's still nippy outside.
A lot of what we typically think of as spring blooms are available year-round, says the florist. For quintessentially spring flowers, I think of the ones that are only available during the season.
Here are five top spring blooms, most of which she gets from greenhouses in the Niagara region, and guaranteed to add the scents and colours of spring into your home for under $50. These prices do not include the containers.
Heavenly hyacinth
These Easter-y blue (pink and white) floral wonders which produce a densely packed spike of flowers when they bloom, are only seen in spring and offer a strong, yet sweet scent for about $15,
Spring sprigs
Nothing says spring like the combination of cherry blossoms, pussy willows and forsythias. The gorgeous white or light pink of cherry blossoms are the season's finest, while pussy willows are a sure sign winter is gone. Add forsythia's delicate yellow blooms and spring's your season. Costs vary from $50 to $15.
Papery posies
The anemone is a perennial from the buttercup family. Its delicate petals give it a poppy-like elegance and its many bold, as well as understated, colours -- white, purple, fuchsia, red, and burgundy -- make it a versatile choice for a spirited seasonal spray for about $20.
Mini-peonies, minus the ants
Ranunculus is a compact flower that packs a pretty punch because of its many layers of petals and its round head. This precious bloom is extremely popular for weddings, says Bedard. It's one of my favourites. The arrangements are about $40, the container is extra.
The ubiquitous Dutch treat
It wouldn't be spring in the capital without an unabashed overdose of these iconic flowers from the Netherlands. For her tulip bouquet of the can't-miss flowers, she used a pink-purple colour in the double-bloom variety. Twice the petals, twice the floral force for about $30.
-- Canwest News Service
