Springing for Flowers, Making Memories

March this year, call it lamb or lion, felt like the heart of Winter both coming and going. April started off cold with snow and two nights of hard freeze. 

determined jonquils

For several years, Ruth Renfro, my sister-in-law, and I have created floral arrangements and bouquets for River House weddings and this year, our first was to be April 25th. We have a lot of fun, but it can be hard work too, as when pulling large vines from hardwood trees for embellishing an arbor. 

Ruth and Traylor under a late summer arbor

Due to a cold April we have fewer flowers than usual to supply our creative habit. My greenhouse lags. It's easy to get impatient waiting for Mother Nature to provide, and sometimes, we have to go down the mountain where it is warmer to find the flowers we need.

We remembered that a group of Asian women from Hickory sells cut-flower bouquets at the farmer's market on King's Drive in Charlotte. They put them together on the spot as you choose the flowers you want from the many buckets. 

Traylor was in Charlotte, so he selected them as we spoke by phone.We were able to put together some bright spring colors to go with our hardy daffodils.

serene and understated arbor on a cool day

The Friday that we assembled the arbor was a blustery, drizzly, cold day. We were pleased that the cool humid air would keep flowers fresh. Yet, Saturday, a clear day of seventies and sunshine was perfect for the wedding party to enjoy being outdoors and celebrating a joyous occasion; but, the warm sun was searing enough to wilt the dogwood blossoms we first placed on the arbor.

A do-over was necessary although we had used water tubes for the branches. This time fresh crab-apple blossoms replaced the dogwood and would only have to make it a few hours to get through the ceremony. The smaller size flowers made them less visible, but the effect was soft and spring-like.

 

indoor arrangement

We used white snapdragons, yellow and white tulips, budding lilac, sweet spire, blue and white irises and grape hyacinths for the bridal bouquet and boutonnieres as well as reception tables. 

 Bride's bouquet (photo by Deborah Sperati)

Groom's boutonniere

We got together again Saturday morning to make bouquets and boutonnieres, and then delivered those to the River House. 

young man's boutonniere

table flowers

Finally, we arranged cuts in vases for tables in the dining rooms. Then we scampered away like Easter Bunnies so the party could begin. We were dirty and tired but pleased with what we had done. 

We headed home. 

Our party was about to begin too. Traylor was cooking a gourmet meal so we could put our feet up and relax but still have rewarding good food. He had bought more than flowers at the farmer's market.

Fresh Spring Peas

Pickled Eggplant 

Ruth said, "So, in this part of the world there are some who think

we live in a food "desert," but they don't know my brother."

Rack of Lamb

It's hard to say. Which looks better? The food or the flowers? I loved playing with flowers, but the food had a definite taste advantage. But today, it's all gone. Without these wonderful pictures, thanks to Ruth, it's all just a beautiful memory.