A Florist's Guide to Woodland Flowers
Woodland flowers lend a natural elegance to any floral arrangement, embodying the beauty of untamed nature. These blooms thrive in the shade of trees and offer a palette of colours and textures that can elevate your floral designs. Here’s a flower delivery guide to some popular woodland flowers and how best to incorporate them into your arrangements.
1. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Description:
Bluebells are known for their delicate, bell-shaped blooms that hang in clusters. Typically found in shades of blue, they can occasionally present as white or pink.
Usage:
Arrangement: Their drooping form makes them ideal for whimsical, loose arrangements.
Season: Best used in spring, as they bloom from April to June.
2. Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)
Description:
These flowers feature white or pale pink petals surrounding a golden centre and have a charming, ephemeral quality.
Usage:
Arrangement: Use to create a soft, romantic touch in bouquets.
Season: Emerges early in spring, often before the trees fully leaf out.
3. Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)
Description:
Also known as ramsons, wild garlic has white star-shaped flowers that emit a robust garlic scent.
Usage:
Arrangement: Add to arrangements for height and texture; their fragrance can also enhance the overall scent of your bouquet.
Season: Best used from April to June.
4. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Description:
Known for their tall spikes and tubular flowers, foxgloves come in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Usage:
Arrangement: Perfect for creating vertical lines and adding drama to arrangements.
Season: Blooming occurs from June to September.
5. Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
Description:
This plant features soft, velvety leaves and tiny, star-shaped yellow-green flowers.
Usage:
Arrangement: Ideal for fillers, adding a lush, textured appearance around other blooms.
Season: Available from late spring to early autumn.
6. Meadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Description:
With fluffy clusters of white or pale pink flowers, meadow sweet adds a romantic, airy quality to arrangements.
Usage:
Arrangement: Works beautifully in wildflower styles and can also be dried for long-lasting use.
Season: Blooms from June to August.
Tips for Working with Woodland Flowers:
Sourcing: Always ensure flowers are sourced sustainably and ethically. Wild foraging can be tempting, but it’s important to respect local ecosystems.
Conditioning: Trim the stems and place them in water immediately. Some woodland flowers may require special care, such as storing in a cool place pre-arrangement.
Combining: Pair woodland flowers with complementary foliage like ferns or eucalyptus for a rustic, woodland feel.
Presentation: Utilise natural materials such as twine, wooden boxes, or biodegradable wrap for that authentic touch.
Woodland flowers celebrate the beauty of natural landscapes and can bring a rustic charm to your floral creations. Incorporating these blooms allows for endless creativity and a connection to nature in your arrangements.
