Iuliia Prokhorova, owner of Wild Veggie Bouquet, provides tips for creating the perfect floral centerpiece, making your stems last longer than the party’s duration and more below.
Best Springtime Florals
Depending on where you live or the aesthetic you’re going for, spring florals can look very different. In the north, spring is all about soft pastel colors: delicate pink, pale yellow and light lavender. These gentle hues create a calm, fresh vibe. Here in South Texas, spring bursts with bold, vibrant wildflowers. From deep blues to fiery reds and bright pops of color, our landscape comes alive with color and energy. So first, decide what type of spring you’re looking to emulate.
Northern Pastel Spring: Soft & Elegant
• Pale pink tulips, Romantic and lush
• Soft yellow daffodils, Bright yet delicate
• Lavender hyacinths, Beautiful and fragrant
Pair with blooming branches and wheat grass to reflect a feeling of growth you see in nature.
South Texas Bold Spring: Vibrant & Wild
• Bluebonnets, A Texas must-have
• Indian paintbrush, Striking reds
• Orange cosmos and purple lantana, Playful pops of color
Pair with rustic elements such as wild grasses for a natural look.
Making A Centerpiece Last
Extending the vase life of your flowers is an art in itself, and it all starts with proper processing and conditioning before arranging them. Here are top tips for ensuring floral arrangements stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible:
Prepping: Cut the stems at an angle to maximize water absorption. Remove any leaves submerged in water. Leaving foliage on the stems can shorten flower life due to bacterial growth and excessive water loss through the leaves.
Conditioning: Bulb flowers, such as fresh daffodils, release sap that can harm other flowers. Let them sit in a separate container with fresh water for about four hours after cutting before combining them with other blooms.
Maintaining: Change the water daily to prevent bacteria buildup. Remove wilting stems from your bouquet daily, as they release ethylene gas, which accelerates the aging of surrounding flowers.
Longevity: Keep your flowers cool — no direct sunlight or heat exposure. Use flower food to provide essential nutrients. For extra freshness, spray the finished arrangement with Finishing Touch by FloraLife or a similar product.
Styling Tips
• For an effortless garden-style look, let blooms spill organically over the edges of your vessel, and avoid rigid symmetry. Soft, airy textures create movement, and unexpected elements like seed pods, aromatic herbs, blooming branches — or even seasonal fruits — add a fresh-from-the-garden charm.
• Not everything at once, of course, but a “wow factor” is a must! Add loose stems matching the main centerpiece to placement cards or design a variety of vessels of different shapes and styles in the same color palette for a beautifully curated yet organic feel.
• For pastels, go with soft linens and vintage vases for a refined touch. For bold blooms, use wooden crates to embrace a rustic charm.
• Bring twisting branches, wispy grasses, seed pods, fruits or vegetables incorporated into arrangements. These add depth, movement and a touch of magic.
• If you are hosting a party, florals created for your guests like mini bouquets, individual bud vases or floral ice cubes in drinks add a personal touch.
• One unnecessary tendency I see is arranging everything in a stiff, symmetrical manner — which can make an arrangement look lifeless. To avoid this, embrace movement and asymmetry. Also, consider scale: An arrangement that’s too tall may block friendly conversation, while one that’s too small might not make an impact.
