Ah, springtime! Is there anything more glorious than those first few weeks of sunshine after a long, gray winter? (We don’t think so!) When daffodils first start to unfold, the days turn warm enough for weekend picnicking, and the sun starts to set later and later each day — that’s our favorite time of the year. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of spring and the month of May than with floral arrangements and potted plants? Read on, and we’ll give you the lowdown on our favorite botanical picks for May!
Iconic and Timeless to the Max: Tulips
Tulips are always a wonderful choice for springtime decorating. Their cheerful colors are perfect for spring — when you pick out tulips, you’ll be able to choose from these lovely shades: white, cream, pink, red, orange, yellow, lilac, violet, and purple. Some tulips (called bicolor tulips) even have more than one color in each petal!
If you want your tulips to last longer in a vase, it’s important to choose flowers in the bud stage. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the mood-boosting sight of their full bloom for as many days as possible. To take your tulip-preserving efforts a step further, try this easy recipe for a homemade floral preservative. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and half a teaspoon of household bleach. Add the mixture to the water in your tulip-displaying vase. Your flowers will look terrific for at least 10 days — a major plus when it comes to May decorating!
Go Big or Go Home: Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies — a cousin of sunflowers and marigolds, taxonomically speaking — are another beautiful choice for May decorating. They have an “Alice in Wonderland” vibe, and the sight of them will brighten anyone’s (and everyone’s) day. Plus, their sturdy stems make them perfect for flower arrangements. The floral preservative recipe above will keep your gerbera daisies looking fresh and beautiful for longer. As with all flowers, make sure to replace the water in the vase every three to four days, and always make sure your vase is thoroughly clean and free of bacteria before adding water and flowers.
The Coolest Flower You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
And now for a “best kept secret” type of recommendation: While you may have never heard of astilbe, once you bring it into your flower arrangements, it’ll be a game-changer! This flower, which many people say looks similar to a fern, can add an appealingly rustic touch to bouquets (perfect for country homes and any residence with a boho vibe). Often used in wedding arrangements, the astilbe can contribute something unique and unexpected to your May decorating projects. If you like your home, workplace, or event venue to look unusual and to never veer into “cookie cutter” territory, the astilbe’s got your back.
We Love Your Love for Our May Flowers!
If you opt to post snapshots of your beautiful May bouquet(s) to your Instagram feed or stories, don’t forget to tag us at @plantshednyc. On our social media, we love to feature our customer community members’ photos of the flowers we’ve supplied them with!
