A very very wise man once said that “After women, flowers are the most lovely thing that God has given the world” Well thank you, Mr. Dior, there is no doubt you are very astute and that we are very lovely indeed, but enough about us girls and more about flowers…
Flowers uplift any space and take it from drab and lifeless to beautiful without airs and graces – bunches of flowers can be simple or extremely sophisticated depending on the occasion and the personality of the floweree (new word meaning person who has the flowers in their space) The current trends toward less structured arrangements and toward field flowers and arrangements in monotone or “dirty” colours, using flowers only locally grown are all exciting trends to look at. so lets look already and stop gabbing.
These are the top trends for 2017 according to Country Living
1.Dahlias – with so many varieties Dahlias can be very versatile and are hugely popular right now. The most popular colours this year being dusty pinks, peaches and cream, and creamy colours. Here they are mixed with Peonies my absolute favourite flowers.
2. Hanging Arrangements – to be seen EVERYWHERE these are so magnificent – everything from hanging hoops to elaborate rectangular constructions, deconstructed hanging air plants – these are such big news and lift the eye creating so much space. To be seen in the magnificent Babylonstoren wedding venues – they are a super hot trend and hopefully will be for a long time to come.
3. Farm Fresh Flowers – Like the food to table trend in fresh produce we’re seeing the same trend in flowers, with local varieties that do not have to travel great distances being the preferred blooms. It seems illogical to trade a massive carbon footprint for cut flowers that are already 5 days old at least when you buy them. This means we’re looking at locally sourced varieties that are seasonal. A refreshing and earth-friendly trend!
4. Red Wine Hues – Lots of deep wine tones to be seen in arrangements from cabernet to pinot noir and burgundy which all couple nicely with more delicate jewelled tones and softer pastels.
5. Tropical Plants and Green Arrangements – we have seen a huge increase this year in stills companies requesting tropical plant locations and everywhere we’re seeing enormous vases filled entirely and to great effect with Elephant Ears or delicious monster leaves. Tall architectural fronds of Arumlilies are also magnificent in oversized simple glass vases. Simple, and yet they create such a statement AND they last for weeks with minimal requirements except water and to be kept out of direct sunlight.
6. Green arrangements – following on from this is the trend toward arrangements made solely of foliage. keeping costs down substantially you can make stunning arrangements with plants such a slaender, rosemary, olive branches as well as lots of wonderful varieties of fynbos if you’re lucky enough to live in the Cape.
7. Muddy Colours – Arrangements in toned down muddy, ” dirty” colours continue to be popular and counterbalance with the softer buttery hues that are also big news this year as well as the stunning Dusty rose which is a toned-down version of the soft pastel pink. Magnificent in roses and peonies.
8. Combining Sculptural vegetable elements with flowers and foliage – Beautiful artichoke heads, Turnips, red cabbage, Kale combined with more traditional flowers and foliage make a remarkable arrangement.
