Springtime Centerpiece: Happy Daisy Flowers Indoors.

Today I wanted to put something happy into my home. Is there anything happier than daisies? I love this simple flower. I grow Shasta Daises in my backyard. You can, however, find a bundle of these beauties for five dollars at Wallmart, or any grocery store will have daisies.

Spring is on the cusp of being here and I am too excited to wait, so I made this sunny springtime arrangement for my bar. If you want to do the same with your flowers, you start with purchasing a floral sponge at a craft store (it is not expensive). I got this one from Micheals, but I cannot remember it's exact cost. (Can also be found at your local dollar store for: well, one dollar. ;0) It is different from styrofoam because you can mold it by pushing in on it with your fingers (a bit like playdough, but more sturdy).

This type of floral sponge will hold water, so your arrangement will not die to soon.

Cut the sponge in the shape of your vase. You can use any short vase you like. I like the contemporary feel of the square one. I also use a rounded old fashioned white one.  

You can use decorative rock, glass, shells, or anything really to hide the sponge for a clear glass vase. Here I used glass rocks. 

You can push the rocks down the side to hide the sponge.

 Now take your flower with the long stems and cut off the measured length it will take to push the flower into the sponge 3/4 of the way down to the bottom of the vase and still have the flower reach just above the top of the vase. Snip one flower, now use that cut throw-away stem to be your measure or ruler for the remainder of the individual flowers.

 I snip at an angle, it is better for the water absorption. Also pull off all the green leaves, you will not be able to see them, so they will not add to the beauty of the arrangement. They will breakdown, rot, cause an odor, and make your water mucky, causing your flowers to have a shorter life.

 Take your vase with the cut sponge and your decorative rocks in it and push the flowers into the sponge, taking the stem about 3/4 of the way down. The sponge will hold them into place.

Fill the arrangement out, keeping the flowers at the same level, the flower's petals should just touch the top of the glass of your vase.

See the flower's arranged and note the height placement, as well as the water level.

Add your water and a packet of plant food, if you have it. I have also used sugar before. A bit of bleach or lemon juice keeps the fungi and bacteria at bay. Here's a basic home recipe: 1 quart water + 2 tablespoons lemon juice + 1 tablespoon sugar + 1/2 teaspoon bleach.

Happy Spring; enjoy your flowers!