Bridal Bouquet

The bridal bouquet has origins deep in history. The Roman bride and groom would wear garlands around their necks to symbolise long life and fertility. Strong smelling flowers, garlic and herbs would be worn to ward off evil spirits which were thought to be ever present and bad luck.

History of the Bouquet
During the plague in England when it was thought the plague was carried by the wind and bad smells, people would wear strong smelling spices and herbs to drive away the infection. The bridal bouquet symbolised a maid in bloom and the flowers she chose related to smell, colour and decoration, and could be recalled later on when the couple would come accross the same smell, to bring back memories of their happy day.

Today the flowers in the bouquet are a wonderful display of colour and smell, chosen carefully by the bride to enhance the look she wishes to create.

Throwing the Bouquet
This is thought to have originated in America and is usual in the UK nowadays too. The bride would throw the bouquet over her shoulder, to be caught by a single female friend and it would mean that she would be the next one to marry. Equally, the groom could throw his buttonhole over his shoulder towards his single male friends, and the same could apply.

This is a way of spreading the good fortune and joy of the happy couple to their friends.

The Victorian Bouquet
In Victorian times, the language of flowers was first used by lovers to send messages to each other using different flowers, each one having it’s own meaning.

For example, red roses are known as a symbol of love which everyone would recognise. Put them together with freesia which means trust and fern which means sincerity and fasciation, and there is a message for all to see. “I sincerely love and trust you and you fascinate me.”

Tip
When choosing your bouquet, make sure that the overall display does not obliterate the view of your wedding dress. Some of the traditional designs are very large and heavy to handle but look beautiful. Make sure that you can cope with the weight. After waiting while the photographer takes the numerous photos, your arm will get very tired. It is important that the bouquet is prominent in the pictures so you should be relaxed while carrying it.

There are so many different styles available to suit every taste. Take your time and enjoy the experience. Obviously you are going to think about the colours in the bouquet, and the co-ordinating effect with the bridesmaids, but also think about the smell. The lovely smell of freesias or roses will linger in the church, chapel or hotel, long after you and your guests have departed.

Tree Wearing Its Autumn Foliage

Here in England November came in like a lion. This morning I woke to the roaring of the wind and rain lashing the windows. Autumn is well and truly here and winter might be close behind.

October has been lovely – sunny and warm for the time of year. Today is a reality check, November is here. It reminded me of this poem by Thomas Hood.

November

No sun – no moon!

No morn – no noon -

No dawn – no dusk – no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,

No comfortable feel in any member -

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! -

November!

Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to add both texture and color to your fall landscape. These grasses highlighted below will provide airy foliage in the summer and wonderful color in the fall.

Panicum virgatum (switchgrass)
A slow spreading perennial this will get 3-6 feet high. Color on switchgrass is red tinged and textured blades adorn. Adaptable to its location, it does prefer full sun. It will flower from August to September. The seed heads to switchgrass have a cloud effect and has airy flowers good for wildflower meadows.

Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass)
Upright and fountain-like, this grass is very showy. Good for borders or ornamental uses. It will seed from July to August. This will start off green and turn tan in the winter. Plant this in full sun for optimal bloom and show

Spartina pectinata (Prairie grass)
A good drought tolerant grass that is wonderful for dried arrangements. It will grow up to 6ft and flowers June to October. It has hairy scales that some will suffer hay fever from. Prairie grass has a nice color scheme, from bright clear yellow in the fall to buff in the winter.

Sporobolus heterolepsis (Prairie dropseed)
Slow growing grass that reaches 18-30inches tall. It has fine upright leaves, green in the summer and gold in the fall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and likes dry rocky locations. This grass produces pinkish fragrant flowers and its seeds are high in nutrients. Birds love prairie dropseed.

Schizachyrium scorparium (Bluestem)
This is a lovely clump-forming dark green drought tolerant grass that in fertile soil will reach 20-40 inches high. It prefers full sun or partial shade and has a lavender/blue tinge on the base of its stems. This has wonderful bronze fall color that is a lovely late season prize.