Late-April is a special time in my flower gardens. It’s neither abundant in the way of high summer nor riotously colorful like fall. It’s quieter, it’s more particular, and its palette is more restrained. Though many of its stems are delicate and fleeting, its fecundity is remarkable since just a couple of days it ago it was snow flurrying here in Pittsburgh. The April garden is especially compelling in terms of florals for celebrations and entertaining because its gifts can’t be replicated at any other time of year.

It’s at this point in spring that my gardens are becoming productive and useful. It’s when material I can actually incorporate into my event florals and my in-home floral design is coming out of the garden at a decent volume. The April garden is producing flowers that become brides’ bouquets and dining table centerpieces. It is providing blooms that celebrate both small moments on a mantelpiece and life’s biggest, most momentous occasions.

This week, everything I’m using in my designs comes straight from my gardens.

I’ve cut Lily of the Valley at its peak and gathered it into a small, hand-tied bouquet, wrapped simply in green satin ribbon. It’s such a pristine and perfect flower. It requires no embellishment at all. This flower is so special it can truly speak for itself so nothing’s been manipulated; nothing’s been added.

For this notably moodier bouquet, I’ve included two varieties of Hellebore, a few stems of the lilac ‘Beauty of Moscow,’ and, for some added quirk: several spears of purple asparagus from my vegetable patch.  

Hellebore, Lilac, Asparagus Bouquet

White and green remains quite popular with brides this year; this bridal bouquet is composed entirely of viburnum and hellebore.

White and Green Bridal Bouquet