Two weekends ago, when we expected guests, I bought some bouquets from Publix (the 5-day guarantee seems to work), and put arrangements in the family room, on the piano and jelly cabinet, and of course, in the dining room. I really enjoyed having the flowers. Since I don't have any houseplants, they were the only live decor in here (except for maybe a napping cat, but he's practically comatose under the fan, so "live" is a bit of a maybe). But I don't want to spend money on flowers every week. What to do?
Foliage! Greenery! That's what. That lora petulum needs a trim anyway. I plunked a few sticks in a vase and tied a little ribbon around it and called it all done. I think there are even a couple of little blooms. That little vase of green is a spirit-lifter for me.
My home church is a little country church. When I was growing up, different ladies in the church were in charge of different months as housekeeper (maybe it was called "hostess"?) During your month, you'd clean up a little (dust, sweep, straighten up the hymnbooks), and put flowers up front. Seldom were these purchased flowers. Potted plants might be used, azaleas and camellias in Spring; roses, daisies, marigolds, lilies in the Summer, chrysanthemums and more camellias in Fall -- but flowers weren't the only choices. Sometimes there would be a big vase of Summer greenery or Fall foliage or a dried arrangement. And sometimes a lady would resort to one of the artificial arrangements stored in an unused Sunday School room. As a child I did not realize how surrounded I was with natural beauty and grace. Today, though, I am cooking peach preserves and I have this little vase of greenery, and I thank God for these simple things.
4 comments:
What a comforting post of life's blessings. My grandma used to grow glads, and frequently would provide them for the church arrangements. We have a LOT of ferns that grow near the creek and you would be surprised how pretty they are in a vase for a little something live! I bet your home smells great with peach preserves. Enjoy!
Mildred, Boston ferns grow in the shade here. I have put them in as filler before, but I think a vase of just ferns would probably look pretty good.
I second Mildred's comment - what a sweet post, and what sweet memories! When I was a child, I had a great grandmother who was my primary role model for the Christian I wanted to be. Sadly I'm still striving, but she was living it! On Saturdays, Ma Cook would call my mama and the three of us would go from neighbor's house to neighbor's house, and she would cut the flowers and then we would go to the church and watch her arrange them all pretty for the altar. Then on Sunday morning I'd sit during the sermon and look at her handiwork. Ma's been gone for more than 30 years, but I still have very fond memories of times with her! Thanks for reminding me once again. Becky
I always have a vase of flowers somewhere in the house, but have also used clipped greenery from time to time. I wish my gardenias had bloomed longer, as I love to have them floating in water around the house to scent the air.
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