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Can-do Summer Arrangement

Southern Living, Jul 2005 by Hall, Susan

Forget about that fancy vase. Showcase fiery blooms in recycled tin cans for a look that's festive and fun.

Simple but stunning, these arrangements let you bring summer's warmth inside. We paired brilliant blooms with bright vegetable cans to showcase the season's bounty. Whether you pick stems from your garden or buy them from a farmers market, these cheerful bouquets will brighten any setting.

Canny Creations

Using a colorful can is a great way to give an arrangement a rustic look. Choose cans in vibrant hues, and pair them with blooms in complementary colors. For a different approach, spray-paint an old coffee can in a fun, dynamic shade. Just be sure to avoid getting cut by any sharp edges on the can.

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Here we chose salsa and tomato cans to mirror the warm palette of the blackeyed Susans, zinnias, sunflowers, and other blooms. For added effect, we slipped some cascading cherry tomatoes into the mix.

Five-Minute Flowers

The beauty of this project lies not only in the appealing finished product but also in the ease of creating it. The materials you need-a tin can, chicken wire, wire cutters, and flowers-aren't hard to find. In no time, you can fashion a masterpiece. Whether you go big and brilliant or small and simple, these easy arrangements also make perfect last-minute gifts. Make one yourself, and bask in the glow of summer's lively harvest all season long. SUSAN HALL

MAKE IT LAST

Follow these pointers to keep your petals perky.

* Avoid using rusty cans, as they will reduce the longevity of the flowers.

* Place stems in warm water, up to the necks of blooms, after cutting.

* Remove all foliage below the waterline.

* Add floral preservative to keep blooms fresh. Tip: If you don't have any, add 1 tablespoon of lemon-lime soda to a quart of water.

* Change water often, and recut the stems underwater each time.

Can-do Summer Arrangement

Southern Living, Jul 2005 by Hall, Susan

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