Content provided in partnership with

Create a May Basket

Southern Living, May 2007 by Reed, Rebecca Bull

Surprise a friend with a beautiful arrangement.

What's better than a garden full of flowers? Finding a basket of them on your front gate. Let loved ones know they're in your thoughts with this easy-to-assemble gift. If your border isn't brimming with color, you can supplement with stems purchased from a market.

One, Two, Three, Surprise!

1. Start with a basket. Choose one large enough to hold a couple of empty jars or a plastic container. We used two small mayonnaise jars, filling them halfway with water. To keep them in place, pack crumpled newspaper into the voids in the basket. In lieu of the jars, moistened florist foam inserted in a plastic container will work well too.

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden: Coolest room on the block: have a bedroom that's way drab and boring? Hang ...; Reuse, recycle, remodel: environmentally friendly materials and techniques ...; Keeping it simple: interior designer Michael Lee finds an overdesigned ...; House of the Year: this craftsman-inspired home is factory-built--proving ...; Dreaming of cabin life: smart ideas for small spaces, plus the hottest spots ...; More »

2. Next, build your base by inserting foliage. Begin with something coarsetextured such as camellia leaves. For color and texture, add 'Plum Delight' loropetalum and Japanese painted fern, making sure that all of the paper is covered.

3. Finish with flowers. Add 'New Dawn' and 'Caldwell Pink' roses first, followed by 'Rheinland' astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii 'Rheinland'). Then, after tucking in a little more Japanese painted fern, strategically place the 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' clematis (Clematis x jackmanii 'Comtesse de Bouchaud'). To keep it from wilting in arrangements, cut into the older, woody part of the stems. Always insert the most delicate-stemmed blossoms last.

4. Secretly leave your arrangement where it will be noticed. If needed, use florist wire or ribbon to attach the basket to a gate or doorknob. You can even place your surprise on the steps or a nearby patio table. Tradition dictates this be done on May 1, but we say anytime is just fine. -REBECCA BULL REED

For More Info

Spruce up your door with spring baskets: southernliving.com/may2007

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2007
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

Create a May Basket

Southern Living, May 2007 by Reed, Rebecca Bull

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Reference

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden

Most Popular Publications in Home & Garden