Each season of the year is cause to celebrate and the fresh blooms of summer can’t be ignored for inviting these fragrant aromas into our homes. I’m delighted to pass along a refreshing, yet simple way to create your very own flower arrangement by following these easy, DIY steps from a floral design veteran, Stephen Sonnier of Dunn & Sonnier Antiques, Flowers & Gifts in New Orleans.

His approach to flower design mimics his philosophy about nature; that “nature is random–not meticulously arranged,” therefore, designs should express spontaneity.

To start, you’ll need the following basic materials (summer florals may vary):

• Knife
• Alum (supports water absorption, optimizes hydration)
• Rose stripper
• “Hulk” hydrangea
• David Austin “Ashley” roses
• Pink field tulips
• Yellow parrot tulips
• Lysimachus, blue and white

1. Fill container 3/4 full of water.

2. Create a base of hydrangea, cut stems at an angle, remove foliage.
3. Add hardy flowers, starting with garden roses, stems stripped of thorns and foliage.

4. Add in field tulips by keeping leaves upright and removing any listless or damaged foliage.
5. Add parrot tulips.

6. Insert blue and white lysimachus to add movement to the arrangement.

Beautiful. Now its time to celebrate the beauty and fragrance of nature in your home all summer long!

For more, please visit Flower Magazine.

Photography | Sara Essex Bradley