Whilst we regularly provide sympathy flowers that reflect the likes and dislikes of the deceased, we also like to work with seasonal flowers wherever possible. They always seem to lift the spirits a little and seem to fit naturally with their surroundings. We thought we'd include a few photos to show you the difference between the seasons.
SPRING
We've worked with some beautiful spring flowers this week (narcissi, anenomes, tulips, pussy willow etc) and the mix of colours just heralds slightly warmer, sunnier days....if only this were guaranteed. Whilst the wreath was a large piece, we accompanied it with small hand-tied arrangements for other members of the family.
WINTER
Demonstrating the complete opposite to spring days, we've attached some photos taken of a funeral which took place in thick snow...it was interesting sliding over to the funeral directors, but we've never failed to arrive anywhere yet. The family had chosen to have some photographs taken at the funeral by
http://www.jeffoliver.co.uk/ and kindly sent the photos over for our use.
As you can see, we decided to dress the lovely natural casket with a garland of seasonal foliage, berries and germinis, and then provide a lovely wintery top spray of pussy willow, amaryllis, germinis, hypericum, chincherinchee and paperwhites. Not only did it look lovely, but it smelt so festive too. The family used the spray as part of their christmas decorations after the event, which ensured that the flowers and happier memories lasted through their family Christmas.
SUMMER
Contrasting again to the snow above, summer sympathy flowers can be a mass of colour and texture given the array of flowers available and we've chosen an early summer casket spray of peonies, astilbe, delphiniums, gladioli, panicum fountain, lisianthus and ammi majus to show how soft and pretty sympathy flowers can be.
We've also included a wonderfully colourful butterfly using hydrangeas, sedum, lisianthus, roses, chincherinchee, eryngium etc, all summer flowers.
AUTUMN
Now whilst sunflowers may be seen to fit into the Summer season, for me they are reminiscent of late summer / early autumn. They are always striking and shown off to best effect alongside willow and foliage in this small spray.
We've also included a spray in autumnal colours using gladioli, skimmia, germini, calla lilies and orchids...whilst some are late summer flowers (and indeed some are year round), the whole arrangement was designed to be bright, cheerful, yet seasonal.
Whilst not the cheeriest of subjects to discuss, I think the photos demonstrate why all our florists love working with sympathy flowers and creating something that has a lasting impact and impression amongst families at a time when they need it most.
