In reading about the Spring Collections recently we came across this picture in the UK InStyle showcasing the “couture” garden creations which popped up at Chanel, Dior, and many of the major fashion houses.

Photo Courtesy of: InStyle UK

Yes, these lush pieces are gorgeous, but if you break them down the flowers are not that extraordinary and it got us thinking about a few specific roses and one signature green flower that your garden requires in order to create truly bespoke, and unique florals.  

Let’s start with the three roses that are simply for your cutting garden.

1.) Scentimental is not new by any means.  But, you will be hard-pressed to find this unique, paint-splattered rose in an arrangement done by your local florist.  It’s a floribunda that will keep producing throughout the season.  It will not add pop or much interest to your garden in general, but as a cutting-rose it creates standout arrangements with the most amazing perfume.

Close up of ‘Scentimental’ in an arrangement

Scentimental in the yard

Scentimental, jacksonandperkins.com, $18.95

2.) Blue Girl  is also not a new comer.  This hybrid-tea bursts into bloom in silvery, bluish lavender with long hardy stems.  Again, for the same reason it is not a knockout in the yard, it is perfect for singular arrangements.  The color is unusual, subtle and not replicated by any flower-shop finds.  A fantastic bonus is that the perfume is second-to-none.

Blue Girl Rose and Scentimental in a gorgeous flower arrangement

Blue Girl Rose in the Yard

Blue Girl Rose, heirloomroses.com, $17.50

3.) Koko Loko is an absolute rookie!  This newcomer has the color of the creamiest latte.  It is amazingly rare to find a flower this attractive that is a beautiful, nutty light brown.  It gives any arrangement a vintage look and a true elegance.  It carries no perfume.

The ‘latte brown’ Koko Loko Up Close

Koko Loko, edmundsroses.com, $19.95

We have nothing against hydrangeas, but in the spring you can achieve a much lacier and delicate effect by substituting in young Viburnum (also called Japanese Snowball) into your florals.  Viburnum flowers prolifically and while it comes on a sturdy woody stalk the weight of the flower ball allows it to drape just perfectly over the side of your vase.

Viburnum is the green ball on the lower right side

Viburnum amongst hyacinth, peonies and roses

We recommend picking the viburnum while it is still green otherwise it matures into a snow white flower.  Unlike the roses mentioned above, viburnum looks truly lovely in your yard and brings a night garden to life.

Mature Viburnum in the garden

Viburnum, whiteflowerfarm.com

Last Look Florals

Powder Room with Hand Painted Aluminum Flowers Created by designer Katie Ridder. Photo Courtesy of: Elle Décor

Dolce & Gabbana Floral Earrings and Pendant