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7 ways to use spring blooms

June 3, 2014

flower petals as garnish pleasure in simple things

Here in Connecticut, we had a loooooong winter and spring was very hesitant in getting started.  As a result, gardens were a little behind in blooming this year…the usual ‘planting on Mother’s Day’ was stalled big time!  So, when the spring blooms finally started to emerge, it created a sense of celebration like no other year I can remember!

Today, I am sharing my appreciation for the first blooms of the season.  Because, after all, the best part of gardening is appreciating the results!

Here are seven ways I used the first of my garden flowers.

As a garnish.

Pansies are a pretty garnish for a dessert.  I press petals from organic pansies overnight in a book and then wet them with water and add sugar.  (I  know egg whites are usually used for this, but they scare me a little, and I can usually get the sugar to adhere with just water.)

 To make a pretty ice cube.

flower petals in ice cubes pleasure in simple things

flower petals in ice cubes pleasure in simple things

I have always loved adding unexpected items to ice cubes…here, I added flower petals.  They look so pretty at a garden party, bridal shower, or brunch.  I am careful to use flowers that are safe and edible.

 Add to a placesetting.

flowers in a place setting pleasure in simple things

flowers in a place setting pleasure in simple things

What better way to add some springtime to a place setting than to adorn napkins with a bloom from the garden?  Even a tiny garden can spare a few stems for a spring table.

Give to a friend.

flowers to give away

Sharing flowers from the garden is always fun.  I had a neighbor that recently moved into a retirement facility.  I decided to grab some of the lilacs off the bush that bordered her yard when I last went to visit, intending to put them in one of her vases when I got there.  I casually wrapped them in some old sheet music to transport them, knowing the nostalgia would make her smile when she received them.  .

 Bring the garden indoors.

flowers around the house pleasure in simple things

flowers in the house pleasure in simple things

Arguably, the best way to use flowers from the garden is to put small vases everywhere in the house.  A taste of the garden in every room is a great way to experience the season.  Just a sprig or two of a bloom can add beauty and a scent to any corner!

Create an arrangement.

spring flowers in an arrangement pleasure in simple things

Creating an arrangement is a big statement in using garden flowers.  This was a quick and casual arrangement I put together with garden flowers and a clearance vase from Anthropologie for the refreshment table at a monthly garden club meeting…a great way to share my spring garden with friends who love flowers!

As an ingredient.

using spring herbs in the kitchen pleasure in simple things

Not exactly a flower, but the herbs from the garden have already been in use.  I have already made one dessert from some of the mint and, the basil has been utilized for appetizers as well as used as a garnish many times.

What are some ways you used your first flowers of the season?

Thanks for stopping by.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Sand & Sisal.

Category: food & festivities, garden, inspiration | Tags: , , | 1 comment

  • Tracy rooney says:

    Been wanting to read this book for some time but have not yet do so. Would love to win it so I can start reading!!

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