< Freesia

Freesias are much loved by older ladies. A silver bud vase with freesia and a sprig of asparagus fern was typical in the 1950's. It was also a popular gift for births.

Despite this nostalgia, freesias have a strong role in today's interiors. The newer long stemmed varieties displayed as a solitary flower in a group of identical vases, would match the most up-to-date stylised interior.They also work well in more everyday surroundings, as a monochrome bunch in a simple vase or pot. Minimalism is the watchword.

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Hyacinth >

Everywhere spring is declaring its presence and its power. And if you have a potted hyacinth at home, it suddenly bursts recklessly into flower, claiming your attention with its striking flower cluster and its heady perfume.

Hyacinths are deservedly a much-loved symbol of spring and, although they have been around for years, they are in vogue this spring, when displayed simply in frosted glass or cut short and clustered together.

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< Iris

It is interesting that most of our lovely spring flowers are related to each other, and grow from bulbs or other forms of underground rhizomes (root stocks)! They store their hidden beauty under the earth through the cold months and reveal it suddenly and brilliantly once the new season's warmth appears.

It is not just the flower, but also the sword shaped foliage of many iris varieties which appeals.

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< Ranunculus

Here we are in the run-up to a new millenium. Some people predict that the beginning of the 21st century will be down-to-earth and unromantic. How different from the beginning of this century when Victorians still used the language of flowers.

If a bouquet contained ranunculus it meant the receiver was "rich in attractiveness"

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Tulip >

Tulips are entering their fifth millenium in triumph. There is an enormous range of colours and shapes, from double tulips, which resemble roses, to lily-flowered ones with elegant pointed petals and the wonderful fringed or contorted two or three toned parrot tulips.

Research has shown that peope in the UK see tulips as sophisticated and stylish. Their strong form suits modern interiors very well and mixed with other flowers, they bring focus to informal and hand-tied bouquets.

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