DIY: A Welcome Hint of Spring

Depending on where you live, the last weeks of winter can seem to drag on. Consider bringing a taste of spring inside with simple foliage in a pretty arrangement using clear glass vessels.

For a simple, contemporary look, use a single type of leaf in each vase, pitcher or jar.


If you don’t have your own selection of greens outside, stop by your local florist’s shop, where you’ll find plenty to choose from. Look for a variety of leaf shapes, textures and sizes. I used aspidistra leaves, areca palm fronds, ruscus aculeatus (butcher’s broom) and gypsophila paniculata (baby’s breath).


You may already have all the vases you need. Gather pretty bottles, small hurricanes, empty candle jars and clear glass pitchers. Wash all the vases thoroughly to be sure they are crystal clear.


Vase 1. A casual bouquet of areca leaves. I started by removing damaged and wrinkled bits of the palm fronds with small scissors.


Then I arranged four in a loose fan shape.





Vase 2. A graceful gathering of aspidistra. The stems were too long for the size of the vase, so I cut them for a sturdier arrangement.


Vase 3. A bundle of baby’s breath. Gypsophila paniculata’s delicate white blooms nicely fill a short, wide container.





Just trim off the branches and place the blooms in a glass jar to fill it completely.


Vases 4 and 5. Solo selections. One beautiful aspidistra leaf or sprig of ruscus aculeatus may be all you need for a slender vase or jar.

If the stem is too soft, use a very simple trick: Loosely wrap it in a thin wire to help it stay upright in its vase.



Vase 6. Smallest vase of all. Separate some ruscus aculeatus leaves to fill in a short, square jar that perhaps once held a candle.


Add clear water, arrange the vases in a pleasing group and enjoy. Spring will come again.

More: The ABCs of Arranging a Vignette

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