Spring '09 :: Mimi's Mechanics

Lawn Ornaments

Spring is the season for new growth and nothing illustrates that fact better than this arrangement. I chose to place the flat of wheat grass directly onto the coffee table rather than putting it in a Lucite or clear glass container. I admit, it is more difficult to water this way. But it is a more natural look, to me, to have the root system exposed rather than on display through the transparent surface of Lucite or glass. I chose gerber daisies, hyacinths, and ranunculi because all three are characteristic of springtime. The gerbers and ranunculi are taller and dance above the grass while the hyacinths are a medium height in between the grass and the taller flowers.

As always, start by letting your flowers get a good drink of water and remove any excess foliage from the stems. I watered the wheat grass the day before so it had plenty of time to drink and drain.

1. Place the flat of wheat grass on top of the garbage bag and trim around the edge with a good pair of sharp scissors. I used heavy-duty contractor bags, which can be purchased at your local hardware store.
2. a & b. Be sure you purchase the water tubes with a pick on the end so they will stick down in the grass and hold the flowers up. Before I put the gerbers in the tubes, I cut two small slits in the rubber cap on the water tube so the stems will fit through. I started with the biggest flower first and gave each daisy a fresh cut as I put its stem into the water tube and pushed the tube down into the grass. Cut the stems at different lengths so the heights will vary.

Pick up our Spring 2009 issue (on stands this month) to see Mimi’s gorgeous completed design!

Spring 2009 | By Mimi Brown | Photos by Jason Wallis