It was a lovely early spring morning and a program dedicated to lovely spring flower arrangements. Carl Clark of the Southern Veranda in Fairhope brought his sister with him for our program. Carla Clark Howell is owner of Papier Boutique here in Daphne and their brother/sister “act” was lively, informative and full of great ideas for spring tablescapes and decorations.

Carl would begin with a base (plastic cabbage leaves or artificial grass) then add a floral arrangement and some plates. He would tuck in some Easter eggs, a large rabbit, a head of ornamental cabbage or some of the artificial grass for baskets around the floral piece and step back.

Then Carla would step up and accessorize the table with “little” things – like a card with personalized note, a small chocolate bunny, some linen hand towels for napkins or some additional seasonal plates. And all the while, they both kept up a humorous brother and sister banter.

While they were working they provided tips:

 Did you know that the closer the flowers are to the water source, the longer they will live? Stems cut short and put into water or oasis last better than long stem arrangements.
 How about adding some candles that smell like chocolate? And the battery operated candles and votives added a more festive note.
 This is a time saver – use the same floral base or wreath and change out the accessories.
 Keep your flowers 1 ½ times the height of the container.
 Use greenery to hold the flowers steady in an arrangement.
 One tablespoon of bleach in the floral water maintains the freshness of the water but make sure children cannot reach the display and that the container cannot be tipped over.
 It takes 15 to 20 tulips to make a flowing display. Tulips continue to grow after they are in an arrangement.
 Carla suggested we start a centerpiece or display for a special event early and add to it for several days until it looks just right. Then when the appointed occasion arrives, Ta Da, you are all done.
 Select a theme such as spring flowers, gardening supplies, or Easter and build around that idea.
 Mix your every day dishes with the good ones as well as using several types glassware and utensils.
 Try keeping your table set all the time with fresh floral centerpiece and place settings. Of course, if your family uses the table for homework, crafts or office work this may not be a great idea. But maybe somewhere else in your home to enhance your surroundings.
 Use your own garden foliage.
 Group identical vases with different types of flowers in each vase.
 For hydrangeas, cut toward the woody part of the stem.
 Personalize place settings with a note to your guests. Also be sure to place a note and small vase of flowers or some candy on a table in the guest bedroom for your overnight guests.

Carl and Carla were an irrepressible duo with many great ideas. And we all received 10% off coupons for both Southern Veranda and Papier Boutique. What a great morning!

This is the season for all things garden with our Garden Club. A trip to the Mobile Botanical Garden is scheduled for March. The plant sale will be March 29 and April 5 at Daphne High School from 7:30 am until 10:00 am. During the last hour on April 5 all flats will be discounted $1. Plan now for your annuals. March 24 we will be cleaning up the beds at the entrances and at the clubhouse to prepare for planting seasonal annuals on Monday, March 31. And take note that the Garden Walk featuring Lake Forest yards will be on May 27. This event is for all residents and a listing of the homes will be available in advance. Homes may be toured only during the stated hours.

Once again, our program was just what we needed for the season and we came away with great ideas.