Laura Kings Top 5 Favourite Flowers

Kia ora Friends and Whanau, 

It was great learning all your favourite flowers for my birthday giveaway. It made me think of my favorites and why. When I took a moment to consider, it amazed me why I love some flowers and therefore floristry. Sometimes the flower raises strong emotions and memory's and sometimes its just really functional. So here's my top 5.

Phalaenopsis Orchid 

Every time I see one it reminds me of warm tropical floral getaways and relaxing in the heat. They have some vivid colours like cerise pinks and striped purples. The natural shape of the stem is perfect for cascading arrangements and the individual flowers can be wired and taped for wider use in bouquets. Sure, they're are a wee bit of a luxury flower.

Freesias

When I was a little girl in Rangiora the scent of Freesias from both my Nan and Grandma's gardens became a core memory where, to this day, every time I work with Freesias I get the warm feelings. Freesias are a bit of joy in the North Canterbury winter as they're one of the few scented flowers readily available for Bouquets and Arrangements in those months. I like to think of them as cute little joyful trumpets.

Sweet Peas 

Another core memory for me here that takes me back to my Nan and Grandmas gardens but also I'm pretty confident growing these ones myself! Again they have a lovely scent and plenty of colours. They're a great flower for a posy having a shorter stem and as a mix with Freesias to make more delicate designs.

Oriental Lilies 

These are great statement flowers for a bouquet or arrangement and, in contrast to the Asiatic Lily, the Oriental Lily is scented. Longevity is always a question with cut flower arrangements so I love that, when cared for well (see my soon to be released video on care), Oriental Lilies have a better longevity than most. I always pull the anthers off the stamen when the Lily starts to open as It prevents the pollen staining the flower (or clothes) and i just happen to like the look of it this way too.

Sunflower 

Well this fella just gives and gives. They're unmissably large and undeniably summer and sun shine. Even when the petals have dropped they remain an interesting texture to work into flower bouquets and arrangements. Lastly...I can eat the seeds.

Well that's my top 5 for now, leave me your thoughts below,

take care of your flowers and each other. 

Laura King