The winter solstice is upon us and the shortest day brings a careful attention to light, one of the elements of design*. Light is defined as the natural or artificial illumination that enables the human eye to see. When planning a floral design for a space it is important to consider this element of light, the time of day, access to windows, artificial lighting or candlelight.
A visit to Longwood Gardens for their holiday display is a perfect way to be inspired.
Longwood Gardens lights up the night with a stunning tree floating on the Main Conservatory Fern Floor and the new West Conservatory floats sparkling trees with dancing water reflections.
Icy white vases filled with white hydrangea, lilies, anthurium, and dendrobium orchids brighten the night with flowers.
Softer white tones of creamy white hydrangea, roses, and tulips are lit by white candles in church windows for a winter wedding.
At Longwood burnt orange uplighting backlights a golden tree with specks of blue ornaments.
Candle light and orange hues in glass vases with water sparkle for a winter wedding supper. Poppies and ranunculus dance with stems reflected in the dappled light.
In the main conservatory, traditional reds and greens are accented with the addition of yellow/gold poinsettia and bromeliad.
Winter floral designs brighten with warm hues of yellow and gold. A fascinating Dutch flower, Gloriosa rothschildiana or gloriosa lily (close- up in picture on the right) has exciting movement and edges a red bloom with yellow. Just a few winter greens, red roses, and red-edged yellow spray roses let the gloriosa be the star.
Outdoors the addition of blue lights adds excitement to the night.
Darker colors bring drama to a winter setting but be sure the lighting allows the rich, warm colors to come alive. Here shiny privet berries add both textural contrast and reflection to the soft, dark centered anemone.
A shiny black vase holds dark purple lisianthus, dark painted palm spathe, red ilex verticillate and red anemone. White garden roses add light and bring attention to the design in a dark winter room.
Many ways to brighten the long winter nights. Bundle up and enjoy this special season.
*The elements of design are the physical properties that may be seen, touched or smelled. They include the following: Light, color, line, form, space, size, texture, pattern, and fragrance.
