A Spring basket for sharing

by Rosie Gray, Galloway Flowers, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway.

Where to begin with funeral flowers?

‘Tell me about your Mum & her Garden – what did she like?’

was how the conversation started. A daughter’s memories came tumbling out as she described growing up in a cottage garden filled with colourful flowers.

She shared how her Mum loved the 'Flower Fairy' books by Cicely Mary Barker & reading them to her children. Similar memories were gathered from other family members so among the flowers used to make the funeral display, I was asked to include some of the 'Flower Fairy' stars which were in season.

‘And we were wondering if we could give the flowers to my Mum’s friends after the funeral? As she was known for her lovely garden, this would be a nice memento.’

Cues for creative inspiration

Rosie’s beautiful selection of seasonal April flowers

Taking these family requests as inspiration, I chose April flowers represented by the following flower fairies: Heather, Stitchwort, Bluebell, Daffodil, Lady's Smock, Heart's Ease, Cowslip, Snowdrop, Willow Catkin & Forget Me Not.

It was surprising how many 'Fairies' could be found once I began to look around our flower field & garden.

I used a little artistic licence by including several garden cultivars which I had growing rather than using all wild varieties. My garden flowers included six types of mini daffodil, and a leucojum ‘Snowflake’ to represent the Snowdrop fairy and also a Spanish bluebell as our native ones weren’t yet in flower.

The practicalities

Creating a shareable basket arrangement filled with jars.

I filled this pretty willow basket with 8 jars, held in place with sphagnum moss. Each jar contained a posy of spring flowers. After the funeral, it was easily shared between eight friends who could each take a posy home to enjoy.

I tucked tiny viola plugs in the moss around the edge too. The family later planted these in their own gardens.

Everything was grown here in Dumfries & Galloway and it was satisfying that the basket could be reused, the flowers composted and the glass jars reused or recycled. It was a lovely way to remember and celebrate the life of a lady who loved gardening.