Pure Potential: Designing with Spring Branches

Kerria, to the ceiling.

Spring has arrived, and it is splendid. In Seattle it is very wet many days, but plants are vibrating from within - that gives us all extra energy. The star of the show right now is the budded branch - pure potential! A collection of sticks, brought indoors, bursts into bloom or leaf in just a few days. Place a branch in a vessel on your kitchen counter, bathroom shelf, mantelpiece and marvel at the magic of Mother Nature right under your nose.

I recently visited a friend at his cabin in the woods, and was impressed by a few branches he had clipped and placed on his woodstove. In the forest this plant wouldn’t have had much visual impact, just another patch of glossy green in the spring woods. But brought into a living room, nearly reaching to the ceiling, bright green, fresh foliage unfurling within four walls - kapow! Context is everything.

This collection of flowering quince, corylopsis, spirea, magnolia and kerria will blossom and leaf out in the coming days.

There is no better time of year to harness the magic of nature in a vase than springtime. When it comes to branches I vote for gentle simplicity or a boisterous tangle - no middle ground! The arrangement will be thirsty. These clipped branches are still full of energy and will continue to grow. Mind the water in the vase and you’ll have an inspiring display for days.

Too wide for the dining table, this arrangement will enjoy a long life on the front porch.

Rubus, cherry & lilac.

My favorite venue for spring branches is in the dining room of Lark, the fantastic restaurant that I provide flowers for each week. I design on Thursday, using a pile of sticks with nubbly buds. It’s all about the lines on that day, their direction and density. I add lots of water to the generous vase and leave to let time and temperature work their magic. When I return on Monday, transformation! Fluffy clouds of blossoms, soft scent and the start of vibrant green foliage. Potential realized, gets me every time.

White cherry at Lark.