Gather Random Flowers

I say, if your knees aren't green

by the end of the day,

you ought to seriously

re-examine your life!

Bill Waterson

Calvin & Hobbes

We usually plant our flowers on the first of May, but this year spring has arrived quite early.  We spent a few days purchasing a variety of flowers to be planted in our rather large decorative containers.  I gather favorites for the front porch, but leave all other choices to my 'significant other' as he has numerous green thumbs that I seem to lack.

Planting flowers together seems to be our annual passage into spring, summer, and fall.  The array of colors surrounding our back deck and walk-way lifts my spirit with every glance.  He will labor over these beauties for three months, but it is a labor of love.  His dedication and tenderness to these plants is like personal therapy, calming and inspiring. 

For three months, I will slip out back and snip little flowers to tuck into miniature vases to give to friends.  I love to clash vibrant colors together or to pick delicate pastels depending upon my mood.  Either way, I lovingly gather random blossoms, thanking them for being a gift in my life. 

Collecting little vases is easy.  I use small salt and pepper shakers with lost lids, jelly jars from Christmas baskets, pickle jars or old apothecary jars.  Any thrift store usually has tiny decorative vases for under a dollar.  I find my self collecting these throughout the year as I give them away and need to replenish my stock.  There is always twine, raffia or old ribbon to add to the surprise little gift.  I miss this outlet of creativity when I run out of jars and we finally put our flowers to rest.

Pick up some flowers the next time you are at the grocery store.  When you get home, divide the bouquet and clip the stems.  Make little groupings without worrying about matching colors.  Then arrange each grouping into a little glass or bottle, placing them around your home or apartment.  Try one by your bed or in your bathroom or by your favorite chair.  Sometimes the kitchen window has a perfect little ledge!  It is surprising how this little gesture of gathering random flowers can brighten our spirits for days.