In a Classical Vase

What you need:

• 1 bunch Pussy willows
• 1 bunch Purple Magnolia branches
• 2 1/2 bricks of wet-pack floral foam 
• a classical vase 9 inches H x 7 inches Diam.
• a bag of Reindeer moss

Supplies Needed:

• bypass pruners
• produce knife

Steps: 4

Cost: $28

Rated: Advanced:

Some parts of the country are having spring weather already, but other places are still experiencing snow. Don't worry, these Pussy willows will make you think Spring, no matter the weather outside.  Here's a shout out to my good friend Carolann, who let me take this photo in her lovely home.

Don't let the advanced rating scare you.  This arrangement looks super easy, but it doesn't have a definite front, back, right and left side.  It is sculptural.  It has to looks good and balanced all the way around.  Ah.  Some of the willows I bought have side branches that fork out quite a ways to the left or right, which make it trickier to balance.  It's OK if they curve at the top, but I would recommend willows that are straight and don't branch off to the side.  It will make your life easier.  

Did you know you can 'force' Pussy willows?  That's right.  If you trim them at a sharp angle with bypass pruners as soon as you get them home and keep them in water (you could keep them in floral foam in water) and in a cool place, in a few weeks the fuzzy part will sprout leaves.  Fun right?  You can actually root them in the wet-pack floral foam, as long as you keep water in it.  So keep theses babies alive!  Here's a link about this: www.marthastewart.com/267547/forcing-basics

Well, if you have your willows, branches, vase, foam, and moss you are ready.  Let's begin