Floral of the month: Luck of the Irish

Sean Bishop is the founder and owner of The Fox and Olive on Mathews Drive.

“Luck of the Irish” is the perfect March arrangement for a large kitchen island, a foyer table or to create a wow in any room. It includes:

1. Shamrock green hydrangea

2. Seeded eucalyptus

3. Bells of Ireland

4. Lavender delphinium

Primary flower origin: Ireland

Why it works

Line flowers: Uses a selection of long (line) flowers for height and impact.

Shades of green: From bright to muted, the smattered greens make the florals pop.

Quality: The hydrangea and Bells of Ireland hail from, well, Ireland, known as the best grower of these varietals.

For most fresh florals, these tips prolong the life and beauty of your fresh arrangement:

1. Change the water every two to three days. This means removing the florals and washing the vessel.

2. Never use plant food. Sean says, “If nature wanted flowers to be fed food, there would be food in the rain.”

3. Cut the stems every four days.

4. Preen flowers and leaves as they wilt or die.

5. Choose quality stems over cheap ones. Quality and care will prolong the arrangement and more than pay back the cost difference.

Irish Spring soap fragrance is that of the Bells of Ireland.

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