Creating height and organic interest is a cinch with the right floral elements and vessel. Our family room needed a spring refresh this week so I headed to Le Jardin Francais here in town for an arrangement of preserved Koelreuteria. I’ve been eyeing (and buying!) containers that may be used for everything from centerpieces of permanent elements to fresh flowering bouquets. Whether you’re seeking elegant splendor or a lived-in look, make a natural mark in one of these vases sure to make the leading lady shine.

Vessels Galore

Clockwise from top left

• A note before we begin: This trio of are the perfect size (and price at $22 for 3!) to pop into many of the above urns. My go-to is clear and I make a simple grid at the mouth of my vase before starting any arrangement.
• , $198.
• , on sale from $19-49.
• , $48.
• , $58.
• , $250.
• , $250.
• Rattan Urn, $298.
• Wicker Vase, $165.
• Jardins du Monde Pitcher, $115.

Here is a hot tip: Whole Foods’ floral section has a rack of small bouquets arranged in tall plastic cups for $10.99 each. I buy two and can make a hearty arrangement in the sizable, shorter vase I’m holding. It saves on time and a hefty flower bill!

If you’re local and would like to purchase some preserved Koelreuteria from Le Jardin Francais, I’ll fill you in. They just soft opened a second location on Howell Mill that serves as a green house and offers more of their preserved selections. To get there, drive to Urban Tree Cidery, swing around to the back of the building and you’ll see trees and flowering branches in a big window. The store front isn’t marked yet so this is your clue that you’ve arrived. Bring your own vessel to have arranged or purchase one of their pre-made ones in a glass hurricane.

Happy zhushing dears!

All photos by Mary Catherine Brownfield.