Create a Scented Mother's Day Flower Arrangement with Lilies

Moms Do Better Than Sweethearts on Mother's Day
When it comes to flowers, more Americans give flowers on Mother's day than they do to sweethearts on Valentine's Day according to a 2004 Consumer Tracking Study by the American Floral Endowment. According to the American Society of Florists, flowers are the number one gift choice when remembering to take care of Mom on Mother's day .

How About Something Different?
But if you're looking for something a little different than a mixed bouquet, a floral arrangement stuffed with carnations or a bouquet of roses, why not try creating your own unique flower arrangement following a suggestion from Talmage McLaurin, vice president/creative of Florist's Review, America's most influential independent floral trade and design publication.

Scented Flowers
If your Mom loves scented flowers then single stems of oriental lilies can be easily found at your local florist or supermarket. Perhaps the most sophisticated approach, said McLaurin, is to place dramatic architectural flowers in a simple vase, then adding a subtle unexpected touch. Lilies are one of the most versatile of architectural flowers which is why the superstars of lilydom, Oriental lilies - with their large flowers, heady scent and luscious colors - star in so many Mother's Day and wedding floral designs.

Try an Arrangement of Oriental Lilies
For Mother's Day, McLaurin suggests a fun design: ake three Oriental lily stems and three sturdy broad blade-shaped leaves, use Ti leaves or any thick elongated leaves. Roll the stem of each lily in one of the leaves, stapling the leaf into a tall vertical cone shape . Be careful not to staple through the lily stem. Place the lilies into a tall narrow clear vase or large glass, with the lower stems submerged in water and the flower heads emerging only slightly above the vase top.

What Colors Are Available?
The blooms of oriental lilies can be found in elegant white and pale soft pink. Look for the dramatic dark pink stargazer lily with its abundant fragrance and bold color. Even without the ornate leaf wrappings, this simple but elegant arrangement of lilies is sure to be a welcome Mother's Day gift.

Words of Caution
As the blooms open up, there will be delicate looking dark yellow stamens with powdery pollen. It is alright to gently remove these to prevent them from staining furniture, floors and anyone's face when bending down to breathe in their intoxicating fragrance. Lilies are highly toxic to cats and not recommended if your Mom has flower loving, plant chewing cats.

By Adrienne Jenkins