Lifestyle

Decorating with the Gladiolus.

Gladiolus-pink-photo-by-Geraldine-TanIt’s always a joy to talk about flowers.

This week I had the pleasure of photographing the Gladiolus, a Summer flower that originated from Africa.

Gladioli come in a variety of colours, from red to orange, to purple and cream.

I naturally gravitated towards my favourite hues of pinks and yellows. I love how the pink on the petals fan out with a pretty ombré effect.Gladiolus-yellow-and-pink-Little-Big-BellI was interested to learn that the name gladiolus came from the Latin word ‘gladius’, which means sword and symbolised strength, victory and pride. During Roman times, when a gladiator won, he would be showered with gladioli.

The gladioli, being very tall and upright, looks great on their own, in a simple clear vase.

The natural response would be to place them in a corner against a neutral backdrop, to let their beauty stand out.Gladiolus-at-home-photo-by-Little-Big-BellHowever, I’ve decided to place my gladioli against the array of colours on my shelf.

Can you see how the yellows and coral pinks from the flowers, draw your eyes towards and accentuate the design objects of a similar colour on display?gladiolus-photo-Little-Big-Bell-blogUp close you can see how the flowers bloom, as a spiral up the stem.Pastel-coloured-gladioli-photo-by-Little-Big-BellSuch pretty flowers right?

I can’t wait to see how it’ll look once all the flowers have bloomed.Gladiolus-flowers-photo-by-Geraldine-Tan-Little-Big-BellJust a little note now on how to care for your Gladioli.

1. Trim stems diagonally with a knife. I prefer using a knife as I find scissors, if not sharp enough, tends to crush and damage the stems.

2. Place in room temperature tap water.

3. Add flower food.

4. Top up water daily and trim stems every 3-4 days.

5. Place in a cool spot, away from the glare of direct sunlight.Pink-and-yellow-Gladiolus-photo-by-Little-Big-BellSo, what do you think? Will you be decorating with Gladioli? If so, what colour will you pick?

Hope you have enjoyed this post. Wishing you all a wonderful day.

( All photography and styling are by Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell. This post is a collaboration with http://www.funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk )

4 Comments

  1. What a timely posting. I’m moving house soon so don’t want to buy a new tall orchid for a table in my window but I need something tall and fab – these are the very thing. Thank you. Triciax

    • littlebigbell

      You are so welcome Tricia.I’m so pleased this post has come at the perfect time for you xx

  2. Lovely photographs (and words!) Geraldine. I can’t see Gladioli without thinking of Morrissey/The Smiths. I love the delicate colours of your bouquet, much nicer than the harsher oranges and reds, which always seem a bit brash to me. I love your wooden mermaid too ⚓️

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