Pitchers of Poppies 2.0

Week 22, as we revisit the 10-year anniversary of the book Slow Flowers

A glass pitcher with brightly colored Icelandic poppies
A glass pitcher with brightly colored Icelandic poppies, inspired by my 2013 version

Icelandic poppies are the theme of this “week 10” of springtime, as they were a decade ago when I created two arrangements for Slow Flowers, the book. I wrote:

“Why do we love them so? Perhaps it’s because of their pure, vibrant petal colors with the charming button-like centers. Or it’s their uncomplicated forms – they remind me a lot of the way I drew flowers as a child.”

Playful poppies in a glass pitcher
Playful poppies in a glass pitcher

Page 36 Slow Flowers book published in 2013
I created two arrangements back in 2013 – including this version with the coral-red poppies and the green-glazed pitcher.
page 37 of Slow Flowers Book 2013
The second poppy arrangement from 2013, with bright yellow flowers and cool, variegated foliage in a glass pitcher

Earlier this week, I purchased four bunches of local poppies at the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market. They were all “mixed” bunches, with mostly bright yellow, coral red, or white options, with a few pale apricot stems. I separated out the white ones for a second arrangement for a vintage cobalt blue pitcher.

2023 arrangement featuring poppies, astrantia anad phlomis stems
2023 arrangement featuring poppies, astrantia anad phlomis stems

Back in 2013, the supporting ingredients included cerinthe and rattlesnake grass. I didn’t include those this time around. The clear glass pitcher is accented by astrantia, bupleurum and mint. I wanted something whimsical to pair with the playful poppies, and the tall, Dr. Seuss-like stalks of Jerusalem sage (Phlomis russeliana) in my front border had the character I sought.

Vintage blue pitcher with white Icelandic poppies
Vintage blue pitcher with white Icelandic poppies 2023

In the blue pitcher with just white poppies, there’s mint, a little bupleurum, and the white astrantia blooms.

detail of white Icelandic poppy and white astrantia
Detail of white Icelandic poppy and white astrantia

By the way, have I mentioned how much I love this Slow Flowers Redux ritual? As with the first time around, it’s so satisfying to set aside an hour or so each week to play, simply play, with local and seasonal flowers. Many of the ingredients are from the #slowflowerscuttinggarden, but the excuse each week to shop at the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market is equally satisfying. I love the team there – they are the true champions of the Slow Flowers Movement, as they provide an important hub for local flowers, connecting florists and the public with the story of domestic flower farming.

Debra Prinzing

Debra Prinzing is a Seattle-based writer, speaker and leading advocate for American-grown flowers. Through her many Slow Flowers-branded projects, she has convened a national conversation that encourages consumers and professionals alike to make conscious choices about their floral purchases. Debra is the producer of SlowFlowers.com, the weekly "Slow Flowers Podcast" and the American Flowers Week (June 28-July 4) campaign. Debra is author of 11 books, including Slow Flowers (2013), The 50 Mile Bouquet (2012) and Slow Flowers Journal (2020). She is the co-founder of BLOOM Imprint, the boutique publishing arm of Slow Flowers.

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Slow Flowers Journal is brought to you by SlowFlowers.com. Slow Flowers is an award-winning online directory created to help consumers find florists, studio designers, wedding and event planners, supermarket flower departments and flower farmers that supply American grown flowers. Founded in 2014, the site has grown to 850 members across the U.S.

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For more information, please contact Debra Prinzing
at 206-769-8211 or 844-SLOWFLO (844-756-9356); debra(at)slowflowers.com.