It’s March and spring is in the air. At Floral Design by Heidi, we’re staying busy creating new designs and planning for St. Patrick’s Day. We want to share some information about flowers associated with the holiday and a few other facts we think you might find interesting. We also have a fun idea you can use to create your own DIY beer stein floral arrangement.
Featured item - Emerald Isle Vase
PATRICK’S DAY FACTS AND FLOWERS
Did you know that St. Patrick was a British missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland? He is recognized as the patron saint of Ireland, and we celebrate the holiday on March 17 because it is said he died on that date. Celebrations started in the 17th century and spread all over the world.
The holiday didn’t become popular in the United States until 1850, after the potato famine that hit Ireland from 1845-1849. Over a million Irish immigrants moved to cities like Boston and New York, and they brought their traditions with them.
Another surprising fact about the holiday is that the color blue was originally associated with St. Patrick. Since Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of its rolling, green hills, that is why green is related to our celebrations.
The shamrock is also considered a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. But, do you really know why? It is said St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity in Christianity. The plant is considered lucky, but you’re even luckier if you find a four-leaf clover.
When it comes to flowers for the holiday, carnations and daisies are used to signify this holiday. Green carnations didn’t become popular until the 1900s. Its scientific name is “Dianthus,” which translates into two Latin words meaning “flowers of the Gods.” The white carnation symbolizes good luck, so both flowers are a good fit for St. Patrick’s Day arrangements.
Daisies are thought to be a cheerful flower and a symbol of spring. The white varieties are what we use mostly for St. Patrick’s Day, but there are also yellow and green-eyed varieties available. You can also add yellow and white roses to the list, since they are native to Ireland.
DIY BEER STEIN PROJECT
If you want to create a festive floral arrangement for your home, or for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, we have the perfect idea for you. You can create this beer stein craft yourself, without spending too much money. Watch the video below and see how easy it is to make!
Supplies List:
- 12-15 stems of open white carnations
- 1 pair of scissors
- 1 set of garden shears, if needed, for extra leverage cutting thick stems
- 1 sheet of packaging foam
- 1 roll white corsage tape
- 1/2 a bag of green acrylic rocks
- 1 16oz. clear glass beer stein
- 2 St. Patrick's Day picks or decoration of some kind, if desired
Modify proportions and supplies for smaller “beer” vessels.
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—Team Floral Design by Heidi