Cold-Weather Color

Blooms can be scarce in January and February, even in the warm South. While you wait for the early spring daffodils and tulips to show their heads, it takes a little ingenuity to create bright arrangements.

We asked floral designer Sybil Sylvester to focus her expertise on this cold-weather dilemma, and she shared these ideas for creative, lively winter presentations.

Use simple touches of greenery to add life to your house. Magnolia leaves are easy to find and they look lovely floating alone in a vase or crowned with a single flower. Acuba leaves, with their variegated appearance, make a colorful addition as well. Try wrapping them around the inside of a vase with a few flowers floating inside.

Ivy is another versatile plant that grows all winter long. It makes a bold statement when swirled around the inside of a clear glass container.

Herbs offer another option. Their leafy green textures last through the cold months and lend a whisper of fragrance to your home. Rosemary's spiky shape adds interest to an arrangement. Sage's furry underside softens any grouping of flowers. Thyme's pleasant aroma serves as a small reminder that spring is quickly approaching. Experiment with big bunches of a single herb and mixed bundles of several different varieties.

Pansies are often overlooked. Although not common in arrangements, they remain plentiful all winter because of their hearty nature. A thick bunch of pansies yields a lovely presentation bursting with color. Try grouping bouquets of pansies with a few of your favorite herbs to create an unexpected treat for the senses.

Camellias are also blooming now. They work very well in clear glass arrangements and display beautifully when placed in a bed of damp moss. They can also be floated in water for a simple, elegant effect.