Flowers are the interior decorator’s best friend — just look at any decor magazine and notice that no room goes without a flower arrangement (or two). But buying from a florist on a weekly basis can get spendy all too fast.

So my secret is to buy bunches (skip the prearranged — they’re usually junk) from Trader Joe’s and make interesting arrangements myself. (I also love going to the flower mart but the local TJ’s is much more convenient for weekly florals.) TJ’s always stocks varied shapes in bunches from hydrangeas to tulips to the classic rose — in addition to fun potted plants.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, last week’s arrangement centered around the color pink. The total for two bunches of roses, one bunch of tulips and a ranunculus plant was around $20!

I like to get as much bang for my buck and split the flowers into a few arrangements. Bud vases are great for the dining table because they add a nice touch without making it difficult to see and to converse with others around the table.

the view from above

I think growing and arranging flowers is less of a focus for our generation than it is for my mother’s — which is a shame! The hubby’s Godmother Berna and Auntie Anita grow the most gorgeous flowers in their gardens and constantly have the freshest flowers in their homes. It’s so easy and yet it makes such a big impact.

The ranunculus plant has provided a few flowers for my bud vases already. I’m hoping this is just the start of my potted plant collection — now, if I can just learn how to have a green thumb!