| "The world's favorite season is the spring. All | | | | vase in a sunny window. In two to three days |
| things seem possible in May." -- Edwin Way Teale | | | | you'll have a vase of vibrant blooms that |
| Colorful flowers are an easy way to shake off | | | | anticipate the bounty of flowers on the outdoor |
| the doldrums of winter and prep you for the | | | | shrubbery when the weather warms. |
| spring. There is nothing like an array of tulips, | | | | Fresh fruit is an additional element you can add to |
| daffodils, or hyacinths to brighten the decor in our | | | | revive your kitchen or dining room. Remember, |
| homes, and the festive colors also put an extra | | | | the brighter the color the brighter the effect it |
| Spring in our step! Even if you did not have the | | | | has in the space and on your mood. Multiples of |
| time last Fall to plant bulbs such as tulips or | | | | the same type of fruit will make a bigger impact |
| hyacinths, you can still find a wide variety of | | | | versus an assorted fruit basket. Granny Smith |
| these plants already in bloom in your local garden | | | | green apples are not only delicious, but have a |
| shops. Pick dynamic color combination's - such as | | | | longer shelf life of approximately three to four |
| red and yellow--to make a vivid statement during | | | | weeks. Oranges, lemons and limes will also add |
| some of the expected April showers! Re pot | | | | that natural spring color to your table or kitchen |
| purchased flowers into your favorite pot and | | | | counter. Choose your container carefully to make |
| place them in a sunny spot in the house for | | | | your presentation more effective. Set aside the |
| maximum impact. A special fringe benefit is the | | | | conventional woven basket and use items such as |
| delightful fragrance of such spring plants as the | | | | oversized glass bowls, copper or silver platters |
| purple hyacinth. | | | | with attention-grabbing handles, colanders in |
| Another easy way to get a head start on using | | | | colorful patterns, or ceramic flower pots for an |
| spring flowers to brighten your home's decor is to | | | | earthy effect. If your table top area is expansive, |
| "force bloom" early flowering shrubs such as | | | | select three containers of varying heights and |
| forsythia, wisteria or spirea. It's quite easy to do. | | | | sizes for a display of equal proportions. |
| Just bring in several small branches of any of | | | | So take a few minutes out of your hectic |
| these shrubs in March or April-the earlier the | | | | schedule to bring the spring into your home by |
| better! Pick out your most colorful vase and put | | | | using flowers and fresh fruit to brighten your |
| the cut branches in warm water and place the | | | | decor and lift your spirits! |