Zinnias are one of my favorite summer flowers. They are so easy to grow. A single packet of seeds will produce enough blooms to enjoy both in the garden and indoors in cut flower arrangements such as this pink, green and lavender bouquet in a watermelon vase.The zinnias are pink ‘Enchantress’, ‘Lavender Giant’ and ‘Envy’, which is green to match the stripes of the watermelon.I think the color mix is dynamite.
You don’t have to grow your own zinnias to duplicate this arrangement.There always seem to be plenty for sale at farmer’s markets or create a bouquet of your own favorite summer blooms.
Pick out a melon of your choice. Choose a good looking melon that fits the scale of the table on which it will be displayed.Look for ones without soft spots or blemishes.
- I’ve found that room temperature watermelons are easier to carve.
- When harvesting fresh flowers leave the stems long, but in this arrangement you will cut the stems relatively short to fill the cavity of the melon.
- Slice off a sliver of the yellow underside of the melon to make a flat surface. This is to help keep the watermelon stable so it doesn’t rock around on the table.
- Next decide on the shape of your melon vase. A basket with a handle is a cute option. Or just lop off the top to create a bowl. For extra pizzazz try cutting a jagged edge around the top.
- Remove the flesh using a melon ball scoop.Scoop out all of the pink and leave about a half-inch of rind so it will hold water.
- Soak a block of floral foam in water and cut it to a size that will fit inside the melon.
- Insert the flowers into the floral foam.
- Because the watermelon is cut on the bottom it’s going to leave a moist spot.When displaying the arrangement put the melon on a pedestal or plate to protect your furniture from being damaged.