Last week's bunch was a mixed success.  After searing the stems of the hellebores I actually had to cut a bit off, as they were too tall and subsequently they were flopping within a day or two. I also noticed that they really didn't like the sun and heat in the conservatory. Once moved to the bar/kitchen area, they were considerably happier and because they were at a place where we regularly walk past, the scent of the daphne was even more noticeable. 

So, having learnt my lesson (well, one hopes), I decided that this week's bunch would automatically end up on the bar, especially since I can't resist using Hellebores again and this time the dark blue ones. I also added some euphorbia's which are creeping under the fence from the neighbour's garden. I don't know how they do as cut flowers, but decided to take the risk because of their wonderful green-yellow colour. I added some Stipa gigantea grass, fern leaves and willow catkins and this is the end result: 

They are now safely on the bar and this is the view at eye height. 

As with all euphorbia's, the milky white sap can be an irritant, so if you do get it on your hands (which of course I did), wash it off directly. Some people do get terrible allergic reactions. 

When thinking about this week's bunch,  I was tempted to pick some daffodils as they are such wonderful spring flowers. The disadvantage of daffodils is however that they give off a substance in the vase that is harmful to other flowers so you can never put them in a mixed bouquet. Apart from -as my friend this afternoon pointed out- catkins. So maybe that's an idea for next week! But maybe the wallflowers will then blossom as well, or the hyacinths which I potted up terribly late. 

I so love spring!