A Spring Basket for a Funeral

   ‘Tell me about your Mum & her Garden – what did she like?’ was how the conversation started. Memories came tumbling out as her Daughter described growing up in a Cottage Garden filled with colourful flowers.
  She shared how her Mum loved the 'Flower Fairy' books by Cicely Mary Barker & reading them to her Children. Similar memories were gathered from other family members. So naturally I was asked to include some of the 'Flower Fairy' stars in season among her funeral flowers. ⁠
  ‘And we were wondering if we could give the flowers to my Mum’s friends after the funeral… As she was known for her lovely garden, this would be a nice memento.’
  Of course you can – it’s a lovely idea.
  So taking these requests as inspiration, I chose April flowers for the Heather, Stitchwort, Bluebell, Daffodil, Lady's Smock, Heart's Ease, Cowslip, Snowdrop, Willow Catkin & Forget Me Not Flower Fairies. I used a little artistic licence by including several Garden rather than wild varieties, all growing here. For example, 6 types of mini Daffodil. A Leucojum Snowflake to represent the Snowdrop Fairy. A Spanish Bluebell as our native Bluebells weren’t in flower yet.⁠
  It was still surprising how many 'Flower Fairies' could be found once I began to look around our flower field & garden in April.
  I filled this pretty willow basket with 8 jars, held in place with sphagnum moss. Each jar contained a Posy of Spring flowers. The Basket was positioned on the natural willow coffin for the service. After the Funeral, the flowers were easily divided for 8 Friends to take a Posy home to enjoy, ⁠
  I tucked tiny Viola plugs in the moss around the edge too. The Family planted these in their own gardens.
  A lovely way to remember & celebrate the life of a Lady who loved gardening & telling stories to her young children. ⁠
  All flowers & foliage were grown here in Dumfries & Galloway (including the moss).⁠ And of course, the basket could be reused, flowers composted, glass jars reused or recycled.  No plastic, no cellophane & no floral foam was used to make the design.⁠