Last year I visited some wonderful Châteaux in the Loire valley and one of the unexpected delights was the spectacular flower arrangements gracing the historic rooms.
I love flowers in the house but my arrangements are always very simple, though colour is an important consideration for me. Flower arranging follows much of the same principles of garden design – balance, contrast, colour and proportion.
So here are some of my favourites in the setting of these medieval castles :
A simple arrangement of limonium and chrysanthemums which perfectly picks up the colours of the drapes around the bed.
A welcome pop of colour in a dark wood-panelled room overlooking the moat.
The salmon-pink paintwork is perfectly reflected in this arrangement.
Height is added to this arrangement in a high ceilinged room and tall enough to be reflected in the mirror behind; again the colours reflecting the paintwork.
A lovely arrangement for a very feminine bedroom, picking up the soft colours of the ginger jars, the deeper shades alluding to the marble fireplace.
Strong colours for a striking, masculine room.
A favourite of mine – a striking contrast to the lovely blue panelling yet picking up on the peachy detailing.
The pink lilies echo the drapes in the painting, the scent filling the space, which might have seemed cold and lifeless without the arrangement.
Finally, a lovely display of potted plants along a corridor, adding colour to the French grey paintwork.
The photos were taken at the Châteaux of Villandry, Chenonceau and Cheverney, amongst others, and I hope to share the most beautiful gardens from there in the coming weeks.
Jardin 
Pure loveliness! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Julie. A little bit of indulgence in the dark days of winter!
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So lovely! What an extra special treat to see these gorgeous blooms while I’m in the midst of winter here! Thanks so much for sharing these, Lorna! 🙂
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Thank you Jewels! After the storms and rain of the past few days, it felt good to post something colourful and cheerful!
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wow !!! lovely bouquets !
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Thank you! An added bonus after visiting the wonderful gardens.
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I love how most of the arrangements are quite informal as if someone just walked in from a cutting garden and put the stems in a vase giving a sense of making a home. Thanks for sharing. Great photos.
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You’re so right – the lovely arrangements felt homely … and a thoughtful addition to each room.
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Stunning pics!~.
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
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Many thanks Aquileana!
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So beautiful, it makes me smile 🙂
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So glad! Some bright summery blooms in the midst of winter.
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I smile too : really great and nice bouquets 😉
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Thank you Christiane, a little bit of cheer in the winter!
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Such exquisite arrangements, Lorna. There is such an art to flower arranging , and I haven’t mastered it. 🙂
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Thanks Sylvia – nor, sadly, have I, though I always love to have cut flowers about.
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Such lovely pictures for a winter day, Lorna! Thank you.
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Thanks Cynthia, a little colour in the chill of winter!
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