Nosegays add a splash of spring color, scent
Spring's fragrant flower blossoms are perfect in size, color and shape for making your own garden nosegays.
Nosegays were introduced during the English-Georgian period and were popularized during the Victorian era (1837-1901).
During the English-Georgian period, flower fragrance was an important component of a bouquet. The English believed flower fragrances would ward off airborne infectious and contagious diseases. The fragrances also subdued bodily odors from the lack of personal hygiene.
Women carried these small bouquets in their hand and inhaled their fragrance as needed. Nosegay (think happy nose), were also known as tussie-mussies or posies. Tussie (or tuzzie) is the English word for knot of flowers.
In Victorian times, nosegays were given by a man who admired a woman, and along with the flowers came a note that explained the meaning of the flowers. Very romantic.
Proper Victorian women carried nosegays to social events. In addition to the fragrance, the flowers' meaning and sentiments were recognized by partygoers.Because carrying nosegays were cumbersome while eating and dancing, beautiful posy holders were created. These holders were crafted from materials such as precious metals, ivory, glass, and mother of pearl and decorated with jewels and pearls. Sometimes the holders had two small chains, where one chain was attached to a ring worn on the woman's finger and other chain had a pin by which the flowers were secured.Today, nosegays are characterized by short-stemmed bouquets of flowers that are tightly placed and wound together with ribbon or adorned with a lace doily. Nosegays are carried by brides and bridesmaids, given as hostess gifts or used as table adornments for dinner guests.When not carried by hand, nosegays are placed in small vases of water to prolong their life span.Nosegays are simple to construct. Choose flowers that are relatively small in diameter to avoid overwhelming the nosegay with one large blossom.Flower colors can be contrasting, complementary or monochromatic. Select about 10 to 12 flowers and cut the stems to their full length.Arrange the flowers by holding onto the stems. Keep the larger flowers on the inside (budding peonies, for example), then add in small flowers and foliage to create a pleasing bouquet. Use flowers with and without fragrance.
Hold the flowers in your hand and cut the stems to about 5 inches in length. Secure the nosegay with a rubber band and tie a decorative ribbon around the rubber band.Another option is to wind the ribbon the length of the flower stems and secure at the bottom. With this approach, the flower stems will not be able to take up water, and the nosegays would have to be enjoyed quickly before they wilt.Garden nosegays can be made in the summer and fall. Summer fragrant flowers for nosegays include roses, stock, dianthus, lavender, phlox and freesia.Autumn nosegays can be made from fragrant flowers such as the fall blooming clematis (Clematis terniflora), black snakeroot (Actaea simplex) and Russian sage.Nosegays are fun to make and give to friends and family, who will be impressed with your gardening and floral arranging skills!Lisa Marie Bernardo, Ph.D., RN, has been a Penn State Master Gardener in the county since 2003.
