Scented Spring Favourites

_{Image - The Natural Branch Tablescape (With Natural Branches) Taken from Flower Class Professional}

There’s something super refreshing about a new year, isn’t there? It’s a time for reflection, a bit of rest, and a chance to look ahead. It’s like being given a fresh notebook, full of possibilities. 

As I plan for the year ahead (and yes, I'm STILL planning, and YES that is ok), I feel optimistic. The year holds so much possibility—like a crisp, blank page waiting to be filled.

What am I planning for 2025? Well, I’ve just moved into my new studio - with so much natural light shining onto every design I create. It's all very exciting, getting everything in it's place and prettifying the space. I can't wait to share more with you soon. We have some big plans for my school, The UK School Of Floristry and some even bigger plans for Flower Class….Watch this space.

I’m especially looking forward to August, when I’ll be competing at the Florint World Cup of Floral Art 2025 in The Hague. Keep an eye out next month to find out how my preparations for this are coming along.

As I sat to write this blog, I thought, what better way to mark a fresh start than with the beautiful scents of spring flowers? 

For me, fragrance is a vital part of floral design, adding another dimension to any arrangement. So, as we begin this new year, here are my favourite scented spring flowers—a selection for everyone, from experienced florists to those just starting out. Whether you’re creating a statement piece or a simple bouquet, these fragrant blooms will bring a touch of spring into your home.

Hyacinth

A classic symbol of spring and new beginnings, hyacinths offer a strong, sweet, and slightly spicy scent. They come in a range of vibrant colours and are great for adding impact to any arrangement. Pro tip: For longer-lasting blooms, chill the bulbs for about six weeks before forcing them indoors.

_{Image - The Luxury Hyacinth Bowl from Flower Class Professional}  

Lilac (of course!)

With their heady, romantic scent, lilacs are the essence of a spring garden. While they usually bloom later in the spring, forcing branches can bring their beautiful fragrance indoors earlier in the year. I particularly love 'Maiden's Blush' which is a whirl wind of pink, and blush, and brown, and ivory. It drives me WILD.

Lily of the Valley

These tiny, bell-shaped flowers have a delicate, sweet scent and are a traditional symbol of spring and good luck. However, it’s important to remember that all parts of the plant are poisonous, so do handle with care, no matter how utterly indulgent their fragrance.

Viburnum Roseum

Often overlooked, viburnum offers both a lovely scent and visual interest. The snowball viburnum, with its large white flower heads, is a great secondary bloom for arrangements. I like them when they're fresh and zingy, but I like them more, when the lime turns pale and creamy, and they drop their little cover petals on the table. I've planted a small one in the garden - I'll keep you posted.

Narcissus

Daffodils are a cheerful sign of spring and symbolise hope. While most of the sunny yellows don’t have a strong scent, some varieties, like Paperwhites, offer a strong, heady fragrance that some describe as sweet and floral, while others might find it unpleasant. They're a powerful, and last so well if bought as bulbs, and placed into jars. Add a little moss, a few branches, and water a little too - over the coming weeks you'll find they'll shoot upwards, and blossom into little stars. Absolutely enchanting.

These blooms are just a starting point, a whisper of the fragrant symphony that spring will soon bring. As we step into this new year, may we all find inspiration in the natural world, in the delicate beauty and captivating scents of flowers.

So, as you embark on your own creative journey this year, I encourage you to explore the world of scented flowers. Experiment with different combinations, let the fragrances guide you, and create something truly beautiful.

 I’d love to see what you create – be sure to share your floral designs with me on social media using #LearnJosephMassie.