Question
Our annual school fundraiser is close to St Patrick's Day.  Trying to keep close to the Catholic holiday, and school colors being royal blue and Kelly green, what would be some ideas for our arrangements. We are trying to use our 28" Eiffel tower vases that we bought last year. The hall is Green Bay Packer atrium that is approximately 3 stories high. Is a lighted topiary something to consider? Just concerned with flower colors. Please help us non artistic moms. Thanks, Noreen

Answer
Hi Noreen

I'd love to see the vases, that would help a lot!

Blue is a tough color.  There isn't much to work with that time of year; and being that it's a fundraiser, I'm trying to keep budget in mind.

How about this:  You take a cylindrical container and fill it halfway or so with blue marbles or glass pebbles.  Then, take some sheets of moss and press them againt the inside of the vase.  Inside that, a little closer plant.  So when you are looking at the centerpiece, the lower half shows the blue, above that the moss, and the shamrock plant is the top.  It could be very cute, easy to make and inexpensive.  Or... the age old fundraiser style topiary of oasis balls on a stick, set in a pot with moss covering the top.  You use greens to make the topiary ball and you could use tiny blue battery operated lights in the topiary itself.

If you want to send me a photo of the eifel tower vases, I'll be happy to tell you what I can come up with them.

Gina