Four seasonal recipes you can copy

SPRING (March–April) — the 'first jug' arrangement.

• 5 tulip stems ('Spring Green' or any single colour).

• 3 narcissus (conditioned alone for 12h first).

• 3 hellebore stems (the mature ones with seed pods).

• 5 stems of forsythia or pussy willow as line.

• A few sprigs of fresh mint or angelica as accent.

Vase: stoneware jug, chicken wire ball mechanic.

EARLY SUMMER (May–June) — the cottage arrangement.

• 3 peonies (cut at the marshmallow-bud stage).

• 5 sweet peas (mixed colours, scent on scent).

• 3 stems of foxglove or larkspur as line.

• 7 stems of Alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle) as filler.

• 3 nigella seedpods for accent.

Vase: wide-mouthed jug; tape grid mechanic.

HIGH SUMMER (July–August) — the painter's arrangement.

• 3 dahlias (one big, two smaller; 'Café au Lait' + 'Bishop of Llandaff').

• 5 zinnias ('Queen Lime' or 'Benary's Giant' in coral).

• 5 cosmos for filler.

• 3 stems of grasses for line and movement.

• Dill flower or bupleurum for chartreuse accent.

Vase: low compote or shallow bowl; kenzan mechanic.

AUTUMN (September–November) — the painter's late arrangement.

• 5 chrysanthemums ('Emperor of China', 'Mei-kyo').

• 3 dahlias still hanging on (deep wine 'Karma Choc').

• 5 hydrangea heads (dried-on-the-plant tones — antique greens, dusky pinks).

• Rosehips, blackberry stems and copper beech for line and accent.

Vase: large jug or copper urn; chicken wire ball mechanic.

WINTER (December–February) — the foraged arrangement.

• Bare twigs of dogwood (red and yellow) or willow as line.

• Sprigs of ivy and rosemary for green.

• Pine cones, lichen-covered twigs and seedheads collected on walks.

• A single dried hydrangea head OR a few stems of forced indoor hyacinth.

Vase: heavy stoneware or copper; chicken wire ball mechanic; spritz weekly rather than filling with water.