Have you ever marveled at how hefty rambling roses have small delicate blooms? Both the mighty and the mini traits of 'Climbing Cecile Brunner' make her a great candidate for arranging.
Make sure you never pronounce her name Cecil. She is Cecile, and I can’t tell you how many times rosarians have corrected me, even while I’m giving a talk (I do know better, but habit can be a problem). 'Cecile Brunner' was named after the daughter of a French nurseryman.
I had to buy this porcelain milkmaid, because she had green hair (my favorite color), and I thought there might be a photo op with her and Mlle Cecile.
CB is also called “the sweetheart rose” and was often found planted near the graves of children in old cemeteries. CB probably inspired tiny porcelain roses, commonly found on pieces like this swan . . .
. . . and this Lenox vase.
More elegant than sweet, this thin silver flute gives the posey a nice elevation. All three of the above small arrangements could benefit from tieing the stems with a little wire or string to keep the blooms close and compact.
S – M – L
My days as a fashion designer have translated into making small, medium, and large statements with roses. I’m always urging you to try new things. With this rose, arranging experiments can be endless. A large porcelain jar in the back holds big canes. The pitcher has a hand-gathering of panicles (laterals on long canes), each is really a bouquet-on-a-stem. My husband bought me the little pink vase in Venice.
By the Pair
Large bouquets are often required, by the pair, at special functions like weddings and theatrical or presentation events. I often work on both arrangements at the same time. I’ve also arranged, in tandem, with another person, which can be really fun. I made this pair to show you how expressive big branches can be. Working large with CB is a challenge, because of the thorns. I always wear protective gloves. I make sure to cut the thick canes under water, and I might even smash the ends with a hammer to make sure the water is taken up. I’m always amazed that big branches last so well. Wilting is never a problem.
