What to Consider When Choosing Plants for a Memorial Day Gathering

Mai 25, 2023

Initially called, “Decoration Day,” because early traditions included the decorating of the graves of those who died in service to our country, Memorial Day was first proclaimed a national holiday in the U.S. in 1971, though its origins date back to the Civil War.

Today, Memorial Day is a celebration of our freedom and the men and women who died protecting it. If you’re hosting a Memorial Day gathering this year or just enjoying a small family lunch, below are some tips for setting the tone for your event with tastefully appointed Memorial Day gathering plants and arrangements.

Color Inspiration

Most people opt for the red, white, and blue theme for Memorial Day flower arrangements and planters. However, you might consider selecting one of the three to make a more profound statement — for instance, all-white lilies in red planters or centerpiece arrangements of red gladiolas in white vases. Also, yellow roses represent an appreciation of the military, so they can make a powerful image juxtaposed against an American flag backdrop.

You might also consider picking two colored flowers for your bouquets such as a striking mix of delicate white edelweiss and sturdy red carnations in plain white planters. The variegated red and white striped dahlia hybrid is a beautiful and literal symbol of the American flag stripes. Red roses would also make a strong tribute, and if you love the thought of the three-colored assortment, red roses look graceful with a simple collection of baby’s breath and classic blue hydrangeas. Alternatively, red geranium, white alyssum, and blue Ageratum are the traditional floral representation of the red, white, and blue trio. These can be in planters or pre-planted in the ground for patriotic accents.

Make a Memorial Day Entrance Path

The placement of oversized planters along the pathway your guests will walk on can set the tone for your event. For a statement look, use galvanized tubs in whatever size is relative to the size of your driveway, front walk, or patio edge, and fill them with flourishing red, white, and blue flowers. Some recommendations for these types of planters include:

Red verbena, fuchsia, or red firecracker plant for red
Bordeaux Lily of the Valley, Waterhyssop, or Queen Anne’s lace to represent white
Siberian squill, baby blue forget-me-nots, or rosemary to represent the blue

You can be bold or subtle with your choice of plant combination. Finish off your planters with golden Lysimachia or Silver Falls dichondra, which will blend well with the metal tub and spill out over the sides. If you want, you can add an American flag to your planters or stencil white accents stars on the tubs.

Centerpiece Tribute

A classy, celebratory centerpiece at a Memorial Day gathering can also make a statement and pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom of all U.S. citizens. A dramatic arrangement placed at the center of the family table will help remind everyone what the day is truly about. As an alternative, you can arrange a wreath for your exterior doors to commemorate the Memorial Day wreaths placed on soldier graves throughout the country.

Selecting the perfect plants for your home on Memorial Day can be a meaningful and symbolic gesture. Visit the Flower Works greenhouse in Marquette, MI to start planning and picking out a unique array of flowers and plants for your Memorial Day gathering. For ideas or to learn more about our greenhouse and products, contact us today.