Flowers with an Independence streak

Salute the grand old flag with a red, white and blue bouquet this year. The flag's bold primary colors are perfect for seasonal floral arrangements boasting red and white carnations and sweet peas, and bright blue delphiniums.

Choose a classic or casual arrangement for your Fourth of July celebration. Both are so quick and easy, you'll have plenty of time for all the holiday festivities.

Preparation

For the classic carnation arrangement (see cover photo), cut the stems short at an angle just above one of the nodes to allow more water. Make a nosegay and place in an ink-blue pottery vase. Cut short, the carnation edges will rest on the neck of the vase. Use floral preservative and change the water often to keep your arrangement fresh.

Use red, white and blue take-out containers (found at craft stores) filled with sweet peas for a more casual look and one that's easily transported to the beach or picnic grounds.

Place containers to hold water in each of the cartons, and add small nosegays in each.

We used red and white sweet peas in the larger containers and bunched delphinium blossoms for the tiny container. By the Fourth of July, you may be able to find blue iris, statice and cornflowers for the "blue" flower.

Tip

If you can't find a particular flower or colors you want at the grocery store, ask the floral department to order them for you, giving them at least a few days' notice.

Cost

Sweet peas were $6.99 a bunch, the carnations were a $1 a stem and the delphiniums were $1.67 a stem. The take-out containers ranged from 45 cents to 99 cents.

Budget Bouquet is an occasional feature in digs.