If April showers bring May flowers, what do weekly nor’easters bring? Dreams, for one thing – of sunshine, warmth, and signs of springtime (disappointment and exasperation are close contenders too). Today’s four’easter on the second official day of Spring has us focusing on the bright side of the season with fresh new ways to create floral arrangements to brighten our increasingly longer days.

imperfect, off center, and full of color

an unconventional vase and a mix of flowers, berries, and air plants

repurpose an old can for a vintage vibe

Inspired by the Japanese art of flower arranging, known as ikebana, these flower arrangements are fresh, modern, and unique. The centuries-old Japanese art form  focuses on spare, off-center compositions of local and seasonal flowers chosen for their clean lines and, perhaps more importantly, their symbolism.

Less structured, these modern arrangements are full, imperfect, and fun. So forget whatever you think the rules are and have some fun with your stems (and whatever else you want to pop in there). Check out the latest trend, freakebana, below, where florists are turning ikebana on its head and literally anything goes.

Below find a few of our favorite vases to inspire your next floral arrangement.

one. NYC top pot two. melting ceramics three. ikebana vase four. Weck jars (one of our picks for just about everything) five. blown glass roll top jar six. vintage frog

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