Monochromatic - Oranges!

Here are designs I created using flowers I purchased at the Boston Flower and Garden Show last week. When purchasing I had in mind I wanted a monochromatic theme for the most part. The first 3 arrangements use rose, ranunculus, tulip, hypericum berry and lemon leaf. Here are the results:

My first time arranging with a cube vase - Lemon leaf used to create base structure. Other flowers added  in spiral  fashion to create mounding affect, and making it easy to alter into hand-tied bouquet (see below). 

Look, Ma, no vase! Using the spiral method allows this hand-tied bouquet to stand on its own. 

I love the sweet ribbon that compliments the peachy orange hues. However, choosing a one sided patterned ribbon can be a challenge. Took some practice to make sure pattern was facing forward, but I'm pleased with the results.

In the following pedestal bowl arrangement I used floral foam as my base. I included eucalyptus to add a structural element as well as to introduce a subtle hint of blue, the complimentary of orange. Alternatively, to intensify the blue hue and create a bolder contrast, I could add delphinium or maybe grape hyacinth in all of these arrangements. Oh, the possibilities!

Cube vase variation - still used rose and ranunculus. Added eucalyptus and snapdragon to add hues of silver blue and lemony green. The colors and shape of these additions really changes the character of this design. Not my favorite, but trying as many combinations as I can.

The following two were created for my wonderful yoga instructor and chiropractor. Just another way to say "thanks" for all they do in helping me improve my health and well-being :)

Now on to practicing more boutonnieres with all the "left over" flowers and foliage. Check back soon for more pics!

Work Space

What a dank, dreary day! No working outside on getting the garden prepped, but perfect time to finish getting my new basement work space in order. Now I have all my tools and supplies in one place, and plenty of space for new design materials. No more taking over the kitchen, or running up and down the stairs looking for items. I can even use the laundry room sink for conditioning water and filling vases.

Under workbench storage. The mirror on the wall adjacent to the work space will come in handy to easily see my arrangements from all angles. There is a space between the bench and the wall where I've placed a plastic bin for collecting clippings.

Boston Flower and Garden Show

Had a fabulous time on Wednesday at the Flower Show! I brought back some beautiful flowers and have started some new designs. I'll post pics in the next couple of days, so check back soon! (click on the photos to enlarge)

This booth was run by Cass School of Floral Design from Watertown, MA. They put on demonstrations as well as mini hands-on design lessons. They had the most beautiful flowers, but unfortunately none of these were for sale.

Here is what I purchased from Wilson Farm's booth, from Lexington, MA. Let the designing begin!

Winter-time Boutonniere

As I was out walking our dog the other day I began noticing a variety of wonderful greenery, budding trees and pine cones that would be fun to include in a winter-time boutonniere. The following is the result of that inspiration. The main element is dried okra that my mother gave me a while back from her garden in Kentucky. I wrapped black satin ribbon around the okra to attach a red stem with buds. The ribbon is adhered on the backside with a little hot glue. I trimmed a sprig of yew from the bush in our front yard, and I had collected the pine cones earlier in the winter. The only elements wired are the pine cones. Though spring is on its way, this puts me in the mood to attend a special Christmas event!

natural elements with contemporary flare

yew, pine cones, dried okra, budding twig

new arrangements

So, I've been working with the same flowers for several days now, trying them in a variety of arrangements. It amazes me how hardy some flowers are. In fact in the first arrangement below I've added an Anastasia lily that I purchased exactly 3 weeks ago! It's the last bloom I have and it's just about to open up! It is also wonderful to see the different stages the flowers go through.

With this new vase bouquet, the Godetia I originally used in my hand-tied bridal bouquet (below) have opened up their tissue paper petals to reveal their beautiful salmon pink centers. This adds a feathery, airy feel, opposed to the more structural presence they had in the bridal bouquet. 

My husband referred to the next one as my "beach house" arrangement, so I played that up in the photos. (don't we all wish we could have a warm beach getaway right about now). I like that this one is asymmetrical. It gives it a relaxed, not-too-stuffy feel. I focused on layering, or stair-stepping the flowers. - huge, white hydrangea/Zembla Cremon/poms/a little green hydrangea/seeded euc.

And the final one is just too adorable for words, in my opinion :o) Small rounded monochromatic themed bouquet in a small rounded glass vessel (approx. 4" wide x 5" tall). This style would be cute for a baby shower and could double as guest favors. Place a sheer pink or blue ribbon around the neck of the vase for a finishing touch. :) mini-green hydrangea/poms/Lily foliage