Flowers at Home

OK, you know all about my zinnia obsession. Can't get enough of them. Buy them compulsively. Whether I need them or not. Buy way too many and have to take them home at the end of the week, sigh...such a shame...I know you feel bad for me, you want me to stop. You don't know how to tell me that I need to draw the line.

I drew the line.
Mostly.

I restrained myself this week, even though it's the FIRST week of zinnias, the first of just a few short weeks that they will be available, before they're gone, gone, gone until next year. I bought just a couple bunches for the shop. Do you know how hard that was??

But then I saw these little darlings!

And I bought them for me! How could I resist this dainty floral find? Zinnias the size of cherry tomatoes with the even tinier buds of blue forget-me-nots - wow! I have no urge to "arrange" flowers at home, so they're just stuffed into my Delft cream pitcher.

I have succumbed...

...save me...

ZINNIAS!!!!

Zinnias are in!!! I know you've heard it from me before, but zinnias are one of my favorite flowers. Just see the photo at the bottom of this page.

I think my earliest flower memory is of zinnias. I remember growing them from seed when I was 6. Zinnias and radishes. We had moved from an apartment complex to a duplex and finally had our own yard, tiny as it was, and my mom and I were ready for planting!

So I chose some gaudy zinnias and radishes as my firsts. You always remember your first!

The zinnias were a little scrawny but hey, they grew. As did the radishes. I discovered I didn't really like radishes, they were too hot for my fussy WonderBread palette, but they grew - and that was what counted.

So now, I can hardly be contained when I see zinnias are available, exuberant, crayon colored, child-like zinnias!

And I did learn to like radishes.
In moderation. ;-)

Guerrilla Gardening Update - Success!

Today sunflowers were spotted! Finally!!! On Carlisle Street, right around the corner from the shop. Team Francoise and Jan tossed a couple seed bombs here. Not the biggest and mightiest of sunflowers, but they have wrestled Mother Nature and the urban environment and survived.

I've been checking the spots I bombed from time to time, as I know some of the other seed bombers have been doing, and so far none of us has had any success to report until today. Now that I see how, ahem, scrawny these plants are, I think I need to revisit some of the seed bomb locales. I had visions of mammoth towering plants, but I might have to set my sights a little lower. Literally.

At least one of our bomb sites has been mowed, so who knows what might have grown there and some of our seed bomb locations are just choked to death with weeds, even the small trees of secondary succession. Not sure if our seed mix could possibly compete with that, but who knew? I don't think any of us anticipated how ginormous some of the vegetation would get way back in the beginning in May.

But we learn!

Berkeley Community Gardens - Boston's South End

On last week's expedition to Boston's South End, we stumbled upon the Berkeley Community Gardens. What a surprise! I'm familiar with community gardens, and drive past another small one weekly on my way to the flower market, very close to this one.

But I never suspected that two blocks away was this monster garden! It's HUGE! I think it takes up one half of a city block. There are over 150 plots within its borders.

As you can see, it backs up to a row of ubiquitous South End brownstones. Well, the block originally had another row of brownstones which were back to back with these. During a period of urban renewal, the buildings on this side of the block were torn down.

After the block was torn down, opposition to urban renewal took hold, building stopped, and the area was left abandoned.

Some intrepid gardeners starting using the space and soon a community garden was born.

It was utterly fascinating to see row after row of gardens all planted according to each individual gardener's needs and design. Some were strictly ornamental while many others were growing food stuffs.

One of the more intriguing sights were the plots that seemed to be completely caged in with fencing made out of wire racks and refrigerator type shelving. I'm thinking this was more about function than beauty, but I couldn't quite grasp what that function was. Do you have any thoughts on why you'd cage a garden plot this way?!

'Gelosia' Roses for Kuga Designs

This picture of 'Gelosia' roses is for Bree at Kuga Designs who recently posted about a yellow wedding she did here and here.

We were recently comparing notes on yellow rose varieties that we liked and 'Gelosia' is one I mentioned that she was unfamiliar with. I love the swirly way this variety opens and the faint tinge of green on the guard petals. Those are the outer petals on a rose which are often a slightly different color. They usually get removed by florists because they tend to be a little beat up looking from "guarding" the blossom. But if they're not bruised they can also add lovely depth and dimension to the rose. 'Gelosia' also lasts really well.

This arrangement features the 'Gelosia' roses (as well as my friend Coley who is a rose herself!)

'Gelosia' is Italian for jealousy, which is perfect! In the Victorian Language of Flowers, yellow roses were given for jealousy. Now the color yellow is associated with friendship, but back in the day, when a bouquet given to someone was filled with hidden meaning, the Victorians would have loved this rose.

I wouldn't worry about the meanings behind flowers now a days - I think any gift of flowers obviously means you hold the recipient in some kind of high regard, right?

So any how, promised Bree a picture the next time I had these in. Didn't think I forgot, did you girl?! My rose gift to you!

Surprise for Bree at Kuga!

I have a surprise for Bree at Kuga Designs for tomorrow!

Hee, hee!

Flower of the Week - Phalaenopsis Orchids

Picked up these gorgeous sprays of phalaenopsis orchids this morning in the market. Aren't they stunning?!

You're probably used to seeing them as plants more than cut flowers, although they do turn up in wedding work. They make a striking addition to any bouquet, but are even better enjoyed simply, on their own. At least that's my taste.

Had these most recently at Mother's Day, and heard from more than one customer that they lasted for weeks. I make no promises on that, but they are long lasting.

Good thing they last too, as they're not inexpensive, but at $16, this week they're the cheapest price I've ever sold them at. Get some now and enjoy for days and days!

Wish Francoise a Happy Birthday!

If you happen to talk to my assistant, Francoise, this week, please wish her a happy birthday! She just had one of those milestone birthdays, and we're not done celebrating yet!!!

Twig - Boston

Sunday was the loveliest day of the summer so far and rather than spend it indoors doing domestic stuff (it will still be here - it's always here!), we went for a stroll through Boston's South End.

I was thrilled to walk down Dartmouth Street, a street I drive down once a week at 6:00am on my way to the flower market, and see Twig, a flower shop which always catches my eye, was open!

It's a shop after my own heart with nothing but fresh flowers and a few related gift items. No balloons, teddy bears, or tschotschkes. Simply flowers all on display within reach. It's always fun to visit other people's shops, see what they're doing and how they do it, talk some shop if there's time, and just over all get inspired and invigorated to go back to my own shop.

The flowers are recut and water changed daily for the best in freshness and they're mere blocks from the flower market so I'm sure it's constantly restocked!

Had a nice chat about business things with the woman who was working Sunday - so sorry I forgot your name! Silly me didn't bring a notebook for bloggy things. I should have known better.

We talked about how the economy has affected us all, even in the higher end neighborhood of the South End. But we persevere, there for those of you who love flowers. :-)

Plan a stop at Twig the next time you're wandering the South End in Boston! They have two locations, one on Dartmouth Street another on Tremont.

Greening the Mean Streets of Worcester

A quick update on our streetside plants:

As you can see the ones in the sidewalk aren't doing so hot. About half of them were just gone when we got back form vacation. No evidence as to what happened...

If the alley people would just leave our alocasias alone, they'd be doing great, but the plant on the left has been completely denuded of leaves and the one to the right also has some missing leaves.

On the plus side, the sweet potato vines are starting to grow finally and with a little more warm weather should cover the dented planters pretty quickly.

Do you have any suggestions for city sturdy plants that will stand up to the rigors of the urban jungle?

Flowers at Home - Something Simple

When it comes to wedding centerpieces, we often hear the words "I just want something simple." Well, this certainly fits the bill. Here I have one stem of dahlias that had two blossoms with a few shells I had kicking around all floating in a bowl I usually keep fruit in. Pretty simple and simply pretty.

But if by "something simple" you mean "something inexpensive", then you need to make sure that's clear to your florist, because while not mutually exclusive they are not always the same thing.

If you were to buy something similar to the picture above from me, you'd be looking at a bowl that retailed for $25-30, about $7 worth of shells, 2 stems of dahlias (because we can't count on them to have 2 blossoms) for $3 each and a few bucks for me to assemble them for you. We're quickly at $40-45 for a couple flowers floating in a bowl.

Is that what you had in mind when you said simple?

Now for the DIY bride, this is the perfect low stress centerpiece! With plenty of advance planning, you could probably find fruit bowls or compotes for a budget friendly price as well as shells. Pre-order your dahlias (or gerbera or roses) from your local florist and pick them up the day before your wedding. Assemble everything on site, which with this design is much easier than packing and and schlepping this or almost any other type of centerpiece. Don't forget your watering can for easy filling!

The other thing I love about this design, is that in addition to weddings it's perfect for every day. I know with our economic times the way they currently are, many people think flowers are a luxury that they can do without. But with a bowl and some shells (or stones or marbles or sea glass...) that can be used over and over, and a couple of fresh blossoms from your neighborhood flower shop for a few bucks, you can still enjoy the beauty of flowers without feeling guilty!

What could be simpler? Or prettier?

Urgent!

You have to love a good old fashioned hand written note taped to your door, as this one was last week, labeled - URGENT. :-)

This customer placed an order for flowers and later found out her friend was highly allergic. We got the note in time and sent a plant.

Crisis averted!

Art in the Garden - Montreal

I am completely in love with these giant puffball sculptures! They immerse me right in a Dr. Seuss book with their whimsy. What do they remind me of? "Horton Hears a Who"? Thneeds? Dust specks? Those nutty tufted Seussian trees?

Can you imagine a better plant to have paired with them than these yellow marigolds? Simple, bright, fun!

The sign described them as sea anemones in celebration of Montreal's connection to the sea. Whatever they are, they were the focal point of photo after photo for tourists, including this one!

Having Your Cake - Or Mid-July Peonies

Peonies are everyone's favorite flower right now and we get asked for them at all times of the year even though they are still pretty seasonal to May and June.

But I may have found a way to have some peonies in mid-July! These peonies were purchased on July 1st and held in my cooler until yesterday July 14th. Now, not something I would ordinarily do, but I bought this last bunch of peonies for myself before we went on vacation July 3 intending to take them home or take them with me on vacation, but I flaked and forgot about them till we got back to the shop yesterday.

I took them home last night and they busted out and opened in minutes. I don't expect to get much more than one more day out of them, but if I were getting married this week and really wanted peonies, I might beg my florist to buy a bunch early and hold them in the cooler.

I do think I got lucky by getting them from a quality vendor, at just the right stage of development (puffy but closed, not rock hard closed). I wouldn't build a whole peony wedding around doing this, but if you were willing to take the risk and pay for them regardless, you might end up with a few decent peonies in your bouquet!

Hotel Lobby Plants - Montreal

Even an uber modern hotel, such as the one Husband and I stayed in, in Montreal, softens and warms the space with plenty of plants. This sansevieria cylindrica was outstanding. You're probably more familiar with the flat leaf variety known as snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue.

There were lots and lots of "Zee zee" plants, zamioculus zamifolia, every where. Dark glossy leaves in a fern frond-like formation are really eye catching. Wish I could keep these in the shop, but they just don't like me (or the building)!

Cost of Wedding Flowers - Centerpieces

Time for another price check on a centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings. This image is from the current issue's "The Well-Spent Wedding", 50 ways to save article.

I have the current mag and the photo is a bit larger than this one from their website, showing 13 individual vases and 6 seats at the table, so those numbers are what I'm going to use for my calculations. I'm also going to assume that since this is the DIY issue, that this is also a do it yourself project and not factor in the usual labor that a florist would charge.

Using the prices for the vases found in the back of the magazine and counting up the number of stems of the various flowers, this look will set you back about $170 per table.

That's definitely less than the Martha centerpieces we've priced out for you in other posts, but still quite a stretch for most budgets. The premise here is that by using bud vases you'll get a big impact for not as much money as a larger single centerpiece. True, but at $170 a pop, far from frugal!

Window Boxes - Vieux Montreal

Husband and I spent a few days in Montreal this past week, so of course I had to keep my eyes open for things to show you! This post will start us off with window boxes, and our first picture features no boxes. The iron urns are a great match to the classic facade and a good reminder to "think out of the box" - ha! Sorry, couldn't help myself. :-) Also, there's something to be said for repetition - restful, rhythmic repetition.

A bright splash here. I think this is a good example of how the spikey can really complement the fluffy and the trailing. I know it's a look we see all the time, so much so that I think it can be a visual cliche, but many a cliche started out as a good idea that just got over used.

What I like about these window boxes is the random abandon of color and texture. And that they adorn what is the basement entrance to a restaurant kitchen! Not a doorway that would usually get a lot of attention.

And here we have the opposite of random abandon, with a color blocking study in red and white that has the shop window decal melting right into the flowers. Or the flowers growing right into the decal. I love this! Makes me want to do some kind of nifty decal thing on my shop windows...hmmmm...... And isn't it cool how you can tell this was a high style shop just by the plants?! And all done with lowly petunias. :-)

And my favorite window boxes of all! Gnome in a box! Don't you just love these guys?!

J'adore that these folks didn't limit themselves to just plants. Plants are great, but what if the sun just doesn't shine where you are, or if watering is problematic for you? Why not show some originality and heck, even some humor?! How about window boxes filled with brightly colored spinning pinwheels? Use your imagination!

Of course, the first thought that popped into my head right after - I love these - was, how do they keep them from getting trashed or stolen? I know where I am these would be gone in a heartbeat.

Well, walked past here at closing time one evening...

...gnome - go home!

Greening the Mean Streets of Worcester - Paulie's NOLA Jazz & Blues Festival

I know this seems like it has nothing to do with flowers or plants but bear with me -

A few quick shots of what one man,

with a plan,

and a strong will,

can accomplish in his community.

And here's that man - Paul Collyer.

For the second year, he has put on a jazz and blues festival. This, in itself, may not seem remarkable, but what you need to know is that he holds this music festival in his yard and in a neighboring business's parking lot, in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Worcester, and does it to fund raise for charity. Paul has this vision of what Worcester could be, but instead of being one of those people who talks about change, he decided he could be the change.

So today was a great day of music -

- and food - crawfish and gumbo and po' boys oh my! -

- and great people!

I am thrilled to have met the infamous Harry T., no longer just a virtual person, but a real person! Not that I'll be able to recognize him in the supermarket... ;-)

And this is where the flowers come in - Paulie and the Chandler Business Association have worked hard to make tiny improvements in their neighborhood, which includes the benches and planters you see here.

It's about taking steps, even small steps, to making your world a better place. Plant a flower or an idea, nurture it, watch it bloom, share, repeat. :-)

Summer Reading - Nico de Swert

Actually, this book, Living With Flowers by Belgian floral designer Nico de Swert, is about summer looking - not reading! With almost no text, it is filled with gorgeous picture after picture of stunning arrangements.

The book is organized by color themes. Dense, modern, classical, sculptural forms dominate the pages.

Don't go to this book expecting tips and hints about mechanics and how to, or even for thoughts on de Swert's own process, but use it for your own inspiration. I don't know that I have the patience to make a sphere of pink hyacinth blossoms, but this book certainly makes me wish to give it a try!