flower arrangements
Creating arrangements for a peony show
Creating arrangements for a peony show is a challenging but deeply rewarding artistic venture. Over the past four peony shows organized by the Société québécoise de la pivoine, I have created two to four arrangements each year. Since 2023, these arrangements are no longer judged, though some other clubs still
Last-minute Christmas gifts for the gardener in your life
Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the gardener on your list? Don’t worry—there’s still time to find something thoughtful! Gardeners love practical tools and unique items that help them nurture their green spaces and flowering borders. Here are eight last-minute gift ideas (see *disclaimer) that any gardening enthusiast
The enduring charm of Quimper faience
In the heart of Brittany, France, lies the picturesque town of Quimper, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of crafting exquisite faience pottery. For collectors like myself, Quimper faience holds a special allure—a blend of French rustic charm, vibrant colors, and lovely designs that speak to the rich cultural heritage of
The blooming success of beautiful lilac arrangements
With their enchanting fragrance and delicate blossoms, lilacs have long been a spring favorite in gardens and floral arrangements. Their success in floral design is not just a testament to their seasonal charm, fragrance their beautiful palette and their symbolism, but also to their versatility and the joy they bring
Infusing spring decor with seasonal flowers
As the vibrant colors of spring begin to paint the world anew, there’s a natural inclination to bring this freshness into our homes. One of my favorite ways to welcome the season is by incorporating seasonal touches from the garden or nature into my decor. From delicate flowers to flowering
Celebrating the beauty of red peonies: A Valentine’s Day special
On this Valentine’s Day, I’m thrilled to share with you a source of joy and beauty in my life: my vibrant red peonies. The stunning flowers of red peonies, with their lush petals and radiant color, have been a cherished part of my spring garden for years. Paeonia ‘Highlight’ Red
Elegance of celadon pottery: A visit to Chiang Mai’s celadon factories
Celadon pottery is not just an art form; it’s a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region where it is crafted, be it in China or, in this case, Thailand. The delicate green glaze, achieved through meticulous firing techniques, has been perfected over generations. It’s a tradition that
Same flowers, different styles: One arrangement, three unique containers
To demonstrate the importance of the vase in which I place a floral arrangement, I crafted a zinnia and sunflower arrangement and showcased it in three different containers. The vibe or mood that can be created with a container for a floral arrangement largely depends on the characteristics of the
Cascading beauties: Ornamental amaranths as cut flowers
The rope-like tassels in coral, lime-green, bronze, and red of cascading amaranths sure make a statement in my arrangements. Receiving numerous inquiries whenever I showcase them in my Instagram posts, I’ve made the decision to write a dedicated blog post about them, from growing to harvesting and styling them. When
The lily and cat conundrum
Understanding the risks and precautions for cat owners and lily lovers. Most lilies are toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of the lily plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and bulbs, can be extremely dangerous to cats and can lead to acute kidney failure, which can be fatal if not
Arranging lilies: Tips and ideas for creating stunning lily bouquets
DISCOVER THE ART AND TECHNIQUES OF LILY ARRANGEMENTS, FROM CLASSIC TO RUSTIC. Lilies are a versatile flower that can be arranged in many beautiful ways, whether you grow them in your own garden or purchase them from a local florist. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the symbolism behind
Pinning down perfection: Elevate your floral arrangements with a kenzan
HOW TO USE A KENZAN TO CREATE NATURAL AND DYNAMIC FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS. If you’ve ever wondered how professional florists create those stunning, minimalist arrangements, chances are they’re using a kenzan. A kenzan is a Japanese floral frog that is used to hold stems in place in an arrangement. In this
Daylilies for every day
They may only bloom for a day but their colorful flowers are a must in any garden. Daylilies, also known under their scientific name Hemerocallis, are some of the most interesting plants to include in a perennial garden. In general, they are resilient and easy-to-grow while bringing gracious foliage and
My top Spring blooms Instagram posts
Spring is here! Although my outdoor decor is still very wintery, I am revisiting some of my past spring floral arrangements posted on Instagram over the years. Tulips and a few other bulbs. either garden grown or store bought, add instant springtime vibe. One can style them simply, a bunch