Category: News

From the rules of etiquette that restricted lovers from the Victorian era to express their passion, emerged the language of flowers. As this mysteriously ciphered language emerged, particular messages were assigned to specific flowers. So, protected deep within the blooming petals was a message meant only for the beloved to see. The red carnation expressed […]

The shopping is done and the presents are wrapped.  The tree is decorated and the house is ready for guests.  It is time to relax and enjoy the accomplishment of navigating through the holiday season.  Provide an elegant gift for yourself.  A reward for all the hard work you have accomplished.  Yes, it is time […]

The holidays are always so busy.  The stores are teaming with people and their bustle.  Oh my!  Do not get me started!  I love the holidays but…always a but…there are times I need to retreat into a quiet oasis of calm.  My studio is decorated in a minimal style that provides just such an escape.  […]

This design incorporates two of my favorite floral design tricks: components & elevation. Arrangements are more fun when done in components. I think this clearly goes back to my childhood.  Everyone knows two or three (or more) is better than one.  If you can’t decide – take them all! Plus, a triplet can be clustered […]

Alternatively known as the Flame Leaf or the Flower of the Holy Night, poinsettias are popular adornments in churches, homes and offices all through the Christmas season. The star-shaped leaves of the flowering plant are symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem and the color red represents the blood sacrifice through Jesus’ crucifixion. Legend has it […]

As the days shorten and grow dark, I crave a little brightness in my life. Vivid balls of orange – pin cushion Protea – fill the need. Everyone benefits from a little floral sunshine brightening the darker days of autumn. Pin cushion Protea tucked into a vase with golden Vanda orchids combine in an arrangement […]

This Thanksgiving I am thinking simple and fun for my table décor. I’ve gathered up a collection of brown and ivory serving pieces. This wonderful assortment of dishes with nothing matching makes it easy to add an extra guest or two. No need to worry about having enough of the same plates. Whew! Now that […]

Once Halloween is over, I hate to throw away the beautiful pumpkins and gourds. They are just too lovely. Time to re-use and re-purpose – yes, this centerpiece is just the ticket for the recycler. Have your pumpkins gilded – gold, copper or silver – they are all lovely. Then, add them into your centerpiece […]

Summer may be over but you do not need to give up the vivid colors of summer blooms quite yet. The fabulous dahlias will be here to enjoy until first frost. Add the kicky zest of fresh limes (yes, they are real!) and you have an eye catching floral design. Even better, this arrangement overflows […]

Vivid ideas with pragmatic solutions. Blazing enthusiasm with unswerving determination. Also, naïve optimism with piercing insight. These are the paradoxical qualities of the Sagittarius. And the S. American carnations. Originally cultivated in Egypt for over 2,000 years, these delicate albeit durable blooms have crowned the emperors of Rome and Greece. Today, they continue to be […]