Something inside me says I need to purchase this print from artist, Kari Herer.

Poppies and Clematis from Ashley’s Garden

Paintings by Alphonse Mucha

They will look like this:

 !!!!!

Until those are ready,

I will savor my tree peony blooms from the garden and leftover roses and queen anne’s lace

Lilac, sweet pea, peony, and roses.

Fall is my favorite time of year, but you really can’t beat the flowers of spring with their intoxicating scents and delicate colors.

The bride was overjoyed, which again, is the best part of my job.  Seeing her smiling face when I delivered these lovelies was heartwarming and exciting. I immediately went out and purchased really expensive goat cheese, baguette and raspberries for lunch to celebrate my fast-paced and beautiful weekend.

The family and I spent most of Sunday at the Arboretum where I picked up this cultivar of peony from their annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale.  I can’t wait for next spring when it blooms.  It is called Krinkled White. I love the way it looks like a tree peony when in bloom.

Flowers from a wedding on Friday and the custom, Tara LaTour dress that inspired it all.

To my delight I was given a gift from the bride–my very own headband made by Tara the dress designer, with a bleached peacock feather and all.  pure heaven.

This song is now running through my head.

Thank you, Cindy, for making me feel like a rock star!

When doing a presentation in 30 minutes always remember to:

1.  Smile

2.  Talk fast

3.  Design faster

I did this in the time allowed at the Hopkins Center of the Arts May Day Celebration.  fhew.  Then they turned around and watched a fashion show on the other side of the room.

It was fun to talk about flowers for a whole morning.  Usually, I just drop off the designs and leave–as my job dictates.  I may need to teach more soon.

Last week I discovered a little, something special under the hydrangea–which originally came from my grandmother’s garden–pink/purple lily of the valley.  It was quite a surprise to find.  I used it in the bride’s bouquet last weekend.  It’s that time of year for lily of the valley so I am going to savor it and put it in everything I can.

The reception was at the MN History Center.

I really want to find out what my grandmother carried in her wedding bouquet.  She was a gardener.  And quite fashionable and beautiful too.

I have a thing for veils and these ultra pretty headbands.  Kate really cinched it for me last year. Romantic, mysterious, statement-making, or simple, I love them all.

I promise, flower pictures to show you next time.

Images from BHLDN and Twigs and Honey

Walter Lippmann (1889 – 1974)

On Saturday, May 5th at 10:00 am at the Hopkins Center for the Arts I will be leading a design demo with my own garden-grown flowers.  Afterward, I will be giving the design to the silent auction to help raise funds to support the art programs at HCA.  I have also been asked to answer gardening questions, which I am fine in doing, but I think the Master Gardeners on site that day will do a better job.

example:

I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of 10 Cafe’ au Lait dinner plate dahlia tubers to plant this spring.  I think I will be asking those MG’s for some advice… “How do I get them to grow THIS big?” (showing my hands 10″ apart)  Truly, if anyone has some great dahlia tips for me, I would really appreciate it.

 May Day Event at Hopkins Center for the Arts