Passionate about Peonies

Between trips to Vegas and Paris, Amanda came into the shop to photograph this week's shipment: I had specially ordered pink Peonies for someone who was getting married next month - to have a sneak peek at the colour. Of course, I could not resist ordering white ones too! I don't often order white Peonies but gently unwrapping them, I was reminded of their delicacy - as fragile as forgotten childhood dreams.

Calla Lily Exotica

The Calla Lilies were brought in for Harry's Restaurant - one of my favourite haunts. With it being a weekly contract, we are given this magical window between 10.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on a Wednesday when we do our 'install'. I woke before day-brake mentally going over the containers, visualizing the flowers I'd ordered and how they would be used. Towering branches of Forsythia in vases over 4' tall. The river rocks, individually selected, would ground it all. Egg yolk yellow roses and Galax leaves on each table along with Calla Lily accents in the bar area. I could hardly wait.

My crew arrived to help and I began to load up our van mentally checking off everything we'd need. As I went to open the sliding side door, it came off the railings. Poor Lucy (as we affectionately call our van - Lucy that is, not the Poor bit). Lucy is well over 12 years old and inspite of the numerous facelifts, the odometer continues to reflect her quiet dedication. It was 10.10 and we needed to be on our way. Bugger... I thought. Somehow I 'pushed' the door sort of back in and using the driver's door, wedged it shut. I threw Lucy's keys to one of our designers and asked her to drive. I shuffled the boxes, watering can, river rocks, roses, lilies and the Forsythia and climbed in the boot. There, with a wine crate filled with vases between my legs and my arm out the window, desperately holding the door up, we set off. "Mind the pot holes" I yelled from the back. I think this is the only time we've ever driven under the speed limit but maybe that's because I wasn't driving... 

We finished the install before 11.00 and gamely set off to Rayclan. Serious shout out to George - He always sees me right away and knows that the urgency of having a working vehicle is critical to my mental health. He fixed it on the spot. George I owe you one... drinks at Harry's are on me.

The flowers this week are nothing short of gorgeous - but don't take my word for it, come in and see for yourself. As always in limited quantities as always, just for you.   ... njb

Allium

Pink Fringe Tulips

Orange Smartie Roses

White Double Lisianthus

Green Hydrangea

Après la pluie, il fait soleil

To Ellen

For over a decade we have received our flowers on a Thursday. And for over a decade, Ellen and Bob and the team at the Boston flower market have been a guiding force in sourcing our flowers from the far reaches of the earth. Ellen handles my questions with grace and humour but above all, with patience. I know that a huge part of our success is due to her. The snow storms on the east coast have been especially fierce and most people encouraged to stay safely at home. With careful management and the floral teams' dedication to what they do, they have collectively ensured our flowers were sent in perfect condition, a day later. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can't wait to see what arrives.  

Loose French translation: After the rain, the sun shines    

Double Lisianthus 

Cymbidium Orchid 

Pussy Willow 

Viburnum 

Blue Hydrangea 

White Hydrangea 

Amaryllis 

Rose 

Freesia 

Calla Lily 

Rose

A Season of Gratitude

One of the best things about Americans is they sure know how to celebrate. Thanksgiving Day defines the American Spirit of family, friends and giving thanks. It's as if time stops and arms are open wide. Homes are shared. The oven is positively bursting with a huge turkey slowly going golden brown. Unless you are a vegetarian of course. 

The flower arrangements that are being made for Thanksgiving mirror the change of seasons; the turning of the leaves, a sudden awareness of the air turning crisp. In the shop, Kirsteen has been designing the most exquisite table arrangements. The phone has been ringing with clients requesting flowers and foliage in browns, oranges and golds. There is a warmness in peoples' smiles as Thanksgiving approaches - as if we need this special day as a gentle nudge - a reminder of everything we have to be grateful for. 

 

Anthurium

Asparagus fern in Copper

Mustard Carnations

Amaryllis

Gerbera

                                                                            Gerbera

Double Lisianthus

Double Lisianthus

Double Lisianthus

Freesia

Seeing life in technicolour

For weeks we've been running low by Monday and by Tuesday, we are positively sold out. The fridge looks barren as does the shop. You can almost hear the cries: "Feed my soul with colour."  And we can't have that! So we are now receiving a shipment on Tuesdays. This week our schedules danced around Tropical Storm Gabrielle and as the flowers were unpacked, and colour filled the shop, the clouds began to lift cutting a path across the sky.

Gladioli and Lilies over 3 feet high! Gloriosa Lilies in magenta tinged with lemon, Parrot Tulips in Apricot and lime green in September. Can you imagine?. Snow white Snowberry in the softest shades of white and pink, lavender roses and the deepest shade of red Ranunculus.  Good heavens! 

As I looked around the shop, I grinned the biggest grin. The kind that Amanda says makes my eyes look squinty disappear and I look all teeth. It was my "hug-me-why-don't-you" oh so incredibly happy face. Suddenly all was right with the world. That's what's so wonderful about our flowers; they make everything okay.

But don't take my word for it, visit our shop on 19 Queen Street and take home your own touch of magic.