Saturdays aren't just for lying in bed...

10.00 a.m. and I busy in the shop creating and dreaming all things Valentines. That was until I walked past the fridge; I had to stop in my tracks when I saw the Sweet Peas.  100 stems arrived yesterday and now only a small handful were left. I always love it when the Sweet Peas come in. They are feminine, intricate and flirtatious and always a breath of fresh air, especially on grey rainy days like today.  Or maybe it was because they were pink? I am not sure. And for once I didn't question it. After all it was Saturday and I was happy. As for the idea of having a sleep in? Well, maybe that's what Sundays are for!

Sweet Pea

The Sweetest Arrangement with French Lilac, Germini and Sweet Pea

Germini in Blush

French Lilac

Spray Carnations

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Hyacinth

Flora Greenaria Botanica - just testing to see if you're still reading this!

An arrangement using Hyacinth, Eucalyptus, Miss Piggy Roses, Pink Spray Roses, 

French Lilac, Sweet Pea and Hypericum Berry

Only 7 more sleeps until Christmas

There is a frenetic energy of excitement and desperation as people rush around in a lunch hour that does not seem to have 60 minutes, to get their shopping done. Charlie hung out with me in the shop and I manned the phone as well as putting together hand tied arrangements - I have been so caught up in the administration that I'd forgotten the joy of chatting to people and creating a bouquet for that person they loved. A man came in for flowers - he wished to court someone and needed advice on what to send...

Paperwhites and Parrot Tulips

Peonies

A young woman came in to buy flowers for her grandmother's birthday. "Tell me about her" I said. "She's going to be 96 and is as sharp as a tack". Through our conversation it was obvious this young woman adored her grandmother and that her energy and zest for life had only increased as she had aged. We selected a gold luster vase and hot pink peonies, which are impossible to find at this time of year, to which we'll add decadent touches of Christmas. It's moment like this and being part of life's vignette that makes it all so worthwhile. 

Bridal Piano Roses

Miss Piggy Rose with the guard petals protecting their ward

The flowers we've received this week are absolutely beautiful. Come into Petals - we're open every day including Christmas Eve - we'll create something quite breathtaking for someone special in your life. 

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Thistle

Magnolia Leaves

Amaryllis

Freesia

Germini

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Calla Lily

In the Absence of Light

I was absolutely delighted that Andrea Tsai Barker was able to shoot this week's shipment. Yesterday I was dashing from one meeting and heading to the next and popped into the store somewhere in between. As I opened the door I saw Andrea, camera in hand, looking like a kid in a candy store not quite sure where to begin as it all looked so edible. This week's flowers were nothing short of beautiful; I am so proud of our direction and quality. They are truly breathtaking flowers that simply cannot be ignored! 

Well after midnight, her link arrived; I couldn't wait until morning. Image after image downloaded and I was able to see each bloom through Andrea's eyes. In her covering email Andrea explained her thoughts as she captured each blossom:    

The contrast of the shadows and dark flooring of the shop really helped to elevate and lift the incredible colours of the flowers.  I played that up with contrast, and experimented with different perspectives, finding myself often on my knees, on the floor, or standing high up on a chair.  I also emphasised shape by pairing particular blooms with vases, photographing them so that they resembled still life paintings.

 Hydrangea

 Dendrobium orchids

 Garden Roses

David Austen Rose in Apricot 

 Vibernum

 Hydrangea

 A peek inside the fridge

 Larkspur and Gladiola

 Veronica

 Hydrangea

 Hypericum

 Hydrangea

  Germini

 Freesia

 Tulips

Spray roses