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

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. 

Weird, Wild and Wonderful

I have just come back from the New York International Gift Fair and been blown away by the incredible assortment of vases and object d'art available to the market. Going into the shop for the first time in what felt like days, I opened the door to see Amanda sprawled out on the floor, camera in hand, photographing flowers. 

Kati had been designing bouquets and Kirsteen was chatting away to a customer. As much as I loved being away, lost in the hustle and bustle of New York City, I so enjoyed coming home. Even if it was to all sorts of weird, wild and wonderful things on display in the floral fridge. But don't take my word for it - the flowers have just arrived - go take a peek but be careful as you walk in, Amanda might be on her tummy photographing flowers. 

Gladiola

I saw this rose today, I think for the first time, and fell in love. 

Hydrangea

Pin Cushion Protea

Summer arrangement

Designer: Kati

Ready to go...