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

When Worlds Collide

I live in a beautiful bubble. I design incredible weddings for amazing people, have the opportunity to see the most stunning flowers that are brought in created into extraordinary bouquets and arrangements, and I try my best to live a purposeful life. It's only when I travel, as I am doing now, that I see the rest of the world through a different lens. I am far removed from everything that's familiar and therefore feel adventurous, but somewhat fragile. 

 Thistle

Today, Lisa, my sister, and I have raced around the English countryside. She pointed out a meadow of Chinese Red poppies as we drove along the highway and, at my urging, we went around a roundabout three times just so I could enjoy the profusion of wild flowers caught in the circle. We walked through Guildford, our heels clicking in unison when I stopped in my tracks as the fragrance of garden roses, trained up a wall, caught my attention. I stood by the wrought iron gate, leaning into the private hedge trying to get closer, closer, blinded. The last time I smelt roses was at Petals. I suddenly missed the shop. I have come to love seeing the flowers the day they arrive; watching them get unpacked and conditioned, knowing that my crew do such a beautiful job in carrying out our collective vision.  So thank you Amanda for capturing the flowers that have just arrived so beautifully - although I am thousands of miles away, I feel less removed as my worlds collide... njb

 Clematis

 Dendrobium Orchid

 Hydrangea

 Stock

 Lisianthus

 Phlox

Peony 

 Dahlia

 Ammi Majus

 Viburnum

 Green Mini Hydrangea

 Roses

 Craspedia

 Campanula

 Gentiana

Also in our shop available for sale in limited quantities: 

purple and white Aster, yellow Calla lilies, white Hypericum berries, Antherium 

Roses in hot pink, pale pink, salmon and yellow Gerberas in white, red, light and dark pink 

pink Bouvardia, cream Freesias, pink and white Dendrobium orchids 

Dusty Miller and Eucalyptus