Painterly Peonies
Impressions of an exotic bouquet….
In the Studio: Sunwashed Floral Watercolors
As the summer comes to a close I am spending more time in the studio. Lately, I've been working with watercolors to create these expressive floral paintings of favorite blooms.
Farmhouse Floral with Golden Sunflowers
As September approaches I am bringing warm and vivid hues into the home for early fall. Golden sunflowers, rust Peruvian lily, green hydrangeas and chamomile provide a vibrant mix of color in this rustic farmhouse floral arrangement.
Styling an August Appetizer Party
Creating a memorable table for an informal occasion is very easy to do by using a basic floral centerpiece, a few meaningful touches in the table setting, and a tray of starters.
Collecting Artful Floral Containers
There is something so sublime about the combination of flowers and exquisite pots or vases. It is a beautiful marriage of nature and art. Lately, I've been starting to enlarge my collection of floral pots and vases while I pass on those that no longer suit my style to others.
Dreaming of Dahlias...
It is almost dahlia season and the garden is filled with budding plants. Dahlias are my favorite late summer flower and every year I add a new variety or two just to watch them bloom and enjoy their beauty in the hot August sun.
Four Favorite Summer Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas provide spectacular summer blooms and now there are many new and unique varieties available. Here are just a few of my favorites which have been added to the garden over the last year or two.
Early Summer Roses
Roses add a touch of classic beauty to the early summer garden with their lovely colors and sweet scent. In May ours begin blooming as the air becomes warmer and the sunlight lasts into evening. Shades of orange, red and yellow fill the patio garden and welcome the beginning of a new season.
A Luncheon in the Garden
A centerpiece that features home grown flowers is simple to create and ties the table design to the surroundings.
On My Bookshelf: Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden + Floret Daffodils in Bloom
Oh what a busy spring it has been so far... In addition to seeding and weeding I've also been reading! The new book by Erin Benzakein of Floret Farm is the latest to capture my attention and I am learning so much from its pages.
Branches and Blooms: Star Magnolia
Star Magnolia is among the most dazzling of trees in our early spring garden. Its skeleton of branches features a profusion of stunning white flowers that brings the landscape to life.
Flowering Plum Trees
It is that beautiful time of year again when the trees are starting to bloom and fill the air with the sweet scent of spring. I like to walk in the mornings and take in the beauty of the season.
Daffodils in Distinctive Containers
When daffodils start to emerge from the ground they bring with them thoughts of spring. After many weeks of much needed rain here in California, winter is coming to a close and flowers are beginning to bloom again.
Special Delivery
February has been a camellia-filled month so far with the garden starting to bloom and pink camellia flowers everywhere. As the buds pop open, I find myself bringing them inside to admire while planning new ways to style and display them.
A Camellia Arrangement for Valentine's Day
Camellias are blooming in abundance now and filling the garden with pink- just in time for Valentine's Day! To bring some of their lovely color indoors I created a mixed arrangement of camellias and other winter blooms.
A Twist of Lemon...
Citrus season has been beautiful this year. Even with heavy rains the lemons are fresh and robust. These Meyers were just picked and are soon to be brought inside and displayed on our kitchen table.
In the Studio: Spring Flowers and Vibrant Pastels
Hello and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a lovely holiday and that you are now enjoying the beautiful quiet days of winter.
Floral Styling for the Holidays
Creating a festive floral arrangement can be a fun and easy way to welcome guests to your home during the holidays. This piece was designed using fresh market flowers and a few decorative embellishments packed away in a Christmas box.
Creating a Mix-and-Match Thanksgiving Table
The holidays are coming fast and designing a seasonal table for Thanksgiving is always one of my favorite traditions. This year I created a harvest table to use throughout the fall as well as on Thanksgiving.
Fall in the Wine Country...
Oh, what a busy season it has been so far! We spent time in Napa Valley which is a magical place to take pictures now as the vineyards are washed with glowing autumn sunlight.
Styling an Autumn Garden Floral
The colors of fall infuse the garden with a sense of the moment. Orange mums, burnt red dahlias and soft sage green hydrangeas reflect the hues of falling leaves and are simple to style and bring inside.
The Joy of Painting Botanicals…
Learn about my creative process…