Painterly Peonies
Impressions of an exotic bouquet….
Easter Morning...
Wishing you all a happy and blessed Easter!
Spring Garden Floral
The early spring garden is now dressed in shades of pink and white as our cymbidium orchids, anemones and camellias take the stage. They are lovely in the landscape but also make beautiful cut flowers for arranging!
Flower Spotlight: Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers, also called Persian Buttercups, provide stunning blooms in early spring when the weather is still chilly and moist. Boasting a mass of chiffon-like petals, the multicolored flowers are always a favorite for spring weddings and floral arrangements.
Styling Cymbidium Orchids
Cymbidiums have always been my favorite variety of orchids. I've been collecting them since I was in college and fell in love with a neighbor's wine barrel full of amazing blooming orchid stalks.
Spring in the Garden...
Today is officially the first day of Spring and the garden is clearly celebrating with beautiful blooms and blossoms. Our magnolia tree is covered in pink and white velvety flowers which glisten on these rainy days.
Black and White Anemone Arrangement
The garden is finally blooming again after the dormant days of winter and some of the first flowers to emerge this season were these black and white anemones.
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.
The Changing Color of Hydrangeas
Hydrangea season is here at last and our side garden is now filled with glorious pink, purple and lavender blooms. Every year the plants get larger and now they are almost as tall as I am.
Spring Garden Floral Arrangements
Creating a spring garden floral arrangement using a mixture of homegrown and market flowers is a simple, inexpensive way to bring the spirit of the season into your home.
Sunshine on a Rainy Day: Daffodils and Ranunculus
Daffodils and ranunculus are in beautiful bloom now in the garden. Their soft lemon yellow and warm orange colors remind me of sunshine peeking through the clouds on a rainy spring day.
A Bunny Brunch Table
This spring I decided to host a brunch for friends and have styled a table filled with country garden flowers and bunny plates to welcome my guests. This is a very simple table to set up using home grown flowers and what dishes you have on hand.
In Bloom: Angel's Parasol Hydrangea
Although I treasure each and every variety in our hydrangea garden, I find the Angel's Parasol is one of the most dazzling. It produces a unique and very delicate flower with soft tear-shaped petals.
Treasures of May: Pink Peonies
May flowers are some of the fullest and most beautiful of all the year's blooms. Although my few garden peonies were early this year, and unfortunately gone before I managed to photograph them, a stunning pink bouquet gifted by a friend captured my heart.
Cooking from the Garden: Fresh Pea Soup
Our spring garden is growing now and the peas I planted from seed a few months ago are ready to harvest. This is a special variety, called Peas in a Pot that does well in containers.
Sakura: Cherry Blossoms
The bright, clear light of springtime brings a soft glow to the ornamental cherry trees I see blossoming this time of year. They are the last to bloom of all the flowering trees and create a grande finale of fluffy white blossoms that turn to pink as time passes.
Roses and Redbuds: Arranging with Tree Branches
It is becoming a beautiful spring season and the redbud trees are blossoming bright. The spectacular violet pink of their flowers inspired me to create this arrangement of branches, pink jasmine from the garden and a $5 bunch of roses from our local Trader Joe's.
The Joy of Painting Botanicals…
Learn about my creative process…