Happy St Patrick's Day, March 17th 2015

Take Over of the Clover!

Got a favourite colour?  Mine is unreservedly GREEN: anything from sage to avocado, khaki to lime. So with St Patrick’s Day approaching, what better way to celebrate than taking some inspiration from the Emerald Isle, from the clover and the leprechaun…

St Patrick’s day, a cultural and religious celebration on March 17th,  commemorates the passing of Ireland’s patron Saint (A.D385-461), the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.  Celebrations include public parades and dressing in green attire or adorning yourself with Shamrocks, the symbol Saint Patrick is said to illustrate the Holy Trinity. The Lenton restrictions on eating and drinking are lifted for the day, which has in turn propagated the tradition of consuming alcohol on the holiday (not that the Irish needed an excuse! Ha!)

Kilbennan St. Benin's Church Window St. Patrick Detail 2010 09 16.jpg
St Patrick Image: Wikipedia

 

Green is a wonderfully calming and neutral colour but it is often underrated, and people tend not to see the true value of adding foliages to an arrangement, or using green berries or blooms to ‘lift’ a colour scheme. As a florist on countless occasions I have had a hard time convincing a customer that what we really need is more green rather than more flowers or more colour. And so this week my mission is to turn that around!

With so many lush foliages available in green it is easy to create long lasting arrangements that are low maintenance and are stunning in their simplicity. Alternatively a variety of fresh flowers are available in everything from soft pistachios tones to rich, olives, ideal for creating textured, versatile arrangements that complement almost any colour scheme or decor.

Song of India:

Gorgeous Song of India Image: Cainta plant nursery

Succulents:

Gorgeous Succulent Image: Commons Wikimedia

There are hundreds of varieties of succulent plants. Succulents are supple, long lasting plants, that can be utilised as ‘cut flowers’ (with no stem), with bamboo skewers used to create an artificial stem. They do not require alot of water and create a great ‘focal’ with their flower petal-like formation.

Molluca Balm (Bells of Ireland):

Molluca Balm Image: Aliexpress

Molluca Balm is bright lime green in colour, long and elongated, with flower pods along the length of the stem. In the language of flowers, it represents luck- no wonder it is known as the ‘Bells of Ireland’.

Orchids:

Gorgeous Cymbidium Orchids Image: Flowers Pictures

The Orchidacae family is widespread and diverse. Cymbidium orchids are available in various green tones (among other colours). Cymbidium orchids are generally available throughout May-October within Australia.. They are long lasting and ideal to use enclosed within a tall vase, or as an eye catching centrepiece in a more varied arrangement.

Simply divine green Slipper Orchids Image:Fun Flower Facts

The exotic Slipper Orchid is also available in stunning greens however are far less accessible, more expensive and rarer to find. Certainly well worth it, if you can mange to get you hot little hands on them! For this reason they are often reserved for use within weddings or special events.

Dendrobium orchids are often known as Singapore Orchids Image: Pix Good

Soft green and bright lime green varieties of Dendrobiums-the common Singapore orchid are also available. This orchid is more affordable and available all year round through international suppliers. They are not cultivated locally. The flowers take water through both the stems and the flowers so you can immerse flowers in a basin full of water to rejuvenate there appearance every couple of days.

Chryssanthemums:

Green Buttonn Chryssies Image: Flicker

Chrysanthemums are available throughout the year in different varieties. The flower heads occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like or decorative, like the buttons (above), disbuds, spiders or pompoms. They are available in a vibrant, fresh, lime green tone. Chrysanthemums are extremely long lasting. The disbuds are an ideal focal flower whilst the spray forms (spiders or buttons) are great to use as a ‘filler’ flower.

Anthurium:

Supple and Shiny green Anthuriums are often mistaken as artificial. Image: Fine Art America

Tropical Anthuriums are plastic like in appearance and are often mistaken as artificial. With approximately 1000 species within the genus, the Anthuriums form the largest genus of the arum family. The bloom contains both male and female structures and is often seen to be rather phallic. They are ideal teamed with fresh cut foliages or other tropical blooms.

 

The possibilities to explore are limitless! Don’t forget there are several other varieties of fresh flowers commonly available in green, like Jade green roses, heleborus (winter rose) or hydrangeas which are popular for weddings, and carnations which continue to make the comeback of the century! Poppy pods, lotus pods, artichokes, berries and much more are also available in gorgeous shades of green so rather than just getting those cold ales flowing, get those creative juices going too and create an arrangement that will make your friends #greenwithenvy!

Til next time remember,

“Green is the prime colour of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises”  Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Fwf x

 

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Be Inspired by Marsala; Colour of the Year 2015

Each year Pantone announce a series of trending colours, but only one hue gets the top spot. This year, an earthy, rich and spicy, dark and moody tone known as “Marsala” has won the top honours.

Marsala: a rich, sticky and sweet fortified wine often used in cooking, is a perfect name for a colour which is equally as rich and intoxicating in its appeal. Because of the richness of the hue, you could be forgiven for thinking that a colour like this would only work well in a Winter wedding, however if teamed with the right complement, it could be as successfully used in summer soirees as well.

So why did they choose it? Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute says “Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth”

Whilst the earthy tone lends itself to being layered with other tones, and for this reason, will work well with day to day fashion, expect to see this colour feature heavily as feature wall paint too, particularly in dining rooms, as it is said that it stimulates the appetite: think wine, rich decadent chocolates, heady spice blends etc…

Generally the ideal contrast to this colour would be a teal/blue-green tone (a tone which sits directly opposite Marsala on the colour wheel), which will give you eye catching, amazing results, however, equally as seductive, would be teaming this tone with oranges for impact.

Image: Decor Dreams and Schemes

 

Getting married this year? What better way to date stamp your wedding than featuring the colour of the year.  Sure you can simply use it as a lipstick or a polish to tie in the tone,  or use it to dress your bridesmaids, however, if you would like to use Marsala as a feature throughout your florals, Florist with flowers can make inspired suggestions.

Here are some inspirations:

Image: You Mean the World to Me

 

Image via Destination 42:(left to right) Martha Stewart, Knotsvilla, Elizabeth Anne Designs

Bridesmaids gowns, bow ties/ties, table runners and cake accessories can be toned in as well to create a gorgeous wedding colour theme.

Image: Fifty flowers

Like a more natural look taking inspiration from wild flowers and native blooms? Rosella pods, Pink Ice Proteas, Red Astible, Berzillea and silver dollar gum provide a wonderful base to incorporate this years on trend colour. Silvan Red Leucadendrons or Jester Leucadendrons, as well as Smoke bush (Cotinus) are also a fantastic way to add rich Marsala tones to a wild flower bouquet.

Image: Via Fifty flowers (Elisabeth Blumen)

Need more inspiration? The infographic below is a great visual resource that will help determine if the blooms you long for are available in the colour of the year. Remember, that there is no substitute for years of experience. Our team at Florist with Flowers can guide you in the confusing world of wedding flower themes and help seamlessly tie all the elements of your wedding together. Whether you fancy just a splash of Marsala, or plan on drowning your day (or night) in the stuff, we are here to help!

2015 Color of The Year Marsala Flower Inspiration - on Flower Muse Blog: http://www.flowermuse.com/blog/marsala-flowers/
Image: Flower Muse

So what are your thoughts? Are you a fan of Pantone’s choice for 2015?

To be honest, I was so glad to see the back of 2014’s “Radiant Orchid” a bright pop of purple which I felt would date very quickly. I see rich Marsala as far more diverse and versatile in its applications from make up to fashion (think luxurious Marsala leather jacket for winter), to furnishings and home decor. And I guess we have to remember that Pantone’s colours are not simply intended to feature in wedding themes, but to be incorporated into daily life at every turn. For this reason, I vote FOR Marsala, for its seductive and somewhat mysterious undertones, for the possibilities in luxury leather goods, for its timelessness and for the subtle reminders of rich dark chocolates, coffee, spices and Merlot. Yum,

Image: Pantines colour of 2014

Have another colour in mind for your wedding that you would like to see us feature? Please let us know! In the meantime, check out our wedding gallery for inspiration

Til next time,

Fwf x

 

 

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Tongue Tied and Lost for words on Valentines Day?

“If I could have a rose for every time I thought of you, The world would be empty of them.”

After many years in retail floristry, I’ve chalked up MORE THAN my fair share of Valentine’s Days card messages. Can I tell you how many Valentines Day cards I’ve written in my life? Thousands…..LITERALLY thousands of little heartfelt messages I have personally written for one to another….for people I don’t even know! And I get it, really I do….I imagine its awkward and somewhat embarrassing standing opposite a person you don’t even know dictating a sometimes VERY personal message, but asking me to write something romantic instead? Really? 😉 I guess it’s no wonder people have started flocking to the web to order instead! There’s a certain anonymity by ordering online, and it certainly makes the transaction emotionally easier.

So this week we thought we’d give you a helping hand, a little inspiration for all you romantics who are tongue tied, or a tad lost for words…. (we’ve highlighted some of our favourites 😉 )

Remember we have a fantastic range of gift ideas for you this year. If you haven’t already had a look, check it out here.

Image: Kick of Joy

 

 

 

 

Infatuation:

“Can’t stop thinking about your smile”

“A girl worth kissing, is not easily kissed”

“Infatuation is the most fragile type of love” – C.S Lewis

“I want to finish your sentences”

“Infatuation (n)- state of being completely carried away by unreasoning passion or love”

“I wonder what you are thinking every time you look at me and smile. Whatever it is, it gives me butterflies in my stomach”

“We sin as devils do. We love as angels do.”

Image: Free High Resolution Images

 

Finding Love/New Love:

“The essence of love begins when infatuation ends”

“Love is reliable. Infatuation is temporary”

“Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship. It’s not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end.”

“Love needs no map, for it can find it’s way blindfolded.”

“Love not looked for is love that shall be found.”

“Beginnings are usually scary, endings are usually sad, but the middle is what really counts!”

“The easy part of life is finding someone to love. The hard part is finding someone to love you back.”

“You will love many times but only once you will fall in love.”

“When you welcome love with your whole heart, soul and body, love will welcome you with all its sweetness.” – Akidimah

“Winning your heart is the ultimate gift in the world, and losing your heart is ultimately the worst.”

“I never thought that I would meet someone who was so hard to forget.”

“It takes a second to say I love you, but a lifetime to show it.”

“If, out of time, I could pick one moment and keep it shining, always new, of all the days that I have lived, I’d pick the moment I met you.” – Source Unknown

“If you dare take my hand and take me where your heart is. I want to feel what it’s like to love like you love”

“My love for you knows no boundaries. You are the reason behind everything that is good in my life.”

“My life with you is something that I would never trade, even for all of the riches under heaven.”

“Just when I think that I could not be any happier, I see you and that all changes once again.”

“I never used to believe in forever. Now, I know that is not long enough to spend with you.”

“I sleep as fast as I can, so I can hurry up and wake up next to you.”

“No greater light illuminates my path than the love you have brought into my life.”

“I never knew how love could feel until I met you. I could never have imagined it.”

“For the rest of my life, I will count each day with you well spent.”

Love Does Not Need To Be Perfect. It Just Needs To Be True Facebook Status
Image: Images Buddy

 

Love (General):

“Words cannot express all that you mean to me. May you somehow just know that which I cannot explain.”

“There is no finer day than a day with you by my side. Thank you for all that you are.”

“I promise to always treat you like a queen. You reign over my heart, and your wish is my command.”

“The best way to love is to love like you have never been hurt.”

“You are the inspiration behind all that I do, and the source of all that is good in my life.”

“My gratitude for having met you is surpassed only by my amazement at the joy you bring to my life.”

“You need trust to love, but first you need to love in order to trust.”

“When you love someone, you pick up the little things and magically turn them into something special.”

 “Love will be the gift you give yourself”

“Just a minute spent with you is better than a whole day of sunshine.”

“To have you in my life is a blessing I could never have earned. “

“Can anything be more valuable than our love? Since you are with me, my only measurement is in heartbeats.”

“All my days with you are days’ worth living. “

“I give you my heart with full abandon, gratefully knowing that my life will never be the same.”

Image: Brainy Quote

 

Marriage:

“If it is meant to be, our hearts will find each other when we meet. And if our hearts melt together so will our bodies and souls. Then every word and every touch will fuel our passion flame. I will be yours, you will be mine, and we will be one.”

“May our last kisses be many years from now and taste of one another’s lips.”

“Marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth.”

“Two hearts that have been merged is marriage; two souls that have been merged is fate.”

“Love me without fear.Trust me without wondering.Love me without restrictions.Want me without demand.Accept me how I am. A love like that, will be eternal!”

“Marriage is like a fine wine, as it ages it just gets better. Look at all the good times and leave behind the bad, for there are more wonders you will find in each, as time passes by.”

“Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Choosing a love, and then, being strong enough to live up to your commitment of love is the essence of love.”

“Marriage is more than the entanglement of two hearts, it is the entwining of two lives, forever.”

“A man sees himself through the eyes of the women he loves.”

“The perfect marriage begins when each partner believes they got better than they deserve.”

“So, fall asleep love, loved by me, for I know love, I am loved by thee.” – Robert Browning

“The grass is not greener on the other side, you just have to water your own.”

“Cherish the love you had yesterday; that you still have today and look forward to cherishing the love you shall have tomorrow.”

Image: Fan Pop

 

 

Valentine’s Day is often thought of as nothing more than consumerism gone wild but that just misses the whole essence of the day. Whether it be a nervous teenager mustering up the courage to confess their undying love, an attentive spouse keeping the romance alive, or a extravagant way to propose, Valentine’s Day perhaps gives some the excuse to do what they ordinarily wouldn’t have the courage to do. Valentine’s Day is a way to simply celebrate love. That. Is. All. And really, what can be wrong with that?

So on that note, go boldly and ‘Love like you’ve never been hurt”….

Til next time, don’t go breaking any hearts,

Fwf x

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Love is when someones happiness is more important than your own- Make someone happy this February 14.

Crazy Little thing called Luv, Lurve, LOVE!

Valentine’s Day is of course the one day in the year where even the most unromantic character can have their beloved(s) swoon and gush over an entirely over the top romantic gesture. After 15 years in retail floristry, it still never ceases to amaze me the wide cross section of customers who walk through our door looking for something special and it got me thinking…..

I remember seeing this beautiful little quote one day asking: ‘Do you believe in love at first sight?’  And their answer?  “Yes. Because I’ve been loving my mother since I opened my eyes”. How beautiful is that? And I guess that is where my thought process started…. There are so many different types of love, and whilst we celebrate romantic love most often for Valentine’s Day, perhaps we should take more time to think about and appreciate all the other forms love can take and how we can celebrate that.

Love at first sight

Image: Styling Baby

No, the idea of Love at First Sight isn’t only a Kylie Minogue song and it isn’t limited to the kind of love portrayed in Romeo and Juliet either. The idea that parents and children alike, love their children, or parents respectively, immediately, is quite unique.  And whilst their are special occasions throughout the year where we do celebrate our parents, who could blame a gorgeous husband or a doting wife from choosing a beautiful gift on behalf of your tiny little bundle of boy (or girl!)

Appropriate choices in this instance may be: a gorgeous gift selection for mum of sweet smelling beauties and tasty delights. For dad, perhaps a gift hamper that includes tasty sauces and marinades for the bbq (and what better way to hint for him to cook too)!

Young Love

Our gorgeous budding florist (and Cassanova?) Joshua romancing his little girlfriend Jessie. Seriously, how can she resist?

The Cambridge dictionary simply defines Young love as love between people who are young. No Kidding. But the question remains, does it even exist? The term “puppy love” is often used to refer to young love. Adults will be quick to tell children/teenagers/adolescents that they are too young, and not to rush in, and many question young peoples ability to fall in love, or even know what being in love is. Either way, it is true at least to say that it is easy enough to fall “in love” young, but it is much harder to stay committed and grow together, so sometimes these liaisons are short lived.

For Young love,  a gerbera bouquet perhaps would be the most appreciated choice- young, fun, bright and cheery or perhaps a selection of pink roses. You could even add a gorgeous cuddly teddy bear to make the package extra special.

Platonic love

Image: The Prospect

I love the definition of platonic love: an intimate companionship or relationship, that is characterised by the absence of sexual involvement; a spiritual affection. In other words: a friend. A truly amazing friend perhaps, one who is there for you when your world is turned upside down.

So whilst red roses would be SOOO inappropriate in this situation, a yellow rose would be ideal, or alternatively a mixed bouquets in a favourite colour or including a favourite flower.

Romantic, Passionate Love

Image: Passion Pictures

So this is probably the most obvious situation in which to shower someone with deep red roses….maybe dozens of them! A classic dozen boxed or in a bouquet will certainly do the trick, but two dozen would create a certainly more showstopping display.  Team them with chocolates and champagne to make the night enjoyable for all! (Age restrictions obviously apply!)

True, Long Lasting love

Image: Handling Relationship Issues

So you’ve been together forever and want to do something extra special? Other than an extravagant display of dozens of roses in an arrangement with the whole kit and caboodle, have you ever thought about recreating your wedding bouquet perhaps? With a lifetime of memories shared the possibilities really are limitless. And the most beautiful thing about it, after all this time, you still know what makes each other tick, and still know how to make each other smile…..You’ve. Got. This.

Self love

Image: Spreadshirt

In this modern age of the selfie, this year, if you are lonely in the love department, don’t go letting that hold you back. You know what you want…..you know what you need……so if anyone knows how to get you the prefect gift, it has to be you, right?

Well that’s it. Have we missed a special kind of love that deserves mention? Drop us a line, post, or  leave a comment and we’ll be sure to update the list.

Do you have someone special to buy for this year or are you hoping someone will buy for you? Or perhaps you’re planning on treating yourself this Valentine’s Day? Whatever the case, Florist With Flowers has something unique and special for you. Check out our Valentines day range, or browse the rest of our gorgeous work to find some inspiration…..

Til next time remember:

‘Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own’

Make someone happy 😉

Fwf x

 

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