IMG_0292

Colour Your Life – Baby Blue

Soft pastel tones are popular because they appear more delicate and gentle. Sometimes, a more muted colour palette seems like the more ‘appropriate’ choice; whether it be soft pink or baby blue for the arrival of a precious new child,  or whites and lemons for a funereal arrangement.

I guess for the same reason, muted tones are popular for weddings. Visually, a soft colour palette will look more gentle against a white or cream gown. Where adding dark or more rich colour tones will add drama to your event, soft pastel tones add a gentle touch, and a romantic and intimate feeling to your wedding or event.

Baby blue is always a popular choice for wedding flowers, and this is  (at least partly) because many of the natural blue flowers available come in softer tones.

Globally blue is one of the most popular colours. It represents confidence, calm authority, intelligence, peace, productivity and trust.

Blue is an almost universally liked colour, and has many ties to our natural environment making it more appealing. Men favour blue also.

Blue is believed to have positive effects on both the body and the mind. It is believed that it improves mental clarity, produces a calming effect, inspires creativity, lowers the heart rate and even slows human metabolism.Pale blue is especially related to health and healing, peace, tranquility, and understanding.

Baby blue was successfully combined with a soft rose pink by Pantone in 2017, as ‘dual’ colours of the year. The two pastel tones worked wonderfully well together and inspired soft, and delicate palettes reminiscent of vintage tea sets.

Baby blue with Powder pink
Colour palette inspiration

Blue also works beautifully with other colours that have a blue base such as mauves, and greens. A ‘cool’ colour scheme like this will further the feeling of calm and tranquility.

Cool colour tones
Cool colour tones, all with a blue base. Source: Design Seeds

If you like to add contrast to your arrangement, when using pastel colour tones, the contrast is more subtle. Blues opposing or ‘complementary’ colour is orange. So, for baby blue, peachy apricot tones work as it’s complement.

Baby blue, blue, peach and apricot blend
Contrast: Blue, peach and apricot. Source; Southern Living

The choice of baby blue flowers is not extensive by any means, but what they lack in variety, they certainly make up for in beauty. Check out these glorious specimens…

Grape Hyacinth. Source;
Grape Hyacinth. Source; surface view
Blue Sea Holly
Blue Sea Holly. Source; Holland Bulb Flowers
Powder blue delphinium
Powder blue delphinium.

Powdery blue iris

Blue forget me nots
Forget me nots are such a sweet, sweet addition to a bouquet
Blue hydrangea
Blue hydrangea is such a stunning flower, used alone or in combination with other flowers too. Source The DIY Lighthouse

Blue needn’t be artificial or garish. Using natural blue tones will give you a beautifully soft and delicate aesthetic. If choosing another colour is difficult for you, and you really want the blue to be the feature, consider using a very natural colour palette, teaming the blue with browns or beiges. This works well with the groom’s suit colour choices as well 😉

IMG_0299

Fwf x

 

Read More

Wild Hibiscus

Walk on the Wild Side with Hibiscus

Have you ever seen a wild hibiscus in flower? Or, better yet, have you watched one bloom in a glass of bubbly?

Hibiscus blooms added to sparkling wine
A Rosella bloom unfurling in sparkling wine. Source: Elle Decor

Rosellas, are a tropical annual, which are also known as Wild Hibiscus, Florida Cranberry, Royal Roselle, Red Tea, Guinea/Indian/Red/Natal/Jamaican Sorrel, Jamaica tea flower, Java Jute, Nubia tea, Pink Lemonade, Queensland Jelly Plant, and Sour-Sour. The plant, originally from South Africa, grows beautifully throughout tropical and subtropical regions of India, Australia and Southeast Asia.

If I’m really honest, I may have sold Rosellas as a Native flower at some stage over my career 🤔 I’m sure I’m not the first, nor the last to do this….The Hibiscus is often associated with Australian bush tucker, and has been popular with Indigenous Australians since being introduced here, so I guess I just assumed they had been native. They grow prolifically in Queensland and Northern Australia. Having grown here for thousands of years now, there are some differences in our plants characteristics from those in neighbouring countries.

The Hibiscus grows on the edge of forests and rainforests, and in sand dune regions. It is a hardy, drought resistant plant however it is sensitive to frost. Rosellas have a unique tart flavour, making them popular for use in jams, cordials, teas and as a decorative addition to your drink.

Rosella blooms
Source: A Kitchen Garden in Kihei Maui

Their botanical name is Hibiscus sabdariffa, and they are a member of the Mallow family. The seeds, leaves, fruits and even the roots of the Rosella are used in various foods. The fleshy red calyx, and the characteristic 5 petalled funnel shaped flower is perhaps the most popular part of the plant.

Hibiscus macaroons
Hibiscus macaroons. Source: Mushita

The product that has become internationally recognised is the Wild Hibiscus flowers in syrup, which were first produced by an Australian family business, headed by Lee Ethrington. After initially producing the wildly popular Rosella Jam for local markets, he then branched out to a range of Australian Bushfoods seeing the potential for both international guests and loving locals. Queenslanders were mad for the Rosella Jam, made from the Hibiscus growing all through the north of the state. Believe it or not, but according to their website, the moment of discovery that led to the creation of their most popular product, was entirely by chance:

“…Lee and partner, Jocelyn and their guests dropped a rosella flower into a glass of champagne (the flowers and other native fruits were always on hand for making the bushfood produce). Watching in amazement as the flower started to unfurl and look particularly special in the glass, the idea was sparked by Lee to create the first bottled whole hibiscus flowers in syrup.”

Rosella fruit stems
Rosella fruit stems. Source: Robin Powell

 

The flowers are preserved in a concoction of sparkling water and cane sugar and can be used up to 36 months after bottling. Due to the seasonal nature of the plant, demand was not being met, so they were forced to travel and establish a supply network across the Australasian tropical belt. Wow!

I think it is incredibly interesting to see flowers used in ways outside floral arrangement. We know that many creatures in nature find sustenance from flowers, so why not us too, right?

Fwf x

Read More

IMG_0270

Colour Your Life – Wonderfully White

White is a colour with special significance, and I truly believe that it will forever be popular. At present, ‘Hamptons’ styling has firmly positioned white flowers and accessories in the spotlight, but even when that dies down, sophisticated white will remain in some other capacity.

Hamptons inspo
Hamptons Styling. Source: The girls of Lincoln Park

White is incredibly versatile in styling, it brings light and sophistication, simplicity and elegance. It suits most decors and makes a safe choice when sending flowers as a gifts when you are unsure of someone’s taste.

It is a colour I would also recommend sending when using an unknown florist in an unfamiliar area, particularly if you are unsure of the work style. Basically you can’t get white and green wrong , can you? There is no danger of mixing the wrong shades together, so it keeps things simpler.

Gorgeous white bouquet

White is a colour associated with cleanliness, such as in hospitals and with doctors. It is also associated with heavenly creatures such as angels.

Most significantly, white is utilised in wedding celebrations. This is because pure white is symbolic of innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the colour symbolic of perfection. A white wedding dress, or white wedding flowers used to be commonplace, it was even expected, but these days, the colours used within weddings does vary.

There are many flowers available in white,  BUT there are also some special flowers that are ONLY available in white such as Lily of the Valley.

Other beauties available in white include; Queen Anne’s Lace, agapanthus, magnolia blooms, Tuberose, Snowdrops, Astilbe, Buddleja, Frangipani, Pieris, Tulips, Lilies, Calla lilies, Stock, Snapdragons, Roses, Lisianthus, Freesias, Hydrangea, Peonies, Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Carnations, Delphiniums, Gladioli,  Protea, Fruit blossoms, Gardenia, Baby’s breath, Anthurium, Daisies, Orchids (Dendrobium, Phaleonopsis, Cymbidium, etc)

Often, when you choose your wedding gown, it is tempting to try to match your flowers to that shade…..but the reality is there are probably hundreds of shades between ‘Bridal white’ and ‘Cream’. Nature, well…it just isn’t like that. But more than that, by attempting to match something that is reproduced via formula with something that is influenced by weather, soil conditions and mineral content, rain etc… you are asking for trouble.

Varieties of David Austin roses for example, that are ordered as white, might throw just a hint of soft pink at some times, influenced by low temperatures at the beginning of the season. That same variety may appear pure white when the temperatures warm up.

By the same token, some of the whites flowers available can appear to look yellow against a pure white dress fabric. That is simply because white in nature is not a pure white when compared to something that is bleached or created artificially.

I think we can all agree there are some stunning cut flowers to choose from in white, the hard bit is deciding where to start…

Dahlia
Dahlia. Source: Eat Drink Garden
Magnolia bloom
Magnolia. Source: Style Files
White Protea
White Protea. Source: Protea Flora
Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace. Source: Shabby Cottage Studio
Tuberose
Tuberose. Source: Country Living
Lilac
Lovely Lilac. Source: My Folia
Gardenia
Gardenia. Source: Monrovia

Fwf x

 

Read More

Royal purple

Colour in Your Life – Royal Purple

Some colours command attention, and purple is a colour that certainly does that. Originally, purple was an incredibly costly colour to produce which contributed to it’s exclusivity. The reason for this was that the mucous from 9000 Mediterranean sea snails was required to make just a small quantity of natural Tyrian Purple dye.

Queen Elizabeth I, implemented and enforced Sumptuary Laws; laws which regulated the colours, fabrics and clothes that society was either able or unable to wear based on their class. During her reign, the colour we now know as ‘Royal Purple’ was reserved for the royal family. Queen Elizabeth I forbad anyone outside close members of the royal family to wear it.

Then, some 150 years ago, purple began weaving it’s way into society’s lower classes when an 18 year old chemist accidently created a synthetic purple dye whilst attempting to make Quinine, an anti-malaria drug. Whoops! Whilst he was not successful in making Quinine, he became incredibly well known and successful after his fortunate discovery. When he noticed that what he had concocted in his home lab could be used to dye fabrics, he quickly patented the dye and produced it under the name aniline purple.

Purple is a colour that looks great with various shades of itself. Monocramatic colour schemes work well as they play with differing shades of one colour.

Monocramatic

An analogous colour scheme uses a collection of colours that sit side by side on the colour wheel. These tend to work well together and look harmonious.

Analogous

For whatever reason, purple seems to be a colour people like to use with highly contrasting colours like orange, or bright yellow. While they certainly make an impact, these bright colour schemes do not suit everyone.

Contrasting colours

Contrasting colours

One of my favourite colour schemes using purple is when it is combined with shades of green. It works particularly well when you also use mauve along with the royal purple.

IMG_0246

IMG_0243

The colour purple combines the energetic strength of red and the stability of blue. It symbolises nobility, dignity, royalty, prestige, luxury and ambition. It conveys both wealth and extravagance. It is also associated with creativity, mystery and magic. It is a colour that resonates with creative souls and humanitarians, it promotes mental balance and harmony of the mind, encourages sensitivity and compassion. But beware, too much purple is believed to exacerbate depression in those vulnerable to it. It is a colour that should be used in the home sparingly.

If you feel like Purple is the colour for you, you certainly have some  beautiful options. Just remember that the season will affect what is available to you for your event.

Royal Navy (purple) sweet pea
Sweet Pea. Source: Eden Brothers
Lilac
Lovely Lilac blooms 😍 Source: pinimg
Bearded iris
Bearded Iris. Source: Comanche Acres Iris
Purple Liatris
Purple Liatris. Source: Gardenerdy
Purple tulips
Deep purple tulips. Source: Jbirdny
Purple Lilac blooms
Purple Vanda Orchids
Purple Lisianthus
Purple Lisianthus. Source: Danisa Flowers
Various purple hyacinths
Various purple toned hyacinths. Source: Garden Design
Pretty purple carnations
Gorgeous purple carnations. Source: Pro Flowers
Butterfly buddleja
Butterfly Buddleja. Source: Not Cutts
Purple and mauve roses
Purple and mauve roses. Source: Gold Florist
Summery hydrangea
Summery hydrangea. Sourced via Pinterest
Deep purple delphinium
Delphinium. Source: Walters Garden

Another gorgeous colour to kick off your inspiration. Enjoy!

Fwf x

Read More

Jane+Alex wedding-1642

A Bride’s Guide to Choosing the Right Epping Florist

Flowers are undeniably an important part of any wedding day. For a soon-to-be-bride, her wedding day is a special occasion where she carries an exquisite flower bouquet and is surrounded with the most beautiful blooms during the wedding ceremony.

 

Choosing the right type of flowers for a wedding can be challenging. This is where the expertise of an Epping florist comes in. Before you call the first Epping florist & flower delivery service you have found online, you need to remember a few things when choosing which flower shop in Epping to get your bridal flower from.

 

Why should you obtain the services of a florist?

 

While a bride can certainly design and style her own wedding bouquet, hiring a florist is practical in more ways than one. Sourcing flowers for your wedding is not as easy as picking the most beautiful blooms from a flower shop in Sydney. To make sure that you have a perfect bouquet to match your dress, a florist will do all the leg work for you.

 

A florist wll be responsible for taking those early morning trips to flower dealers, negotiate directly with suppliers and make last-minute decisions if the chosen flowers are not yet in full bloom.

 

The best Epping florists are experts in maintaining the freshness of flowers for a long period of time. An experienced florist is also skilled at various wedding flower arrangements, not only for the bouquet but for flower decorations for the reception tables and other areas in the venue as well. A florist will work until the wee hours of the morning to make sure all arrangements are finished before the start of the wedding ceremony.

 

Lastly, an Epping florist and flower delivery service will bring all flowers to the venue on time. With a florist taking care of all these things, a bride can focus on more important tasks before her wedding.
If you need a reliable and affordable florist and flower delivery service on your special day, let us know and call us on 02 9871 1666. Click here to check out our beautiful arrangements for all occasions.

Read More

image of girl given a bouquet of roses

How to Choose a Florist in Macquarie Park

If you check out the top 25 florists near Macquarie Park, you will notice that all of them offer impressive flower arrangements and same day delivery services at affordable prices. Amidst the abundance of florists in Macquarie Park, you may be curious on how you can obtain the services of the best florists in NSW.

 

In this post, we will guide you through the process of choosing a florist:

 

 

  • Make a list of florists that operate in Macquarie Park

 

 

If you are a Macquarie Park resident, it is only sensible and practical to seek the expertise of a florist in the vicinity. Create a list of the top 25 florists near Macquarie Park. You can narrow down the list once you have established a few requirements and your budget.

 

Compare flower arrangements of at least 4 to 5 florists. This will make it easier for you to choose which florist meets your style.

 

 

  • Check out their portfolio

 

 

It is imperative to do your research before you make a decision on who to hire or buy flowers from. In the case of weddings, you need to request for photos of past flower arrangements. The style of flower arrangements should match your requirements. It may also be important for you to share your vision with prospective florists so they can get an idea of what you want on your big day. A skilled florist should be able to translate your vision into reality.

 

 

  • Have  clear budget

 

 

Have a clear budget. A sizeable proportion of the wedding budget is usually appropriated to the bride’s bouquet and other wedding flowers arrangements. Make sure to create a list of flower arrangements that are well suited for your budget. A florist should be able to recommend flower arrangements which best suit your budget.

 

Enlisting the help of a reputed florist for your wedding bouquet and flower arrangements can take the pressure off you and allow you to focus on other important tasks to be completed in preparation for your wedding day.

 

Try our same day delivery at Macquarie Park and everything we have to offer. To request for a quote, call us on 02 9871 1666 today.

Read More

hele 7

Top 4 Ways to Choosing a Bella Vista Florist

If you want to make a lasting impression on your wedding day or any special occasion, it is a must to hire a florist to create marvelous and tantalising flower arrangements for you. If you live in Bella Vista and are looking to purchase flowers either for simple flower decorations at home or for grand occasions such as wedding days, then this guide will help to make the right choice easy.

 

 

  • Know your personal style

 

 

Once you have established your personal style, it’s rather simple and straightforward to narrow down your choices to the 10 best florists near Bella Vista. Also, make sure to familiarise yourself with the general terms used in flower decorating and arrangements.

 

 

  • Planning in Advance

 

 

For weddings and other important occasions you may need to book florists early on or you could be compelled to chose one who may not be among the best. As a general rule, the larger the order you need to place, the earlier it is to plan for flower arrangements.

 

You also need to consider seasonal availability of particular flowers you may have in mind and be prepared to consider substitutes, if the flowers you want are out of season.

 

 

  • Determine your budget

 

 

Ideally florist services as well as bouquet and flower arrangements should amount to

10% of your total budget. To avoid problems in the future, make sure to set aside extra cash for cases when you want to add more flower arrangements for your wedding. Remember to pick flowers which are in season only. Discuss your budget with the florist to see how best it can be accommodated.

 

 

  • Schedule a visit or interview

 

 

If you have the time, visit flower shops in Bella Vista to see their arrangements and flower displays. Ask as many questions as you can before you make a buying decision.
Are you looking for the best florist and flower delivery shop in Bella Vista? Click here or call us on 02 987 1666 to schedule an appointment for viewing our arrangements.

Read More