Appleford Estate Open House

These past few months have simply slipped by and I still have so many things I wish to share from last month - from two months ago, even - so without any further delay, let me get cracking!

First up is the Appleford Open House. I love to work at Appleford and I was happy to participate with Jeffrey Miller Catering at one of the open house tastings for prospective brides. I created a few small arrangements - each with a different color palette, selection of materials, and container - as well as a small bouquet and an enormous vase of concador lilies, viburnum, quince, hybrid delphinium, and roses.

The Appleford Estate is such a special place to have a wedding or a party. The historical house has lovely appointments, the tent (utilized as the reception space) is perfectly proportioned, and their gardens are without rival - they are simply stunning. (To see more of my work at Appleford, please check out the galleries on my website - Lisa, Karen, and Melissa.)

Flowers at the Fair

At the end of April, I was asked to participate in the Bryn Mawr Skin and Cancer Institute's first annual Skin Care Fair. Despite my busy schedule, I was more than happy to participate in this worthy cause. I set up a booth and had some of the prettiest flowers on display and for sale - the anemone poppies were truly spectacular! The variety of moss purses, perfect for the upcoming Mother's Day, simply disappeared and we had to keep restocking our table - there was a color and design for everyone.

It was fun to be there and to see so many former clients - thanks for stopping by!

Pomp and Circumstance

It's early June which means it's graduation time - and I have felt so bad for all those who have had to sit in the sweltering heat the past few days to cheer their graduate. Hot or not, it's a memorable milestone for many families and such a wonderful way to begin the summer vacation - not to mention the next chapter of someone's life!

Last week I had a graduation party for 150 in honor of a young man graduating from Malvern Prep. His parents wanted the theme to be the school's colors - navy blue and silver - and the key was to strike a balance with the flowers to ensure that they looked celebratory and fun but not wedding-esque.

His mother also wanted me to create a floral mosaic of the school's logo to anchor the room and the dance floor and so we created a large MP (arranged just like the logo) and gathered silver balloons at the base. The logo was a hit and every guest posed in front of them for photos! What's great as well is that the fresh flowers dry beautifully on these forms and clients save them as keepsakes.

To all those who have attended, will attend, or will be a member of a graduation - enjoy this special time! Congratulations!

Flowers pictured include trick dianthus, hydrangea, delphinium, ladies mantle, carnations, moss, salal, and pittosporum.

Last of the Blooms

At one of my more recent Greystone weddings, my bride wanted heaps of cherry blossom to frame the ceremony - and I mean heaps! I am so lucky to work with wonderful growers who were able to get the necessary multiple bundles to create this floral abundance at the end of April.

It's now the beginning of June and all of the blossoms are gone - the trees are completely green with leaves - and it's hard to believe how quickly spring comes and goes!

Spring Blossoms

What gorgeous weather! My garden is in its first bloom and I am really enjoying these late spring days. Everything seems to have grown overnight - my ladies mantle and foxglove are in full bloom, and the roses are popping out all over. Earlier this spring my alliums burst forth all over and I am sorry they are gone, but  I eagerly await the wash of colors expected later this month.

Spring is on my mind, and how fitting that my wedding of last weekend was a celebration of so many spring flowers: peonies, delphinium, ladies mantle, and roses. I had the prettiest cerise, pink, and creamy white peonies which smelled as good as they looked. The bride selected a multicolor theme of blue, pink, and lemon-lime greens, all set off by the palest of acid green silk tablecloths - perfect for a springtime wedding.

Enjoy these photos - I only wish you could smell how lovely they were!

Materials included: hot lady roses, amsterdam roses, pink spray rose, purple stock, ladies mantle, veronica, larkspur, hybrid delphinium, peonies, bells of Ireland, blue hydrangea, thistle, and quince branches. Bridal bouquet was an exquisite mix of gardenias, peonies, vendela roses, ranunculus.

One of the bridesmaid's bouquets

Bridal bouquet

Entryway centerpiece for the placecard table

Cocktail tables

Crackled glass julep cups for the cocktail area