Using mismatched vases

As you may have noticed there are two design principles which I love to use in my work. Repetition and symmetry. But once in awhile it's nice to spice things up! In the floral installation below I used five vases in different shapes and sizes, and all with different specimens inside. What I like about this, is that you get to enjoy each flower or green individually but they have more of an impact grouped together than if they were displayed alone.

Most people at home have a collection of mismatched vases from gifts etc. This is a good way to use them! Do a grouping in your entry or on your dining table. I find it most effective if you stick to one color. Experiment and have fun!

Okanagan Beauty

My recent holiday in the Okanagan was wonderful. I had many warm mornings spent at the beach with my kids, sand between their toes enjoying every ray of sunshine they could get. Family dinners with grandparents, and cousins in my sister's backyard. And lots of wedding planning for my sister's upcoming wedding in September. Speaking of weddings, I saw some spectacular wedding locations at various wineries! For my sister's stagette we did a wine tour....

Lake Okanagan

La Frenze Winery - what a view!

Lake Breeze Winery - great spot for a bite to eat!

Poplar Grove Winery - brand new building!

Ruby Blues - very passionate owners, great tasting!

Hope you are all having a great summer where ever you are enjoying the sunshine! Support British Columbia wine makers! Cheers.

Brentwood Bay Lodge Wedding

A beautiful sunny day at Victoria's Brentwood Bay Lodge was the location for this wedding. The ceremony was held on the dining room patio with a backdrop of blue skies, soaring trees and boats in the marina.

dahlias, mums, green hydrangea, hypericum berries,variegated pittosporum & curly willow

I loved the modern black chairs used on the patio for the ceremony! A nice change from the typical white which is often used. And that giant awning is a great touch, it really helps to keep your guests comfortable and dry!

Bridal Bouquet - dahlias, ornithogalums, dendrobium orchids

Bridesmaids - Solid purple in various shades using dahlias and mums

Centerpieces - white and green hydrangea with a touch of purple topped with curly willow

The reception dinner for the 40 guests was held in a private dining room with it's own deck over looking the hotel's pool and Brentwood Bay. I am sure everyone enjoyed themselves, how could you not at such a beautiful location!

         http://www.brentwoodbayresort.com/spa

Massed Greenery

This is a great example of how JUST greenery can be used to make a statement. Take a peek in your garden and see if you have any interesting foliage that you can bring in, and give this a try at home.  Don't forget to always pull of any leaves that will be under the water line as it promotes the growth of bacteria. In the photo below I used Mexican Orange greenery, which I find quite beautiful because of it's glossy leaves.

Green Spider Mums

I must say I am a big fan of mums, especially spider mums! These green ones have to be my favorite. In this design, I wanted the intensity of the flowers to be consistent, so I've paired the mums with some bright pink carnations and purple limonium. All these flowers are extremely long lasting, so there is always good value when using them!

Lady's Mantle

For me it is necessary to have flowers in my garden that I can cut and bring into my home. I adore dahlias and garden roses but my lack of sun and space prevent me from growing them. Lady's Mantle with it's gorgeous chartreuse color I have lots of. And I have it growing in various locations all over my yard successfully. I love being able to cut masses of it to brighten my dining room and living room . I just bought this new vase and I think the lady's mantle is quite happy with it, and so am I!

What I love about being a mom!

My daughter recently finished her first year of Montessori school and she loved it! One of my favorite things about school is the artwork she brings home, it seriously brightens my day. And my kitchen walls. For almost three months straight she drew pictures of princesses everyday. But of course, she is after all a four year old girl! Here are a few pictures from this past year.....enjoy!

Georgia O'Keefe

Love when they start to print!

Hard at work painting at home!