Peace Lily

 I have very few plants in my house. One of them is a peace lily from my mother-in-law and it's currently blooming. I have always heard that house plants are good for the air in your home. I was curious, so this is what a quick google search told me.....

1) House plants clean indoor air from many environmental contaminants, including benzene, ammonia, formaldehyde, and other pollutants.

2) House plants make people feel calmer and more optimistic.

3) Plants fight fatigue, coughs, sore throats and other cold-related illnesses by increasing humidity levels and decreasing dust.

I love it! We can clean the air in our homes with something as simple as a plant. And, if you work in an office it's a must have!

Phalaenopsis Orchid Bloom

This floral installation is a great example of how one can use only a few blooms but still create something memorable. I love mixing textures! Here a single phalaenopsis bloom floats atop fluffy green reindeer moss which has been placed on top modern white gravel. Behind the row of orchids are some cylinders holding iris greens which just add a little more impact to the over all effect.

Succulents - Aeonium

For some longer lasting, low maintenance plant life in your home try succulents. They need very little care, just a bit of water when you can remember and perhaps the pulling off of dead leaves once in awhile.

In the pictures below aeoniums are planted in my 18 Karat's "salt" vases which have a lovely salt like texture to them. And I have finished them off with some glass gravel.

Spring bouquet - Deep purple lisianthus

The trend of various shades of purple in weddings is still going strong! This small bouquet features only two flowers but the striped ribbon adds a nice finishing touch. Deep purple lisianthus and berzelia were used. I love the berzelia balls because they are so unique. I think a bouquet of just berzelia would be great too.

Roses and Garden Hellebores

These hellebores from my garden are the perfect pairing with these coral pink roses. I did add a small plum branch for a little more texture. Just be careful when you bring these in from your garden as sometimes they shed their stamens, but it's so worth it because they can last almost three weeks!

Modern Baby Flowers

I had so much fun creating this floral design for some "new modern parents"! I used some red gerbera daisies, green kermit mums, reindeer moss and a variegated flax leaf. My client wanted something fun, modern and for a boy.

Tomas De Bruyne in Victoria

This past week I went to a lecture by world renowned Belgian floral designer Tomas De Bruyne. His work is quite unique as it is common for him to use planks of wood, screws, yarn and other unusual materials and techniques. I found him inspiring! Being a new floral designer I often get scared of going too far "outside the box" in fear of how people will respond. But listening to Tomas speak, he made me realize many people want creative design. Unfortunately, his pieces were very hard to view during the lecture unless you were in the front few rows. Tomas himself was quite funny and had me laughing numerous times. The designs were put on display after the lecture and I got a few shots with my iphone, so forgive the quality please.

To view more of Tomas De Bruyne's work please visit his website at www.tomasdebruyne.com