In My Garden - Phlox and Fuschia

I must admit my garden is not at it's best right now. I just don't seem to have much in bloom and with fall being just around the corner leaves are starting to drop. My 4 year old daughter quite enjoys flower arranging, so the other day we wondered around to see what we could find in the garden for her to use. We ended up finding some wonderfully scented white phlox, and some nice vibrant fuschia in bloom. This is her creation which I must say I absolutely love!!

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