The Rainbow Rose

I'll be honest, normally this would not be something I would gravitate towards.  The rose is perfect just the way mother nature intended it.  But when I realized it was REAL and not artificial; the crazy kaleidoscope of colors captured my attention and I was hooked.

I guess it was the idea of something so perfect in it's natural state becoming contrived by altering it that  gave me reason to pause.  I don't like unnatural looking things ~ but, what the hell?  I loved the juxipositon.  It's a party in a vase!

It’s created by introducing colored water to the rose’s stem, but in a manner that the colors reach the petals at different places.  The inventor, Peter van de Werken, keeps the process a secret. 

You need to be careful when using these vivid beauties or you run the risk of your arrangements  looking kitschy.  They are so fun for a kid's party, fiesta, sweet sixteen, or carnival theme.  If it's in keeping with the overall look, you are good.  You can't force these to be anything other than fun.  That's why there also known as the happy rose.

Suddenly my backyard party became a riotous, raucous affair, and these babies were the topic of conversation.

I have to mention though, I do not like the idea of engineering different colored flowers to coincide with holidays or occasions, but that's just me.

If you saw it in the store would you love it or leave it?
Is it gaudy or gorgeous??


ph: 4,5,6 Neocrisis.com

Spring is Slow to Come ~

I think I have seasonal affective disorder.  I cannot take this cold, raw feeling any longer.  I have been living in a foggy, grey wasteland for what seems like eternity.  I can't remember winter being so long and so cold.  Is this a sign of age? (please say it's not just me).

I want to feel the warmth of the sun, the buds bursting forth, a kaleidoscope of color enveloping me in the birth of a new season!  Maybe that's why I have been surrounding myself with flowers.  A colorful interior palette is the next best thing ~

A little floral fantasy to interior finery in anticipation of what's to come.

Nathan Turner

                          

Alberto Pinto

Albert Pinto

Spring Time In Paris

was the theme of the 2011 Philadelphia Flower Show.  For me, this is the mark of Spring!  I am snow weary and I know the warm weather is just around the corner.   The Show is a sensory experience that is awe inspiring!  
This year the Eiffel Tower was the gateway to all things Parisian.  

With it's carousels and flower market vendors, its chanticleers, the Patisseries and the Boulangeries represented, the French music and wine, you felt transported to France, even if it was for a little while.

The French have mastered many things, and they undoubtedly have revolutionized the art of the jardins.


J. Downend Landscaping created a Tour de Force exhibit with a Tour de France theme.  Americans' love of French products seemed to have rolled into the convention center.  A nod to consumerism?

Jamie Rothstein and her Le Salon des Fleurs captured the romance and extravagance of a bygone era.
John Whitenight created magical arrangements under glass, inviting the observer to take a closer look .

Burke Brothers paid homage to the timeless gardens of Paris.

Schaffer Designs  with its 360 degree diorama of floral artistry conceptualized the classic movie, "An American in Paris"

Michael Bruce's Trash to Treasure vignettes were extremely creative.  He took shadow puppetry to a whole new level.  The shadow was made up of discombobulated objects but the outcome was captivating!

next time.... Paris Underground ~ A nitty gritty floral homage


photos: #1 Huffington Post, all others CLI