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This year I am introducing a new product: a BIRTHDAY CAKE ARRANGEMENT! It’s a “birthday cake on a cake stand”, but it’s all flowers and not edible. Just think of the possibilities! It could be used for baby showers, for engagements parties, for many kinds of events. Think Cake Boss! The sky is the limit. I can hardly wait for the first order. And that brings another thought to mind. Cake Boss can do anything with cakes. We can do the same thing with flowers! Well known event florists have been making incredible things in flowers from elephants to your pet dog or cat. You imagine it and it can be done in flowers!

VALENTINE’S DAY is fast approaching, too. Florists have to place their flower orders with wholesalers well in advance of this day. (6 weeks advance ordering is almost too late!) It makes it a little tricky because we don’t know how many orders we will be filling. Every year is different. Growers only produce so many roses. If there is a natural disaster (like too much rain, wind or extraordinary heat or cold) that limits the supply. So call your florist now and place your order early. I am offering a 15% discount to my clients if they order before the 31 January. This helps you too. Then you don’t have to worry about forgetting, placing an order at the last minute, and not getting exactly what you want!

And keep this in mind. January is traditionally the month people feel the most depressed. So cheer up yourself or someone special by giving the gift of flowers. Even a small arrangement for the desk at work will make a huge difference and will affect more than one person! You CAN make a difference! Say it with flowers!!!

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There have been so many posts. People seem to like what they are finding on this blog and are able to use the information. Some of you have questions, but are afraid to ask. Please do ask your questions and I will try my best to answer them. Some of your post are not published on the site, the most likely reason is because I don’t understand the new way of writing many of you use. I am assuming it is a form of short hand used on twitter and other blogs as well as Facebook. I’m afraid I am old school (well versed in the English language!). I do a tremendous amount of reading. I have edited many manuscripts in the past. If you don’t see your post it’s because I couldn’t read it! I am so sorry!

The picture on the right was done several Christmases ago for a client. The vase is her cut glass bowl. Hypericum berries are the first ring. The next level is a combination of real apples (sprayed with vegetable oil to keep the fruit flies away) and boxwood. The pineapple is seated on top. It was placed in her entry  on an old, dark wood, carved, entry stand with a mirror. It was wonderfully inviting!

There are so many creative things you can do for the holidays. TV programs are loaded with information as well as various websites. Don’t forget to use real flowers and greens. They make all the difference in the world. Right now I have just the basics in my home, waiting to be filled out with flowers and greens. It all seems kind of cold. But as soon as the flowers and greens are inserted it will be overflowing with warmth and welcoming happiness.

Many of you have young children. Beware of poinsettias. The sap is poisonous. There are other plants that are harmful to your health as well. Look them up on the web if you have any questions. It is always amazing to me how the little ones react to all the Christmas arrangements, ornaments on the tree, various displays. They are so much fun to watch. The wonder on their tiny faces is so very precious. You would worry about little fingers reaching out to touch, to grab. Surprisingly enough, the first reaction is not touch, but to stare in amazement! They are very careful to proceed from there. It’s such a new experience they don’t know how to react. All you need to do is quietly say “no” or “ahahah” or something of the sort and they will stay back. Make sure electrical outlets are covered!

I am on a very tight budget this year so I am not buying a tree to decorate. But there are many Christmas things we’ve collected over the years which I am using to decorate with. One thing I found which is fun to do is to place the Christmas stockings in the form of a tree in the window where our tree would usually  go. It looks great! So don’t feel bad if you can’t afford much. Use what you have around your home. Pick up fallen branches along the roads (windfalls). Use them to help bring in the Christmas spirit. Use the stiff, dried ends of grasses in arrangements. Cut them to various lengths and put them together with a little fir and a few small ornaments. Christmas doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. It’s being thankful you have a warm home, food to eat, and friends and family to love. It’s remembering all the people in the world who really do have absolutely nothing. No food, no shelter, little clothing, very few friends or family. We are very fortunate to have what we have. So smile! Spread the warmth of love. Be happy with what you have. Above all, be thankful.

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(1) They come in endless colors! It’s like going into Ace to the paint section and seeing all the paint swatches in the huge wall rack!!!

(2) They are one of the most long lasting flowers. They can last for over a month if processed correctly by the florist.

(3) They provide a wonderful texture. As the picture on the right shows you. Juxtapose a carnation next to a rose whose petals are very smooth and you get wonderful eye candy. Some inventive florists have found a unique way to use them. All the petals are removed and wha

(4) Carnations are not cheap. They are in the mid range: asiatic lilies and lisianthus are similar in cost.

When I do any arrangement I automatically use carnations because the color and texture always makes the whole creation come alive. Carnations are happy flowers. I know this sounds silly, but consider this. An iris used in an arrangement lasts only one day. To me, this flower is rigid, unforgiving, unhappy. Don’t get me wrong. I really like iris. They are growing in my garden. I just don’t use them for these reasons. Carnations go back to the very earliest of times. Through the ages they have come to be a symbol of love.

I realize people have happy and uncomfortable associations with flower varieties. My husband has never liked gladiolas because of his association of the flowers with funerals. This is very sad. The individual flowers can be used alone in arrangements and add substantially to the overall look. As a line flower (adding height) they can be amazing!

Look at the picture on the left. How does this picture make you feel? Do you feel happy when you look at it? Does it seem festive? Welcoming? Happy? I certainly hope so. And it’s made up of almost all carnations. The flower at the top right is a yellow protea. There is a variety of texture in this arrangement. It is far from boring. Your eye travels around through the arrangement, yet doesn’t feel tired or stressed. Comforting? I hope so.

I would love to hear your comments on this subject of flower selection and likes and dislikes!

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As I understand it, here are some facts to keep in mind.  There are two ways to grow flowers:     1) hydroponically in a green house or 2) naturally in the ground. Roses grown in the ground in South America have the longest, sturdiest stems and last the longest. This is because nearer the equator the sun is more directly above head and strongest. Canada grows a great deal of floral material in green houses. The angle of the sun is greater there. Combine the two factors and you get weaker, more spindly stems.

And yes. This affects prices. The weaker material will be cheaper. Also, shipping charges are less when distances are shorter. Then, natural disasters must be taken into consideration. Too much rain, drought, too hot, too cold, a wind storm, a sudden insect infestation.  All of these factors affect the price you pay for flowers.

Grocery stores buy in large bulk packages, thus lowering their prices substantially. The stock that goes into these bulk packages is not of the highest quality. It won’t last as long.

A new hybrid or species in the market place can cause quite a stir. Florists are always looking for something unique to promote sales. This can really make an arrangement pop! At the research level, this new variety should have been monitored for strength and longevity before being mass marketed. The florist doesn’t have time to discover these qualities.

So where am I going with this? Don’t jump to a judgement on your florist if a particular flower dies in your arrangement. Take it out, replace it.   1) Make sure you are using the fertilizer from the little packet your florist included in your delivery. It kills bacteria as well as feeds the flowers. 2) Your water may affect the longevity of the flowers. Chemicals are harmful and flowers will pick up on this before your health does! 3) If you remove your flowers from the vase, the cells in the stems close immediately; therefore, they can not take up water. So make sure you cut off an inch of the stems before replacing in water – you have about 5 seconds!

If your arrangement is in floral foam do not let it dry out. Once it becomes dry it will not reabsorb water.  So the flowers die. Do not place your arrangement in the sun. If the days are unusually hot or your room temperature is too warm, the flowers will not last too long.

If you observed all of these considerations, your flowers are all dead after only a couple of days, call your florist and discuss the problem amicably. There will be a good reason for the wilting. If not, the arrangement should be replaced at no cost to you.

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I love doing weddings and events. There is a huge responsibility to the client. If everything isn’t just right, it’s a recipe for disaster! It takes a great deal of money for a wedding, let alone an event or even a dinner party! It’s imperative for you, the client, to be prepared. Decide on a budget. How much can you afford? Will all your money go into the venue, to a caterer, a florist? Don’t forget all the incidentals. There are tables, chairs and linens to rent. Do you need a tent? How about music? lighting? architectural decorating? The list can become a little intimidating.

But don’t let it happen to you. First of all, start months ahead with your planning for a wedding or event. A dinner party should be planned at least a month out. Then make a list of all the guests you intend to invite. This number is important! Then another list of all the people who will be working to help you with this event. Decide on a venue. If your invitations are over 50 then start calling venues. They book early and fast.

An event planner can help you find everything you need, help with selections, give advice, share ideas, and give you a kleenex when you really need one. Many times your florist can provide this very necessary service for you. Ask questions, don’t hesitate! None of your ideas should be overlooked. It’s your event, your wedding, your dinner. Besides that, you are paying for it! You want everything to be perfect, your guests to be happy.

I’m a very optimistic person – usually. Until something happens to change my mind. I never paid attention to the term “bridezilla”. I nodded agreement to my contemporaries about the necessity of contracts. Drama, drama, drama. I dislike “drama”. Keep your cool, enjoy what you’re doing, do the very best work possible, the client is always right. Cliches all. But I’ve learned, over the years, that a cliche is another term for wisdom. Wisdom discovered over many generations.

A bride is bubbling over with enthusiasm, ideas, and nerves. Some brides know exactly what they want, others have no clue. A bride and her florist go through a process of discovery. Communication is essential. It’s like a crash course in the married life to come. (Here’s a  thought: I’ve been happily married for 43 years. I should be tops in communication, understanding the needs of an individual and able to produce exactly what’s needed. Right? Well… usually. There are some people you just can’t make happy.) My point? The people you ask to help you with your event should be people you know you can work with. You should already know their work and know they can produce your dream, your ideas. Don’t be afraid to say “no”!

Good luck! And enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

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  When a client calls me and wants flowers sent to someone I ask this question: “Do you want a traditional design, a contemporary design, a exotic design or a natural design?” The flower recipient has decorated his or her home or office in a particular style. For example: it could be unsettling to have a way out contemporary design in a very traditional home full of antiques. I design the arrangement to suit the person the flowers will be delivered to.

First of all, never ask for a European design. A European design could be traditional, contemporary or exotic or natural! It would be like asking for a cup of tea in a restaurant specializing in teas. Do you want organic? Earl Grey? Plum Blossom? herbal? Well, you get the idea!

The picture on the left is an example of a traditional design. This design idea harks back centuries. Artists in Renaisance times painted flower arrangements that looked similar to this. These designs are symetrically balanced with lots of colorful flowers of all kinds. When sailing ships returned to their European ports from their explorations they brought back all kinds of new flowers. The wealthy were excitedly trying them out in their home arrangements. Tulips were one of the first new flowers to be discovered. Then roses, camellias, and eventually exotics like orchids!

In the late 1800′s through about 1959 this was the standard design. Any movie buff watching the early black and whites or first color movies will see arrangements like this. They could get to a pretty good size!

With a contemporarydesign the sky is the limit! In the picture at the left the palm fronds have been braided. The design itself is not perfect. It definitely needs some work, but, in its simplicity, you get a better idea of where this is all going. A single large hydrangea blossom can be placed in a bed of cabbage leaves, broccoli can march down a table looking like trees in a park, peppers and related vegys can be stuck with toothpicks to mimic cactus. These are very simple ideas that take a minimum of time to make.

European designers are going off the charts with incredible structures made of grasses, sticks, limbs, and branches. Flowers are used in masses in very small designs or huge, towering edifices. Hours and hours of work go into these designs. Google European Floral Designers and see what you come up with! And don’t forget the folks from down under. New Zealand and Australian designers are utilizing the unusual flora in their countries, making designs that are a real eye opener. Check out: www.pimdesigned.nl  or www.geertjestienstra.nl or google Gregor Lecsch or Jeurgen Potthoff to name a few.

Exotic designs have a basis in Ikebana and ancient Chinese design. They are asymetrical (usually), simple, elegant. There are usually three general “levels” taken from the Japanese philosophy of earth, man, heaven. I have seen designs with only one beautiful flower placed in a vessel that perfectly suits it as well as outrageously ostentatious over the top designs.

The flowers can be your local garden flowers. Hawaiian designs use antherium, ginger, orchids, protea, bamboo, tea leaves, philodendron leaves. A piece of knarled, curling drift wood used as the basis for a design is great. Or a piece of bark, an unusual rock. There is a sense of delicacy, a reverence for the plant material, a subtly usually lost in traditional design work.

Training in an ancient Ikebana school under a master takes years of concentrated effort. To view a modern take go to keiko@ikebanabykeiko.com . 

Last but not least is the natural design. It’s an idea I’ve come up with because I love to use materials directly from nature. In the picture on the left there are no flowers, only grasses, reeds, a branch covered in lichens, and moss. That’s all. If you walk through a forest or on the beach or through a grass land (to name only a few areas on earth!) look around you. Look closely. Look at each individual growing plant. Look at the rock formations, stones in a creek, dirt(!). The pattern rocks make in a creek or stream are caused by their size, weight and the force of the water. Wind transforms branches. Water carves rock formations. Let your design be dreamed by what you observe in nature.

And there you have it. Although I’m barely touching the surface, at least this gives you some idea of how to communicate with your florist on a closer level, to give you the design you and the recipient of the flowers will truly enjoy. I would love you know how this works for you. Please let me know! Pipper

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In this catagory I would place Japanese Ikebana as a primary definition. There are several main schools of traditional Ikebana that take years to become proficient in. The most simplistic way of explaining the schools to you would be the following main ideas. The designs are asymetrical. There are 3 levels: heaven, man and earth. Heaven being the tallest material, earth the lowest. The plant material is used in odd numbers: 3, 5, 7, 9. Believe me when I say this is a very simple explanation!

The Asian influence in these designs is unmistakable. There is a sense of delicacy, a reverence for the plant material, a subtlty usually lost in traditional design. The history of this design work goes back centuries and can require years of formal training. Check out this website: keiko@ikebanabykeiko.com. Here is Ikebana taken into the 21 century.

I also place more exotic flowers in this catagory as well as the usual. Orchids of course, antherium, heliconium, ginger, bamboo… I could go on and on. A reverence for nature is essential in this work. Natural materials are used in unique ways, yet the basic structural foundation remains.

If you find this facinating google some of the key words like Japanese floral design, Ikebana, or traditional Chinese floral design. You may be surprised…

When a client calls me with an order I always ask: “Would you like a traditional design, a contemporary design or an exotic design?”  When you call a florist to place an order you might want to ask if they can make a design for you in one of these three catagories. Then make sure to ask them to give you their description of what they will be doing for you. You are spending a great deal of money on something that will not last. Therefore, you should be given assurance by the florist that you will be paying for flowers designed the way you want, that the flowers have been processed appropriately to enhance their longevity. With the new cell phones everyone has it should be no problem for a florist to take a picture and email you the finished design!

Enjoy the flowers! Pipper

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If there are any questions about anything and you would like a response or a specific blog on a subject relating to flowers please let me know. Another blog which is full of very useful information to moms and dads about children is lifewithgoblins.com. (I think that’s how it goes.) It’s my daughter’s blog and it is excellent!

Enjoy the flowers! Pipper

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Well, here goes. (Talk about taking the bull by the horns…) (I’ve found I truly love cliches! )

I must have a death wish. After reading over my previous essays it looks like I’m swimming upstream against the current. (Yes, I’m a northwesterner.) Thing Salmon… This time is no different. Here goes…

“European designs.” Wow! This florist must be very special! People across America see this advertised by their local florist and think, “I’d love to have one of those in my home. My friends are coming over this evening.” Or “This should impress my clients!”

Well, think again. There is no such thing as a European design. (Florists across the USA are shooting arrows at me as you read!) Allow me to elucidate.

Around the world, arrangements (designs) are pretty standard – traditional, it you will. Traditional means the design is symetrically balanced. There are more flowers than greens. They can be tall or short and almost flat. It doesn’t make any difference where you are: Italy, Hawaii, France, UK…You get the idea.

But! Florists worth their salt, whose creative juices are flowing, go a step further. They will do a more contemporary design. These designs can be symetrical or asymetrical. They can be any size. What distinguishes them from the traditional is the deviation from an over all look where your eye can see everything in one blink.

Instead of seeing a mound of flowers and colors all blending together uniformly, suddenly single flowers jump out at you. You actually see a specific color, a specific texture or shape. You marvel at how an aspidistra leaf (long, flat and wide) has been rolled or curled or stripped or cut into interesting shapes. Grasses take on a life of their own. Branches with lichens or mass add new life to a design.

What’s that bright lime green thing curling through it all? Wow! Aluminum wire (comes in all colors) can be manipulated into any shape. What’s that peeking around that huge stem? A little bunny rabbit!

Uh huh. The sky’s the limit. Anything goes. But it’s not just thrown together. Each flower or object creates a balance and adds to the over all aesthetic pleasure of the observer.

The design in the above picture started out with a “pvc” type pipe already cut into inch high pieces, then glued together. The flowers were inserted into flower tubes and then placed in this foundation. A tall vase was inserted into the center which held the main, more heavy flowers. Moss was the last thing to be added all around to soften the look. This arrangement was used in the Seattle Flower and Garden Show this year.

Germany, New Zealand, Austalia, Denmark, to name just a few countries, are producing designers who are truly pushing the envelop in floral design. Some designers are using nothing but branch materials to create incredible sculptured pieces which last forever. When a specimen flower is added you gasp in appreciation. Flowers from all over the world are adding to new looks. Growers are constantly coming up with new colors, new species to add to their inventory.

Go on line and check out some of these designers. Here are a couple to get you started:Gregor Lersch, Andrew Gilfillan, Pascale Coste, just to name a VERY few!!!

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