It feels like so much has changed in such a short amount of time in the field. Plants grow before my eyes (I’m serious!). I harvest the anemones and ranunculus in the morning and by the end of the day, there’s just as many new blooms begging to be clipped! Everywhere I turn, something new is in bud and about to burst. All the annuals I sowed last fall are going to be flooding the field with color in just a few days. That’s the crazy ride called “spring”! The wild columbine are So. Close. To. Popping. And the sweet peas are coloring up! The first two stems of the season for both of these stunners were featured in this week’s Seasonal Bouquet Project entry. Just in time for Mother’s Day bouquets going to the co-op stores later this week.
I have to confess, this bouquet didn’t feel like my best work. I’m bone tired from all the spring work and not having a day off in. . . .well, forever. I’m also fighting a cruel one-two punch at the moment of a nasty spring cold and a serious bout of allergies (so much pollen in the air here right now!) It was really hard to get the energy to tap into any deep source of creativity. But you can’t hit a home run every time you step up to the plate, right? Besides, I think I hit a couple home runs over the weekend with the weddings so I’m cool with getting to third base.
For pretty much my whole career as a floral designer, I’ve been obsessed and most concerned about texture in my creations. It didn’t matter so much about what color a bloom or leaf was, as long as it had a cool shape or size that would mix with everything else I had in mind. But I’ve noticed this spring, I’m getting really involved with my color selection. Instead of dreaming about the shape and texture of a bouquet, I’m dreaming about how that perfectly soft peach ranunculus will look next to reddish blush of the succulent. In this bouquet here, I was definitely influenced by the rich amethyst of the ranunculus coupled with the same richness of the cotinus and heuchera leaves juxtaposed with the peach ranunculus and the one violet succulent. Of course there was still texture! I do adore those little allium buds and the newly sprung green “bearded” wheat (that wiry green in the center).
Until next week . . . xo.
Love it! Wondered how the heck you got that bouquet to stand up with no support. Tricky!
Hehe. . . It was standing on its own though on the ladder. 🙂
So lovely Jennie, other than the cold+allergies. My spring allergies have been bad this year. I finally tried local raw honey (tbsp+ daily) and it’s helping.
The colors in that bouquet are exquisite. I am a weaver and for most of my weaving life it was the structure of the fabric that drew me, the interlacings of warp and weft in various complicated ways. I still love weaving structure but I started weaving rag rugs a while back and suddenly found color. It was a revelation and a real change in my design work. I also grow and sell cut flowers and the two designing activities definitely enhance each other.
Margaret – you’re living my dream…some day I’ll learn to weave and my creative journey will be complete. 🙂
sigh. thanks for sharing the beauty! the colors, the textures…the awesome photography! inspiring!
Really beautiful colours and textures, I love it . Hope you feel better soon.
Interesting post — I look forward to seeing more of your evolution! I’m also often fixated on texture, in fabrics, but also in food. I feel like its the often overlooked thing over color.
Jennie,
The first time I met you and saw your creations, I believe I said to you that I felt your design work emulated my favorite designer Sarah Raven. I still abide by my initial feeling. Your designs are filled with beautiful texture and color. You are a true inspiration to others!
Patricia
That’s such a lovely compliment, Patricia! Sarah Raven was my very first flower hero and continues to be a huge source of inspiration. I can only hope to be as half as awesome as she is! Thanks again!!
Hi Jennie. Came here for cheering up:( Ive got a cold too. Of the millions things I had planned to do this week that wasnt one of them. Loved this weeks bouquet. It was really lovely with your first sweet peas. We have had big storms here in Western Australia and all my sweet peas have been flattened so will have to replant. So dissappointed. Sweet peas are my most favourite. Be well love and take care. Xx Julie
Your artistic talent is so wonderful in your photography and your floral bouquets! Hopefully I can be a student in one of your classes sometime.
XOXO