You never know when or where inspiration will strike. Always be on the lookout!

I’m still fighting this awful cold and was rather sluggish about getting my design together for this week for The Seasonal Bouquet Project. But while I was out in the field harvesting blackberry branches, I happen to notice some fluttering leaves in the woodland that surrounds the field. They had a silver tint that was glinting against the late afternoon sun. I climbed over some brush and fallen logs to get to the little tree that was bearing them, delighted to find that it was a Halesia, or Carolina Silverbell. This darling little native understory tree is a rare find and a welcome treat. Not only does it have the most beautiful little leaves, it’s also loaded with dainty fragrant white bells in early May. The timing was perfect. I cut a huge armful and giddily headed for the studio, dreaming up a silver urn full of silvery foliage.

The lilac and alliums are also blooming in profusion at the moment. Actually, they’re just about done now, but there were heaps cut and ready for this design. The ruffled burgundy ranunculus were the perfect foil for the purple and silver. The wild columbine danced among the lush foliage like little fairy caps. I said it before and I’ll say it again, this has been one of the most amazingly beautiful springs I’ve ever experienced. The flowers are slaying me.

This urn was so huge though (almost as tall as me) that I’m afraid all the delicate details got a bit lost in the photos. I tried hard to capture them. It’s been interesting how The Seasonal Bouquet Project has not only helped me flex some design muscles, but it’s also honing my photography skills. I’m so grateful for this experience!