April Snow (what else is new?) and Daffodils

Very little stops a daffodil from it annual bloom!

Earlier this week rain turned to ice and light snow overnight. So, what else is new? It has been the winter of all winters. Why would it matter that it is April? Good news--the daffodils have not been deterred from their annual explosion of spring color.  Just take a look at these beauties and get yourselves ready for Spring!

Just a few of the daffodils cut for our April bouquets.

Just what the doctor ordered.

More bunches.

What you can's "see" is how intensely fragrant these beauties are!

A New Year In Flowers

March?  Really?  Thought we might need a little inspiration, since winter is leaving oh so slowly.

First, a look back.  Not too far back, really, but back nonetheless: 

Fog and snow in the front gardens.  January 2014.

Cue the early spring bulbs.  We need some help here.  A couple of days ago I caught some lovely purple crocus offering that ever-needed beacon.  Also, the snowdrops, which I do not cut, have been strategically planted within easy sight from inside my home, and on a southern exposure.  Works like a charm year after year. I highly recommend doing yourselves a favor and putting some of these little goodies in a spot where you can't miss them, and where they have this ever-needed southern exposure to enable earliest possible bloom.

Snowdrops -- a spring necessity for garden and spirit! Are those "daffodil" buds in background? YES!!

Not far away from the snowdrops, purple crocus are also telling us it is getting time to put hibernation thoughts behind us, and time to gear up for a fabulous growing season.

Purple Crocus!  Yes, we rock.  We know we do!

So, we all know where this is leading....  Flowers.  Flowers.  Flowers.  I think it is time to give a few glimpses of what we can expect, courtesy of a few lovely shots of 2013 beauties.  Are you ready.  Deep breath... and then... sigh.... David Austin roses:

Words do zero justice.

Roses with a few dahlias snuggled in.

And, of course, dahlias and their co-conspirators:

Just hanging out here.

First, let's get ready for our spring flowers:

So much variety.

In about a week, we will be all set up to take sign-ups for our flower subscription service. If you live locally, we bring our flowers right to your doorstep!  Monthly, weekly, and twice-a-month options are available. We would love to share!  We are also gearing up for the New Canaan Farmers' market beginning the week after Mother's Day.  Until then, think happy thoughts of flowers-flowers-flowers!

As promised - our cherished Fall colors

As promised, in my last post regarding "the other Fall colors," I wish to share a few of autumn's amazing golden botanical treats.  As cool temperatures surround us, many types of fruits, berries, and seeds pop into the bouquets. Even as the weather cools us, the magnificent bronzy hues of our final harvests radiate nothing but warmth.  

Ok, folks, Fall is here

We think of Fall as having all of the oranges and bronzes and yellows we could ever wish for. Indeed, we find them everywhere.  I will share a shot of those alluring tones in another post.  For now, let me share a look at "the other Fall" - our purples, lilacs and greens. 

As everything "tones down" for Fall, we find such lovely hues of purple, blue, lavender, and green.

It was worth a close-up!

Sometimes less is often more

When autumn rolls around and the hydrangeas start doing their "fall thing" - you know, parading about in their costumes of fall colors - and the dahlias are roaring up a storm before the chase of frost, I find myself wanting to cling to the beauty and truly precious nature of each and every bloom.  Here, in simple harmony, I paired a few of these special gifts, and brought them first to the New Canaan Farmer's Market so they could gently smile at all who came by.  Then, I set them in my kitchen, and adored them for as long as they allowed. Floating dahlias, and many other types of flowers, in shallow bowls, is a marvelous way to showcase their natural beauty.

Now that's a dahlia!

Beautiful dinnerplate dahlias sure do catch the eye.  Here were have a stunner!  Even though I have to dig hundreds upon hundreds of dahlias every fall, because they are not winter-hardy here, it is always worth the sore muscles when they come into bloom the next season.

Imagine this one in your bouquet! Add some amazing greens and you have nothing short of pure magic.

Farmhouse wedding flowers

The tables could go on forever and ever and I would never tire of this summer palette.

Specialty mason jars supplied by the bride's family, and woodland boxes add such a dear touch.

Summer weddings

Summer is such a lovely time to marry.  Of course, isn't any time a lovely time?  We take such pride and delight in adding our flowers and designs to weddings far and near. A true boost to our hearts everytime.

Our spectacular birch chuppah adorned in summer blooms and awaiting the bride and groom.