Pictures From The Garden

Where Have I Been?

This past week I traveled to Maryland to redo the flowers at CLC East Church. I'm really happy with the results and am hoping to learn that Bro. Libby the Pastor, who was out of town, is as pleased as I was. The colors and style really updated the building. They are in the process of building a new facility that is going to be spectacular.

While up there, in the few moments between work, I got to visit with my Sister, Niece and Nephew. Unfortunately my brother in law was out of town. Monique took us to a few wonderful antique stores in Luckett, Virginia. I bought a vintage 50's table cloth in pristine condition. Love it can't wait to show you. We also picked the best apples I have ever tasted right off the tree in Butler's Orchards. If children could eat fruit and veggies straight from the vine, plant or tree, I do not think it would be difficult in the least to get them to consume their daily requirements!

Here's just a few pics of the flowers.

Fall Flowers for Pastor Appreciation

October is "Pastor Appreciation Month". Every year our church has a special service honoring the dedication and work of our Pastor. This year everyone out did themselves, and I certainly believe our Pastor was overwhelmed and, in his words, humbled. There was a service, special music, lunch afterwards, and a spacewalk and slide for the kids to exhaust themselves with afterward!

I wanted to do the flowers fallish without the typical pumpkins, gourds and maple leaves. Instead I did what I call "Marie Antoinette" fall colors. Lots of roses with pink, light blue and red mixed with the fall colors.

This is an easy centerpiece to make. Wrap a small chunk of soaked florist foam in a bright leaf, then arrange flowers and elements cut short in a pleasing mound.
This is the same concept on a larger scale. The foam keeps the flowers fresh without having to deal with large amounts of water in vases. The bright leaf hides the foam and brightens the arrangement. The glass vases can be used over and over for many different seasons and reasons. It's look being changed by what style and color leaf you use. Some suggestions are: Hawaiian Ti, variegated ginger, ginger, banana leaves, pittosporum leaves....your only limitation is your imagination!
Be creative with what you have on hand in your garden. Branches, berries, herbs, cones, dried leaves,....don't try to choose perfect items, the imperfections found on the plant add to the character of the arrangement.