Sunday, November 24, 2013

Waiting...

While there is not much blooming in the gardens now, there's a lot to do to get ready for winter.
The greenhouse sheeting is on several of the hoop tunnels, and frost cloth is coming out for the cold nights ahead. The tunnels are great for growing ranunculus, anemones, Chantilly snaps, and other springtime flowers that I want to protect.
 Daffodils, leucojums, tulips, and muscari have been and are being planted, pansies have been potted, and the are lots of anemones and ranunculus pushing up in the garden.
No, there is not much blooming now- this is a time of waiting... But the good news is that the waiting won't be too long. By January there should be some early flowers to offer, then more in February and lots more in March....
So here are a few things that will be showing up SOON at Springwell Gardens-
Yes, soon the waiting will be over and I will be picking these flowers again- Just For You!




Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Ranunculus and Anemones for Spring Weddings

Planting time for anemones and ranunculus is here. The summer and fall annuals have been cleared, and beds are being prepped for a whole new batch corms.
Some of the corms that I saved from last year were actually planted out in early October, and there are a few anemones that are starting to bloom.
This will be the third year of growing ranunculus and anemones at Springwell Gardens. Last year's crop was great, and I am hopeful that there will be plenty of blooms for my March and April 2014 brides.
These plants need some protection so I will be adding plastic coverings and frost cloth to the beds once the corms are in place.
    
I hope to have anemones blooming by mid December (well- with the ones blooming now, I can check that one done!)
And ranunculus should start up by mid February. The big challenge will be keeping the beds protected! We have had some mild winters lately.... But this year may be a bit colder- we'll have to wait and see. I will keep you posted on how things come along as the season progresses.


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Soft Peaches and Pinks for Quinn and David's Wedding Flowers

This fall season has truly gone by in a blur. I have to keep reminding myself that it's November already!
As I catch my breath before the holidays arrive, it's great to look back on October and remember some of the lovely weddings I had the privilege to provide flowers for...
Quinn and David's wedding was mid October. One of the first of those coolish autumny days. The skies were just a little drizzly, not too much though, and the emotions were absolutely joyful!
Quinn and her Mom, BJ, are dear friends of mine. When we met to discuss the wedding flowers, it was evident that Quinn knew just what she wanted.
As the wedding day approached,  it was so exciting to see her vision come to life. The colors were soft pinks and peaches and ivories and the flowers included roses, spray roses, baby's breath, and textures such as hypericum berries and fragrant dried lavender.
The wrapping for her bouquet was burlap jute overlaid with lace.And guys sported boutonnieres of waxflowers and dried lavender- the fragrance was wonderful!
So many personal touches were provided by Quinn's family, including these super sweet monogram mugs that her sister, Lauren, gave to the couple! 
Table decor was a charming blend of bottles, flowers and votives which were perfect for reception venue- The Cotton Company in Wake Forest, NC.
The super delicious cake was provided by the very gifted Beth Wallen of CakealiciousNC. Her cakes are incredible!!!
I am so happy for Quinn and David as they begin their marriage... Praying God's blessing for you two!!!