Leucojum- A Dainty Flower for Early Spring Wedding Bouquets

There are already some daffodil bulbs pushing up stems in the garden, and I think I even see a few leucojum (Spring Snowflake),  as well. This petite, white bell shaped flower is perfect for bridal bouquets.

Bulbs are planted in the fall and the normal bloom times in the Raleigh-Cary area are mid March through early April.

Which makes it perfect for brides who want to incorporate local flowers in their early springtime wedding flowers. It is featured in a bouquet above with pink and white ranunculus, hellebore and a fragrant variety of viburnum called Korean Spice Bush. And in an all white bouquet below with anemone and ranunculus.

I love to include flowers like these in bridal bouquets because they are just the type of flower that a bride can easily grow herself and enjoy each anniversary for years to come.

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Cotton Bolls and Gingko Leaves for a Lovely Fall Bouquet

Katie and Jon wanted a softer color palette for their November wedding. One that included creams, olive greens, ivories and accents of gold. 

And textural elements that would be nestled within the flowers. Katie wanted cotton bolls. I had purchased some through my wholesaler, but days before the wedding my husband came home from work with gleanings fresh from a farmer friend's field.

Other textural elements such as dried nigella pods from late spring and creamy beige stems of Sweet Everlasting gathered in September were included as well. A collar of rich, dark leaves of Fragrant Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) encircled her bouquet and provided a delicate scent.

Boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen featured versions of these elements as well as white gomphrena blooms, (picked just before our first frost).

Since gold was an accent color for the wedding,  I called Katie at the last moment to see about adding some to her flowers...

She thought that would be fine. So Gingko leaves picked earlier in the week from a nearby tree were gilded and placed into her bouquet.

Sometimes the garden gatherings are not abundant, but that makes them even more special. I would love to help Katie learn to grow some of these flowers some day... And show Jon the perfect spot to plant a Fragrant Tea Olive of their own!!!

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Elegant White Ranunculus and Anemones for Springtime Weddings

SLOWLY the garden beds are coming to life at Springwell Gardens. White ranunculus and anemones have been blooming in earnest for about ten days. The white leucojums started about a week ago.  They are such elegant garden flowers, and I am loving how beautiful they are!!!
Here's a centerpiece design featuring the anemones and ranunculus in a white milk glass pedestal bowl.

The finishing touch of fresh spring greens makes such a classic statement.

White leucojum with anemones and ranunculus in this delicate bouquet below below make the perfect combination for the bride who desires an all white springtime bouquet.

 

It's so exciting to gather these wonderful treasures from the garden. They should continue blooming through mid to late April. I just need to make sure they don't get too cold in the Big Freeze tonight!

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Fresh Green and White Flowers for Rachel and Jacob

Today is Rachel and Jacob's wedding day!

Yesterday I sent bouquets and corsages and boutonnieres and buckets of flowers to Boone with her friend, Mary (who created the centerpiece designs). And today these two joined their lives together as husband and wife! 
Rachel, her Mom, Cheryl and I talked flowers over the summer.  Rachel's vision was one of crisp greens and whites. Vendela roses and Majolica spray roses were nestled among  baby green hydrangeas and bright green button mums. There were also soft willowy heads of Queen Anne's Lace and emerald green Cleyera Japonica leaves. Everything looked so lovely and fresh. I have been babying some succulents this summer- aka "Hens and Chicks" and was glad to have a nice size one to tuck into Rachel's bouquet.

For her sister, Sarah, who was her Matron of Honor, (so sorry I used the wrong tag!), there were splashes of purple tradescantia and crested celosia.

What a privilege it has been to create these bouquets and such for this sweet, young bride. I am really looking forward to seeing Rachel and hearing all about her wedding day, and I can't wait to meet her new husband, Jacob!!!
Praying God's blessing for you two as you start this wonderful marriage journey!

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"Snow on the Mountain" and White Rose Summer Bouquet

Snow on The Mountain (Euphoribia maginata) is blooming now in the summer beds at Springwell Gardens.
It's the green and white ruffle of leaves encircling this mixed bouquet of white roses, lisianthus and feverfew.
Snow on the Mountain is such a refreshing name for a summer plant. It's grown not so much for the flowers, but for the soft green leaves edged in white- the tiny flowers are hardly noticeable. These plants were started from seed in early March. They grow slowly at first, but add a little summer heat then they really take off. One of my favorite sources for seeds is Johnny's Selected Seeds because their catalog gives a wealth of information about how to grow the seeds you get from them! Check them out at: http://www.johnnyseeds.com/
A word of caution when using any type of euphorbia- the plants excrete a milky sap when the stems are cut that may cause skin irritations in some people. Be sure to sear the stems in hot water and set aside in very warm water to condition before handling. And always wash the sap from your hands.
If you are looking for a distinctive textural element for your summer or fall wedding flowers-
You may really want to consider Snow on the Mountain!

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Romantic Roses for Melinda and Ryan

There's just something about roses- their classic elegance  NEVER goes out of style.
So I was delighted to hear that Melinda's favorite flowers were roses- red and white roses- so very romantic and timeless!
Melinda and her mom, Debra, and I met together several times, and each time there was just a bit more excitement as the wedding day approached.
Melinda wanted her bouquet to be a mix of white and cream roses, white freesia and lisianthus. Her bridesmaids carried red roses and white stock.
The ceremony took place at Salem Baptist Church in Apex- such a lovely setting for this July wedding.
Red and white roses, red gladioulus and white hydrangeas were a part of the ceremony designs.
Little touches included a posy for Melinda- whenever possible I like to give my brides a petite bouquet to toss at the reception.
Now it's honeymoon time for these newlyweds!
Praying God's blessing for you two on this wonderful journey of being husband and wife.

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Green Button Mums and Queen Ann's Lace for Susan and Gary

Nothing like a green and white color palette for your wedding flowers when the temperatures are soaring outside. It's such a refreshing look for these hot summer days!

June 30th was the second day in a flush of 100 plus degree days, but I am sure that Gary and Susan hardly noticed! This was a day to celebrate with friends as they joined their lives together as husband and wife.

I met with Susan and her friend, Christa, to discuss this great color palette. Flowers for the bouquets included white Akito roses, green button mums, buplerum, lisianthus and Majolica spray roses. Susan wanted something that would complement the navy blue bridesmaids' dresses. I think she nailed it perfectly!
Ceremony arrangements also showcased the bright greens, creams and soft whites.
It was great having some flowers to gather from the garden beds such as some white spires of foxglove,  Queen Ann's Lace, summer phlox and double feverfew.
Susan did not need a toss bouquet, but loved having a posy to give away to a special friend.

Well, it's been a week and a day since this sweet couple said "I do!" Praying God's blessing for you two as you begin your married lives!!!

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Springtime Pastel Wedding Flowers- Ranunculus and Leucojum

Let me introduce you to a new flower at Springwell Gardens- Leucojum.

I saw these Snowdrop look-a-likes in Scheepers Bulb catalog last year and thought they would be a great addition to the spring garden beds. And I was right- so there will be more Leucojums for next year just in time for a special April, 2013 wedding...
Here they are featured in are a couple of simple designs along with Spanish Bluebells (hyacinthoides), ranunculus and muscari.

If next spring has NORMAL spring time weather most of these flowers should be in bloom from mid March through mid to late April.
Leucojums have that wonderful quality of showing off the flowers around them. And wouldn't you agree-

They have that delicate dreamy feature that epitomizes Spring!

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Pink and White Ranunculus and Hellebore Wedding Flowers

This spring the garden beds offered up a wealth of blooms in stunning pinks...

from softest blush to rich hot hues. I loved pairing them with some hot pink spray roses and a few stems of stock that I picked up from the store. Here are a couple of wedding designs that I put together a few weeks ago for Career Day at West Cary Middle School.

The flowers from the garden included pink and white ranunculus, green florets of Snowball Viburnum, Pink Impressions Tulips, Hellebore, small  flowering branches of  Bridal Wreath Spirea and Pink Flowering Almond.
The roses and stock from a local supplier filled out the designs beautifully.
Hard to believe that these flowers have already come and gone. Now I am waiting for the pause in the gardens to fill in with nigella, feverfew, yarrow and Fairy Roses.

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Daffodil Love!

This has been quite the year for daffodils. The first blooms started in mid February (see February 27th post- They're Back).
And while the season is winding down because of the above normal temperatures this spring- there's still about a week to ten days left... maybe.
Some new additions to the daffodil collection included some old favorites: King Alfred (actually a look alike of the renown heirloom) that produced gigantic blooms this year, Barrett Browning- a lovely narcissus with white petals and a dainty orange cup, and a large double narcissus called White Lion, (more about that one later).
So here are some two very different daffodil bouquets for weddings in March or early April.
I just love this all yellow bouquet above!!! These King Alfred blooms were HUGE this year and looked stunning with the black and white striped ribbon.
The next bouquet featured King Alfred daffodils, Paperwhites, Bridal Crown narcissi and Barret Browning- the fragrance was heavenly.
Vase life for flowers in the narcissi family is about five days... the cooler the temperatures the longer these flowers will last in a vase and in the garden.

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