floralovely

Silvery Moon Roses

2010-02-28T19:08:00.007+10:00

Hope you've had a lovely, relaxing weekend... I had a rare Saturday off and managed to get to 2 markets - such a treat! Bought about 35m of pretty lace off-cuts for $9 and 2 soy candles in little crystal vases for $5 as well as a few trinkets for a friend (including beautiful fresh roses for only $6.95) It was the best day!

Here are some gorgeous Silvery Moon roses (similar to the ones I bought at the markets yesterday)

xoxo

A nice to place to wait...

2010-02-24T20:09:00.004+10:00

I was working last weekend and I had a few spare minutes to wait.

A nice place to wait though?

All images by Floralovely

Heavenly Hyacinth

2010-02-22T20:29:00.006+10:00

Hyacinths are back! I was so excited to find new season Hyacinths at the wholesaler this week! So sweetly fragrant, I adore these pretty blooms.

I wish you could smell their sweetness too!

Hope you have a pretty week xo

All images by Floralovely

Snowberries!

2010-02-15T16:49:00.010+10:00

Just for something different last week I bought a big bunch of Snowberries.

They lasted a long time and I think they're gorgeous!

All images above by floralovely

pollyblue via Flickr

frosty_white_raven via Flickr

bbusschots via Flickr

detnewsgardens

Happy Valentines Day xo

2010-02-14T11:13:00.004+10:00

xoxo

All images by floralovely xo

The Winner is...

2010-02-08T10:40:00.004+10:00

Congratulations to Sarah-Jane Down the Lane! I'll get these gorgeous mags off to you soon!

Thanks to all who entered, I'm sorry I couldn't give these magazines to everyone... I'll see what I can do to organise another giveaway soon :)

Have a great Monday!

David Austin Roses & A Miniature Horse

2010-02-07T21:23:00.005+10:00

Bought some heavenly David Austin roses this week... and while driving home from work one day I stopped on the side of the road to take a quick snapshot of the cutest tiny little miniature horse :)

A beautiful old brooch that belonged to my Nan.

I'll let you know tomorrow who wins the mags xo Thank you for your comments! It'll be a name out of the hat deal... the old fashioned way.

It's February! A little giveaway xo

2010-02-01T09:56:00.005+10:00

Well I've mentioned it a couple of times, but I've finally got my act together and decided today - Feb 1st - is the day to giveaway! I've "met" so many lovely people through blogging, both local & international friends and I'd love to share some sweetness. As a little token of appreciation for all your kind comments over the last 7 months, I'd like to give away a few of my favourite, gorgeous and inspiring magazines! I LOVE magazines, particularly wedding, flower and home/garden magazines... (too bad there isn't one super magazine that encompassed all those topics!)

Sunshine Coast Brides, Wedding Style Guide and Home Beautiful + a bonus wedding flower magazine

Just leave a comment over the next week (until 8th Feb) and tell me - what is your favourite flower and why?

It's so hard for me to choose just one - today I'll choose Sweet Pea... because they have such a delicate perfume and remind me of growing up in the country :) Ask me tomorrow and I'll say another flower for sure!

Please note: Alfie not included :)

I'm happy to post internationally of course, so anyone can enter!

Have a great week xo

P.S. All magazines are current issues and both Sunshine Coast Brides & Wedding Style Guide feature my wedding!

All photos by Floralovely except Sweet Pea image by Fifi_1968 (via Flickr)

Mondo Floral Designs (Work blog) Update

2010-01-27T05:49:00.003+10:00

As you may know, part of my job as a Wedding Floral Designer is to update the Mondo Floral Designs blog. Click on the image to see more of this stunning wedding featuring dozens of crystal vases, French cotton lace table runners and lots of beautiful blooms...

Image by Jai Gabbard

Lavender love...

2010-01-25T10:33:00.009+10:00

I bought some bunches of lavender last week...

This is one of my favourite images found on Style Me Pretty

Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty

Ashley Forrette via Style Me Pretty

That little bird's nest is a set of Salt & Pepper shakers I found at an antique centre a few weeks ago... so sweet :)

hindrik via Flickr

mickeydud via Flickr

Zoom Photography via Style Me Pretty

Jessica Claire Photography via Style Me Pretty

georgiannalane via Flickr

All images have credits below, otherwise images are by Floralovely

Little lovelies

2010-01-18T21:50:00.006+10:00

My favourite little house plant is this Chain-of-Hearts. My Mum and my Aunties have all had a piece of this same plant growing somewhere - it's like part of the family! Speaking of my lovely Aunties, one of them bought this print for me as a housewarming gift, I think it's so cute in our bathroom :)

All images by Floralovely

The Wedding Flowers of a Florist: Part 2

2010-01-11T09:39:00.006+10:00

I mentioned a while ago, that in true "blogger" style, I would be hosting a giveaway... You probably thought I had forgotten! Well I haven't and I will let you in on the details soon. I think this giveaway will be especially appealing for those living outside Australia... and those who love weddings... Speaking of weddings, here are some more images from mine :)

All images by Calli B Photography check out her blog

Sunday Afternoon at the Beach

2010-01-11T09:02:00.006+10:00

"Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back"

Arthur Rubinstein

The Wedding Flowers of a Florist

2010-01-10T10:05:00.008+10:00

Since I've been on holidays for the last few weeks I have really been missing fresh flowers!! I don't have a garden that is producing flowers yet, so I have to wait to see what loveliness I can find at the wholesaler next week. It's amazing the difference it makes having a vase (0r 3) of fresh flowers in the house. I haven't been the posting many pretty blooms on Floralovely either lately! So I've decided to share some images of the many flowers we had at our wedding last year. Enjoy xo

I'll post more photos a little later, we're off to take the dog for run on the beach :) Happy Sunday afternoon xo

All images by Calli B Photography - see her blog here

Pretty Patio

2010-01-08T23:21:00.005+10:00

I paid a quick visit to one of my Aunties yesterday and I just love her pretty patio...

I only took a few photos sorry...

There's the cute lantern I bought for her birthday last year from Armchair Trader :)

I just can't do flat shoes!!

2010-01-07T22:13:00.005+10:00

So my Sweetheart took me shopping tonight (what a catch he is) and the sole purpose (no pun intended) was to find me a pair of decent summer shoes - flat ones.

Some nice flat sandals...

Shoeblog.com

These would have been nice...

goodhousekeeping.com

Or maybe these...

Great Green Shoes

Aaaaand this is what I came home with...

I have a problem!!!! I still don't have a pair of flat summer shoes!!

A few of my favourite things...

2010-01-07T10:18:00.007+10:00

It's raining again today...

Tapio Hurme via Flickr

Someone is not too happy about it...

Some of my favourite little gift/postcards.

Can anyone see a bird theme happening??

Variegated Ficus in our bathroom...

How gorgeous is this old writing desk? Excuse the mess!

I found it for an absolute bargain price just before Christmas and it was exactly what I had been searching for! The best part is, we can conceal any mess that may be inside!

I love this little time keeper...

A rocking chair from Ebay ($26!) I'm going to re-cover it... eventually.

A cute old piano stool found at a local 2nd hand store ($30) waiting to be given a brand new look...

I found this old mirror years ago out the back of an old bakery, I asked the staff what they were doing with it and they were throwing it away! I'm still trying to find the perfect position for it in our new home - it's so heavy!

Thanks again to the ever helpful Alfie :)

All images (except Image 1) by Floralovely

Floralovely in 2010

2010-01-03T20:38:00.010+10:00

It's the start of a brand New Year! I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions but I am always excited about what new joys the New Year will bring to my life and the lives of my family & friends...

2009 was a momentous year in which I married my sweetheart man, we bought our first home, we adopted little Alfie (see below) We attended the weddings of friends & family and celebrated our successes at work. I furthered my career as a Wedding Floral Designer and was so privileged to be involved in some of the most beautiful weddings in Queensland. And of course I was welcomed into the wonderful world of blogging when I began Floralovely :)

Cymbidium Orchid - Nelson~Blue via Flickr

Dahlia - natureloving via Fiickr

Calli B Photography

Little Alfie boy xo

2010 is set to be another busy year and I am looking forward to spending a little more time on a few new projects and to share the love on Floralovely! Thank you to everyone who has visited in the last 6 months since I began blogging, it really is such a joy to meet such positive, friendly, creative & inspiring people. It makes the world seem so much sweeter and so much smaller!

Rose - brynemeillion via Flickr

White ranunculus - Luigi FDV via Flickr

Closed pink Anemone - macropoulos via Fickr

I can't wait to share more beautiful blooms and floral creations with you this year. With the recent purchase of our new home, I hope to share some images of our garden makeover and our home renovations/interior stylings as well as some furniture renovations (re-covering an old rocking chair, piano stool and restoring a big old country dining table & chairs just to name a few) oh and if things go to plan I'll be an expert on my new/old sewing machine soon! Wish me luck!!!

Happy New Year xo

Festive Flowers

2009-12-29T11:19:00.006+10:00

Here are a couple of images of our table about to be set for Christmas lunch (for 13 guests.) I didn't manage to take any photos once the table was fully set, guests started arriving and the mayhem began!!

I used Caramello roses, Sylvan Red leucadendrons, green leucadendrons, red hypericum berry and variegated holly.

We had vases with white November Lilies in the bathroom and the living room as well.

Alfie enjoyed his first Christmas!

Succulent Wreath

2009-12-29T11:06:00.003+10:00

How gorgeous is this wreath made entirely of succulents?

Image credit: Unknown (let me know if it's yours...)

Christmas Wreath

2009-12-27T16:32:00.007+10:00

Christmas is done for another year. Hope you all had a beautiful time with your families & friends...

I made a fresh wreath for our front door as Christmas lunch was held at our new home, and I actually remembered to take photos as I was making it this time!

I used fresh pine (from our garden) variegated holly, hypericum berries, succulents (also from the garden) Sylvan Red leucadendrons and a few skeleton leaves...

And I had a little assistance from Alfie :) He's so helpful!

Mondo Floral Designs Blog

2009-12-21T08:06:00.004+10:00

Image by Karen Buckle Photography

Part of my role as a Wedding Floral Designer for Mondo Floral Designs is to update our new "Wedding Diaries Blog" We have finished up for 2009 so there won't be any more blog updates for the Wedding Diaries until mid January but if you'd like to head over and check out a few of the weddings I have been involved in this year follow the link: Wedding Diaries Blog at Mondo Floral Designs.

Distracted...

2009-12-17T05:25:00.005+10:00

Ok, I know it's been a while... I've been a bit distracted... We adopted a little tabby that we think someone dumped - who could do that?? He's far too friendly to be a wild stray cat. This little guy was very hungry & very lonely when he was found at an empty house in Maleny. I've been bugging my poor husband for 2 weeks straight about bringing him home to live with us, and here he is :) Little Alfie now has a happy & loving home xoxo He's a cheeky rascal! He loves sliding around on the floor boards underneath the rocking chair, it's so funny!

I'm going to post some more of our wedding photos soon and am excited to announce a giveaway coming up!! xoxo

My wedding in Wedding Style Guide!!!

2009-12-07T08:10:00.009+10:00

Exciting news! The Summer issue of Wedding Style Guide (on sale now) features my wedding! Normally you would need to submit your wedding for consideration, but thanks to my sweet friend Alischa, the girls at Wedding Style Guide stumbled across some images of my wedding on her blog - Bespoke Letterpress Boutique and emailed my photographer Calli B.

Thanks so much Alischa (looking forward to catching up soon! xo) thank you Calli for capturing our special day & thank you to the girls at Wedding Style Guide - Brett & I are so honoured to have our wedding featured in such a beautiful publication xoxoxoxoxoxox

Christmas Tree!

2009-12-06T22:03:00.006+10:00

We've moved into our new home, our Internet is back online and I've created our Christmas Tree for 2009! I'm going for a slightly different, more summery look this year and I've ditched our old faithful green artificial tree (for good I hope!) No coloured lights, no tinsel and no coloured baubles (except for a couple of shiny blue ones). It's not that I don't get into the festive spirit - I've just simplified this year. Beautiful willow branches sprayed silver, clear budlights, sparkling crystals and a few feature decorations...

P.S. I have some exciting news about my wedding being featured in 2 national bridal magazines this month! Will show you soon!

All images by Floralovely

Flannel Flower

2009-12-01T20:50:00.002+10:00

Beautifully soft Flannel Flowers....

We have had noooo Internet at home for this whole week! Apologies for the lack of updates and visits to your sweet blogs... I'll be back up & running soon. It has been a little bit of good timing actually because we spent the weekend moving house, so I haven't missed the Internet connection too much cause we've been so busy!

See you all again soon, promise x

Image by Floralovely

Pretty Peony love

2009-11-22T21:23:00.005+10:00

Even though I was hardly home this week, I couldn't resist buying some pretty Peonies... We have to make the most of these beauties, they're only in season for a couple more weeks!

"Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

Have a great week everyone xo

All images by Floralovely

Sleepy Sunday

2009-11-22T10:36:00.006+10:00

For me this Sunday has been all about catching up on sleep...

Horses, Willow & Sweet Pea

2009-11-16T22:27:00.007+10:00

Peaceful, graceful horses...

Tony Stromberg

greg..!

Anna.Andres

Serene, sweeping willows...

lele orpo

twincitiesvisitor

ilCOE

Curling, fragrant sweet peas...

Pink Thistle

@ires

missnoma

A Cup of Tea

2009-11-16T09:57:00.004+10:00

Don't you just love catching up with friends for a cup of tea? And maybe a little cake too :)

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea"

Henry James, The Portrait of A Lady

Have a beautiful week friends x

Image credits: Images 1 & 6 Flickr Image 2 Floralovely Images 3 & 4 Flickr Image 5 Russian Creators

Floralovely Home

2009-11-15T07:28:00.009+10:00

This week at home we have an eclectic mix of flowers. I bought a beautiful white hydrangea plant (soon to be planted at our new home!) some hot pink peonies that are still opening up (irresistible!) and rust coloured chrysanthemums. They are placed in different areas of the house so they don't disagree with one another…

This gorgeous Royal Doulton crystal vase was a wedding gift... aren't the etched details so lovely?

This little marble vase is such a treasure, it was my Grandmother's.

Happy Sunday xo

Rainbow for you

2009-11-14T18:52:00.010+10:00

My lovely Aunty Maria lives on a beautiful property in NSW, I wish I could visit more often. It rained the other day and she went for a walk to capture some photos of this fantastic rainbow! It looks like she found the end too! Hope you enjoy this rainbow and have a wonderful weekend xo

"Live the life you've dreamed."

Henry David Thoreau

Images thanks to Aunty Maria!

Antique Jewellery

2009-11-10T11:39:00.008+10:00

My sister knows I love antique everything... especially antique jewellery. So when she came across this website, she sent me the link - which I would now love to share with you!

The business is named Type Key and they specialise in jewellery made out of antique typewriter keys, the part I love the most though, is their new collection of Vintage Spoon Jewellery - how creative! I love it when old things can be recycled in such a creative way.

Vintage spoon bracelets...

Vintage spoon rings!

Typewriter key bracelet

All images are from Type key

Smile Sister!

2009-11-09T08:47:00.007+10:00

Cups of tea, girly chats, leisurely walks and painted toenails...

My sister is here for a visit. Happy Birthday sis :)

Found these images by Laurence via Flickr

The Vintage Magpie

2009-11-04T07:02:00.004+10:00

I love spending time looking through all the amazing blogs created by talented & inspiring people all over the world. One of my latest finds is The Vintage Magpie from the UK.

Nicky creates the most beautiful vintage looking bears and has a really sweet blog. I recently blogged about the benefits of taking time out to enjoy a morning or afternoon walk and found that Nicky shares the same thoughts, see her walk here.

The adorable Edna - one of The Vintage Magpie bears

Some French Vintage postcards found at The Vintage Magpie

All images from The Vintage Magpie

Fresh Flowers for Summer Colour!

2009-11-03T16:49:00.007+10:00

It's starting to heat up here in Brisbane, time for brightly coloured summer maxi dresses, cool, refreshing drinks & barbecues with friends :)

It's also time to brighten up your life with some colourful, fresh flowers... and if you're reading this on the other side of the world, I hope these pretty blooms can warm your home for a moment x

Delphinium

Gladioli

Freesias

Carpe Diem rose

Andromeda

How cool are green roses?

Some of these flowers I have used at work recently, the first three images are designs that I created for a special display project...

All images by floralovely

Walking...

2009-11-02T20:37:00.008+10:00

There is something so relaxing about taking a walk.

Especially if you have been so busy with life that everything may feel a little bit out of control...

I think giving yourself a few quiet minutes to take a leisurely walk,

will help you relax and feel ready to power ahead :)

Even if you don't live in the country... find beauty wherever you are...

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."

George Eliot

All images by floralovely

Petals...

2009-10-30T20:59:00.007+10:00

What became of those divine David Austin roses...

perfumed petals for the bathroom...

Hope you have a fine weekend xo

Image credit: floralovely

Little Road Trip

2009-10-28T19:55:00.015+10:00

I took a little road trip to visit my family early this week... These are all pictures of my Mum's beautiful home & garden.

Isn't her front verandah lovely?

Just above the front step... nestled in the pink bougainvillea... my sister found this...

We're a little concerned about the welfare of these little eggs however, as she hasn't seen anyone sitting on them in the last couple of days...

Isn't this sweet lady, surrounded by pretty succulents, so dainty & demure?

My Mum's amazing Spanish Moss... or as some people call it - Old Man's Beard

Hope you're having a beautiful week so far xo

All images by floralovely

Divine David Austin roses

2009-10-26T07:41:00.010+10:00

The most divine David Austin roses have started coming through the flower markets in Brisbane again - some of these we used at work last week and some I bought for home... so luxuriously self indulgent... they have such a heavenly sweet perfume as well... aaah love love love... Lose yourself in the layers of soft petals... xo

Oh and can you spot the gorgeous print from Bespoke Letterpress Boutique hiding in there amongst the roses? I still need to find the perfect frame for it...

All images by floralovely

Need a Smile?

2009-10-25T19:02:00.004+10:00

Sorry I have been so slack with my updates lately.... I'm doing exactly what I DON'T want to do! Being too busy to update floralovely, being too busy to enjoy my little Gardenia (it's had about 10 beautiful blooms this week and I've been rushing past them!) being too busy to read my book and right now I'm trying to do three things at once - trying to do a quick blog update, the iron is on & waiting and I'm in the middle of cooking dinner! Bring on the Christmas holidays!

P.S. I'm going to share some BEAUTIFUL David Austin roses with you tomorrow. You'll love them :)

Image credit: fofurasfelinas via Flickr

A beautiful place to relax...

2009-10-20T19:00:00.004+10:00

After this past crazily busy weekend, all I want to do is spend about a week here...

with a good book, some wine and nooo alarm clock...

Image credit: Andywon found via Flickr

Gorgeous Gardenia

2009-10-15T18:43:00.003+10:00

I thought I should post some pictures of my gardenias in full, open bloom. When I featured the first bloom last week, it wasn't fully awake yet! Here are a couple that have beautifully unfurled...

These last 2 shots I took in the late afternoon so the the photos are a bit darker... they have a sort of moodiness to them don't you think? I like them.

I won't be posting again until next week now. This weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the year for us at work - a VERY popular weekend to get married! Apart from being incredibly busy at work with masses of gorgeous flowers, I have my high school reunion on Saturday night AND I'm a guest at one of the weddings I'm doing the flowers for on Sunday!! I don't know how I'm going to do it all - but it's going to be fun! Better to be busy than bored right? Phew, see you next week - Hope you all have a wonderful weekend too xo

P.S. Hopefully next week I might have a few pics of some of the gorgeous blooms from this weekend to show you :)

Amazing dress

2009-10-14T19:52:00.003+10:00

I saw this photo on Chenin Boutwell's blog, it's such a beautiful portrait of a wedding gown - and how amazing does it look on the bride?

It's a Monique Lhuillier gown and isn't it just soooo pretty?

Need a Smile?

2009-10-13T15:02:00.006+10:00

Found here

The 3 main reasons I started floralovely:

1. To share my love of flowers and weddings

2.To take time out every couple of days to enjoy & share in the little things in life that are sometimes forgotten

3. To celebrate the things that inspire me & make me happy!

Everyone (myself included!) is so busy with life, it seems we often miss out on the simple joys.

Every week I am going to post a picture that makes me SMILE :) and hopefully you will too xo

"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life."

Rachel Carson 1907-1964 American Marine Biologist, Author

Wedding Cake

2009-10-12T20:46:00.005+10:00

This was our wedding cake - trust me to have more flowers than cake!!! I used Honeymoon roses, cream miniature roses, succulents, privet berry, a touch of chocolate magnolia foliage & dodder vine.

Image credit: Calli B Photography

Gardenia Blooms

2009-10-11T19:01:00.006+10:00

My first Gardenia bloom! I love Gardenias, and not just the flowers, I love the foliage too. We use the foliage a lot in our floristry work - it is a beautiful dark green colour and the leaves are a nice small size. It's perfect to use in bouquets that need to have that fresh, unstructured "just picked from the garden" look which is popular at the moment. I bought myself a little Gardenia plant a couple of months ago and noticed this week I have my first, beautifully fragrant bloom.

We don't use the flowers for weddings very often, once they're cut from the plant they turn a yellowish brown colour quite quickly. The flowers aren't available through our flower suppliers/wholesalers (because they don't last once they're cut) so if someone desperately wants them in their bouquet, we have to source them ourselves, cut them from the plant a couple of hours prior to the wedding & wire them into the bouquet. The bouquet would need to have a base design of other flowers and the 2 or 3 Gardenia blooms would be a special feature. Some brides want them for sentimental reasons, others want them because of their amazing perfume, I just love everything about the Gardenia. I'd love to have a whole hedge of it one day! For now I have my little one in a pot on our verandah, isn't it cute though? :)

Vintage Fabrics

2009-10-06T11:09:00.009+10:00

I've had a lovely morning with my cup of tea, photographing these beautiful vintage look fabrics that I recently picked up. Some were $3 per metre, most were $5 and one was $8 - bargain! I don't know what I'm going to do with them yet, but aren't they gorgeous! My Mum calls them "Granny Prints" :)

Hope you're having a lovely day too xo

Bespoke Letterpress Boutique!

2009-10-05T10:34:00.008+10:00

I've been a huge fan of Bespoke Letterpress Boutique ever since I read a little feature piece about them in Home Beautiful magazine earlier this year. I couldn't believe this beautiful, old fashioned business was based in Brisbane! I was so excited! From then on I've been an avid follower of Bespoke's blog and have been pestering my husband to let me purchase one of every item in their online shop!

Bespoke Letterpress Boutique use an 1893 letterpress machine (lovingly named Charlie) to create the most luscious, perfect & pretty invitations, notelets & prints (and other beautiful items too!) on 100% cotton paper.

The reason I'm extra excited about Bespoke today - is that they have just launched a stunning range of limited edition prints that showcase the talent of 10 up & coming artists and believe me - when you see this range, you'll want them all!!! My favourite is "Her Love's A Pony" (the first image) because it's just so damn cute I can't resist it! But I also really love "Geraldine & Walter In Love" because like so many of you - I love little birdies :)

So if you've got a couple of spare minutes, pay a visit to Bespoke's blog and the most exciting thing is - if you leave a comment there, you're in with a chance to win a whole set of these 10 gorgeous prints!

One last thing, a few months ago I was lucky enough to have my wedding featured on Bespoke's gorgeous blog - check it out here. Have a fabulous Monday :) xo

Images from www.bespokepress.blogspot.com

Lily-of-the-valley

2009-10-02T19:37:00.002+10:00

Common Name: Lily-of-the-valley

Genus/Species: Convallaria majalis

Family: Liliaceae

If only these darling little blooms were available all year... they are so dainty, so simply pretty and a very highly sought after wedding bloom. The epitome of innocence & beauty.

Named from the Latin convallis meaning valley, Lily-of-the-valley is steeped in folklore. German legend has it that the flowers grew from the tears of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the Cross. Christian legend says that they grew from the tears of Eve when she was driven from Eden. Where ever they came from, I'm glad they're here :) Other common names for these flowers include Fairies Bells, Innocents & Ladies Tears.

Lily-of-the-valley is used by parfumiers hoping to replicate the exquisite perfume of these perfect flowers. Apparently they are quite easy to grow in pots, they look so delicate but are quite hardy plants. Hmmm... maybe this time next year I'll have some home grown Lily-of-the-valley to share with you. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to see these bloom when you've grown them yourself?

They flower in Spring and only for a short season of approximately 4 weeks.

Enjoy these dainty pretties and have a happy weekend bloggers x

(Reference: Perry, Maggie Clay Perry's Fantastic Flowers, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2004)

Red Spider Orchids & Hot Pink Roses

2009-09-28T09:05:00.007+10:00

Remember I said I had purchased some huge hot pink garden roses & red Spider Orchids for our home? Well I've finally managed to upload the pics of them, aren't they beautiful? I particularly love the first image, it was taken late in the afternoon with the warm, afternoon sun filtering through. That's my favourite part of the day...

Hope you have a great Monday, hopefully I can get back on here with more frequent updates, wedding season is in full swing and most of my spare time is spent resting up in preparation for the many, many weddings coming up!!

By the way, that cute little pineapple that found it's way into one of my pictures was bought by my Mother - she just bought it because it was cute! It was sweet too, right after I took that picture we decided it was ready for a fruit salad... poor little pineapple...

P.S. This week I purchased some dainty Lily of the Valley for home, along with some vibrant, cerise Oriental Lilies (if only you could smell their amazing perfume!) Check back soon for some pics xo

Friendly Butcher Bird

2009-09-21T20:06:00.004+10:00

It's been so hot in Brisbane!! This friendly little Butcher bird came to visit me when I was sitting on my deck the other day... he walked along the railing and came right up close to me to see what I was doing. I have only just hung a small bird feeder up on our deck and I haven't put any seeds or bread in it because we have some very mischievous possums that would create havoc if there was food around!!

So I filled the bird feeder with water, while this little Butcher bird was sitting there watching me... and as soon as I sat back down, he looked at me, looked at the bird feeder and jumped right in it! He loved it so much he just sat there in the water for about 10 minutes, just keeping cool. It was a very nice afternoon, my new birdy friend I :)

Floralovely Home

2009-09-20T18:40:00.006+10:00

Every week I buy fresh flowers for our home and I'd love to share them with you all... A couple of weeks ago I bought these beautiful cream Emmanuelle roses, Earlicheers & gorgeous little pinkish/green leucadendrons. I play around with them, put them in different vases and take a few photos before I place them all around the house to enjoy for the week. Hope you enjoy them now xo P.S. This week I bought some beautiful, deep red spider orchids & huge, hot pink garden roses. I will try & get some photos of them on here soon. Enjoy xo

Bees & Blossoms

2009-09-16T18:17:00.002+10:00

Spring is here & the bees are busily buzzing around my lemon blossoms :)

Hope you're having a productive week bloggers xo

Never-ending love - Floral Wreaths

2009-09-15T10:25:00.005+10:00

Wreaths are a symbol of never-ending love or love for eternity. The first wreath pictured in this little collection was from my wedding in May which featured Honeymoon roses, succulents miniature roses, cymbidium orchids & berrys.

I love how different each of these wreaths are, no matter what the occasion or the colour theme, a wreath is a beautiful accessory or feature piece. Don't think they're only for Christmas time!

Image credits -

Image 1: Calli B Photography Image 2: Daria Bishop Photographers Image 3: LaVie Photography Image 4: Adeline & Grace Photography Image 5: www.artisanevents.com

Pink

2009-09-14T12:40:00.003+10:00

I have found in my work as a Wedding Floral Designer that pink is a very popular colour for weddings. Whether you want a hint of pale pink throughout, splashes of hot pink highlights or pink everywhere (as above!) there is a wide variety of beautiful flowers in every tone of pink. The first bouquet of cymbidium orchids is so very soft & pretty, I love the second bouquet too - so fresh & with the inclusion of the dainty maidenhair fern!

Image credits - Image 1: www.aboutdetailsdetails.com Image 2: www.melaniemauer.com Image 3 & 5: www.heatherforsythe.com Image 4: www.christianoth.com

Ranunculus

2009-09-08T12:25:00.008+10:00

Common Name: Ranunculus, Buttercups or Persian Buttercups

Genus/Species: Ranunculus

Family: Ranunculaceae

Origin: Middle East, Persia

These beautiful, soft looking blooms are now available and it's hard to resist buying a bunch (or three) of them!! They start with such tight little buds and continually provide enjoyment as they bloom over a period of a few days. They have a good vase life, as long as the stems are trimmed regularly and the water is changed every couple of days.

Ranunculus comes from the Latin rana or frog, thought to be named because they thrive in damp conditions. You may have heard them called Buttercups, this is because rubbing Ranunculus on cow's udders was said to improve the cow's milk and yield.

In the late seventeenth century ranunculus were being developed by keen landowners (early flower societies) and by the end of the eighteenth century, ranunculus almost rivalled the tulip in popularity. At this time there were approximately 800 forms to choose from in a broad spectrum of colours, however many proved difficult to cultivate and a great many of these are not grown anymore. You can find ranunculus growing all over the world now - from Asia to north Africa, Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia.

They are a sought after wedding bloom due to their simple purity and softness and the wide variety of colours that are available.

Fresh cut Ranunculus are usually available in Queensland in Spring.

(Reference: Perry, Maggie Clay Perry's Fantastic Flowers, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2004)

Image credits: First 4 images from Flickr

Sweet little Succulents

2009-09-07T10:28:00.006+10:00

I adore succulents and these little ones were in my wedding bouquet :) Instead of having my bouquet freeze dried, I have these little succulents as a keepsake. And the gorgeous photos as well. Someday soon I will post a few flower pictures from my wedding this year. When a florist gets married - it's all about the flowers!! And the lovely husband of course :)

Bright & Happy Yellow!

2009-08-31T10:34:00.007+10:00

I thought I'd start the week with a burst of bright yellow! Yellow isn't my favourite colour, but yellow flowers never fail to look bright & happy and who doesn't want to be bright & happy on a Monday morning :)

Image Credits -

Image 1: www.lapartieevents.com, Image 2: www.lindachaja.com, Image 3: www.AlisonUlshofferEvents.com, Image 4: www.lauradowling.com, Image 5: www.corbingurkin.com, Image 6 & 7: www.caplanmiller.com

Blushing Brides

2009-08-25T09:47:00.006+10:00

Common Name: Blushing Brides

Genus/Species: Serruria florida

Family: Proteaceae

Country of Origin: South Africa

Blushing Bride is one of the most delicately beautiful flowers of the Proteaceae family and would be a great addition to a bridal bouquet if you are looking for something a little different. It is thought that this flower received its common name because of its traditional use in bridal bouquets in South Africa. Years ago, these beautiful flowers were over-exploited, the species was near extinction in the wild until conservation measures in the 1960s and 70s saved it.

Blushing Bride flowers in Spring producing soft, papery white bracts or floral leaves, surrounding feathery tufts of white to pinkish flowers. The blooms are either a white/creamy colour with a delicate blush of pink, or an all-over rose pink colour.

Blushing Bride is grown in Australia on large bushes in plantations for commercial sale, they are also grown in South Africa, Israel and the US including Hawaii. As well as being used for weddings, these gorgeous flowers have a long vase life, provided proper cut flower care is carried out.

Blushing Brides are available in Queensland from approximately July to September.

(Reference: www.marketfresh.com.au)

Image credits: Last 3 image panels from Style Me Pretty

High Tea

2009-08-18T09:45:00.006+10:00

What could be better than spending a beautiful afternoon having High Tea? I was among 19 lovely ladies who enjoyed this decadent High Tea on Sunday and I couldn't resist taking a few pics of the gorgeous china & chandeliers! This is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion with the girls :)

A Grand Sydney Wedding: Part Two

2009-08-17T12:40:00.007+10:00

Part Two of Fiona & Will's beautiful Sydney wedding in April...

Their gorgeous reception was held on the waterfront venue Orso

Each table was decorated with 3 frosted cube vases with pink & white hyacinth, pink & white lisianthus and pink & white freesias.

The bridal bouquets were placed along the length of the bridal table.

CONGRATULATIONS FIONA & WILL!

17th April, 2009

Image Credits: Nerida McMurray Photography

A Grand Sydney Wedding: Part One

2009-08-12T17:07:00.006+10:00

I mentioned a little while ago that I would feature the wedding flowers from my beautiful cousin Fiona's wedding in Sydney in April this year. Well, here it is...

The glowing bride!

Fiona's bouquet of hyacinths, freesias, lisianthus & tulips

White delphinium for the church

Classic cream & white dress corsages were made for the Mothers of the Bride & Groom

Moments before walking down the aisle

Fiona wanted her flowers to be classic, simple & stylish yet with a "just picked from the garden" feel. The colour palette was white & green with a touch of coral pink.

Fiona did not want a round posy style bouquet, rather an unstructured, tiered bouquet for a more relaxed look. For the bridal bouquet, we chose white hyacinths, white freesias, white lisianthus with a touch of coral pink tulips and gardenia foliage throughout. Her four bridesmaids carried bouquets of all white hyacinths, freesias & lisianthus with gardenia foliage. The hyacinths and freesias meant that the bouquets had a beautiful, soft fragrance.

The church was decorated with tall, white delphinium, white Oriental lilies, coral pink Gladioli & coral roses with a hint of tropical foliage & twisted willow - in tall, glass vases.

More to follow...

Photography by Nerida McMurray

Hen and Chicken Fern

2009-08-09T20:55:00.002+10:00

I love Ferns... This one is called a Hen and Chicken Fern or Asplenium bulbiferum and it's so cute & delicate! My Mother bought this pretty little specimen for me and told me why they have their name...

The "mother" plant forms tiny bulbils on top of each of it's fronds and when the bulbils grow to approximately 5cm, they fall off... if they land in soil that is kept moist, they will grow into new ferns - Hence the name Hen and Chicken Fern! So cute. They are native to New Zealand, but mine lives in my kitchen and likes just a dash of water every couple of days.

Morning Walk

2009-08-05T20:29:00.005+10:00

How beautiful is this driveway framed by bougainvillea?

The morning dew on agapanthus foliage

This little horse wasn't awake yet :)

I love wattle... reminds me of my childhood...

There's nothing more refreshing than a brisk morning walk. What a beautiful morning it was yesterday. I often feel too sleepy in the morning to go for a walk, but I never regret making the effort to get up and head outside into the morning sun & fresh air. Beautiful!

A Grand Sydney Wedding: preview

2009-08-02T19:05:00.000+10:00

Here is a preview of a wedding I will be featuring soon on floralovely. My beautiful cousin Fiona was married in April this year and I had the pleasure of being her Floral Designer. This image shows a selection of blooms that decorated the reception venue.

Earlicheer Portrait

2009-08-01T16:48:00.000+10:00

Common Name: Earlicheer

Scientific Name: Narcissus Earlicheer

So perfectly petite and so sweetly perfumed, Earlicheers are lovely to have in your home and a popular wedding bloom. They are a beautiful, buttery cream colour and quite inexpensive.

The story of Narcissus, whose name has entered our language via narcissism or self-adoration, tells of a handsome young man who fell in love with his reflection in a pool of water. He leaned over to admire himself, fell into the water and drowned. One ending to the tale has Aphrodite turning him into a flower because of his vanity; another has the nymphs coming to find his body (which had vanished), leaving the beautiful narcissus growing where he had lain. As a result the flower forever dips its head, to see its own reflection.

Earlicheers are available in Queensland during autumn and winter months.

(Reference: Perry, Maggie Clay Perry's Fantastic Flowers, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2004)

Earlicheers

2009-07-29T19:48:00.000+10:00

While my blog is only in the early stages of construction, I thought I would begin with a portrait of one of my favourite little blooms - the Earlicheer. With their beautiful fragrance and soft, petite petals, I love to fill my home with vintage vases overflowing with these flowers. I will post a little more information about Earlicheers in the coming weeks. Enjoy x