flowers Archives - Linda Nelson

MY FAVORITE FLOWER IN THIS GARDEN

March 7, 2017

I received sad news yesterday that a long time client of mine, a most beautiful showy flower, more so than I could ever grow for her, has just passed away. Her radiance shined on all who knew her, a glorious smiling sunflower with a witty wink whose petals were not just golden, but every color of the rainbow spectrum….. and so much more.

I felt moved to share with you, via the garden and flower pot displays I designed for her over the years, the playful nature of this amazing woman.

I will her miss dearly.

©Linda Nelson 2017

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DOES THIS VASE………….

July 7, 2015

©Linda Nelson 2015

…………make my bud look too big? Just kidding, but I couldn’t hold back.

Last summer I posted a collection of images meant to entice your bud vase creativity. One year later, I’m doing it again. I often playfully gravitate to my vegetable garden when creating fresh cut arrangements.

©Linda Nelson 2015

The smell of cilantro……… love it, or hate it? I find it a curious olfactory trigger, and rather peculiar tasting, too. Yet, I always come back for more. No matter, its delicate little blossoms add charm to any vessel.

©Linda Nelson 2015

I have a fascination with root crop vegetables. Under water they portray a specimen-like quality, straight out of a science lab.

©Linda Nelson 2015

The allium family is another one that intrigues me. Anything pompom-like will do.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Of course, cheery floral bunches are a must, too. Arrangements made using a variety of plant material makes for a casual display, perfect for cottage-style homes.

©Linda Nelson 2015

What do you think of my layering of dishes underneath the vase? Drag some of yours out of the cupboard and give it a try.

©Linda Nelson 2015

I hope you, too, are playfully enjoying your vegetable and flower garden.

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POPPING POPPIES

July 6, 2015

I’m thrilled with the show that my bread seed poppies are putting on this year, and look forward to harvesting their seed pods. They’re quite trouble-free with regard to pests and such, and simply just do their thing. This particular annual species is Papaver somniferum ‘Lauren’s Grape’.

©Linda Nelson 2015

The seed packet will make a wonderful little addition to a decoupage project, don’t you think?

©Linda Nelson 2015

Zucchini squashes are just starting to plump up. (Note to self…. must fry up some blossoms.)Yum!

Oh, and I must try my hand at making kale chips.

My trusty-faithful hydrangeas never fail to deliver. I can always count on them.

I goofed (sort of) with the timing for planting onion sets. I took a chance planting some garden center freebies last fall, with the hopes of getting an early summer harvest. Instead, I got flowers. There’s no disappointment going on here, though. They’re great for fresh cut arrangements. I’ll just plant more next spring, which is the correct season for planting onion sets.

What a thrill to see that my water lotus garden is taking to life. I had a seed pod from an old potpourri package that was looking a little exhausted. It was at least ten years old, so I was more than ready to just toss it. I saved the seeds and sprouted them in a small glass of water. I then transplanted the seedlings to this lovely little glazed cache pot. The big challenge will be when it’s time to overwinter them at the end of the season.

Linda Nelson 2015

Cats make for fabulous decorative garden objects, wouldn’t you say. I’m partial, of course, for that’s my cat!

Enjoy your day.

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MY LATE SUMMER MUSINGS

September 8, 2014

There’s picture posts abound right now of dahlias in their glory. After all, this is their time to reign, and what a show these tuberous beauties provide. I still see the beauty in this dahlia bloom despite its withered appearance. I see romance. Something ruffled, not crumpled. Vintage. Antique. And what an exquisite color palette this photo provides to be inspired by, don’t you think? I’m enjoying lots of windowsill bud vases as much as possible before the hard frost makes its visit to the east coast.

Another garden icon of late summer is the beloved sunflower. This one’s towering face looking down upon me is almost confrontational and surreal in nature. I was face to face with the one pictured below it; hence, the feeling I got was totally different. Is that not just the happiest face you’ve ever seen?

Next year I may grow and extra crop of carrots just to let them go to flower, as I love these delicate, lacy darlings. They last very well as a cut flower and have a slightly stronger stature than their relative, Queen Anne’s Lace.

It is the commencement of my favorite season of the year. The still and snowy days of winter comes in second, though I’m in no rush for that quite yet. The squirrels are shaking off acorns from the oak trees like mad. Bright and colorful dahlias are a plenty. Sunflowers are still smiling. Evenings are cool and make for comfortable sleeping. The days are shorter, signaling me to ease up on outdoor chores and focus on my home’s interior. The cricket orchestra is providing free evening music. Pumpkins, gourds and locally grown delicious root crops are coming into season. It’s an absolutely divine time, it is.

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