First Lawn Mowing of the Year

The smell is a favorite. The final look is pleasing in its neatness; rich green setting off the soft yellows of daffodils and vibrant blue of grape hyacinths. 

A view of my backyard

A view of my backyard

Please don't misunderstand, I am not much an advocate for the perfect expanse of greenness without a dandelion in sight. I always encourage ground covers to my landscape clients. Although not instant, which many insist on nowadays, ground covers are much more interesting , less time sapping and are often a great way to add even more flowers, color and texture to your yard. 

I love the versatility of Walstenia, with the happy, bright yellow flowers in spring; sedums work well in tough spots and add texture and even vinca, although overused, has lovely blue flowers which draw your eye to shady areas. 

I will continue to enjoy that first mowing of spring but will continue to shrink my lawn to other plant material over time. 

A bouquet worthy of Cirque du Soleil

What do you do with an old, dirty juggling baton when a couple of crazy circus performers ask if there is any way to incorporate it into the Bride's wedding bouquet?

Never one to shy away from a challenge, I looked at this funny shaped thing for a while. I needed to figure out how its size and shape could work with the pretty flowers of Cheryl's bouquet.

After a thorough cleaning and with the assistance of my trusty "tool guy" we cut up the baton, removed the skinny handle, cut it in half and drilled holes on either side. I sandwiched the stems of Cheryl's bouquet between the baton and laced it back together with lovely ribbon and...voila!

Photo credit: Revolution Summer Photography

Photo credit: Revolution Summer Photography

Photo credit: Revolution Summer Photography

Photo credit: Revolution Summer Photography

Flowers: Pretty Flowers | Tool Guy : Maloney Marine Rigging | Photography: Revolution Summer Photography | Venue: Circus Maine

Country Kitsch

Home is where the heart is- creamsicle & robin's egg hues dress a nest of cottage finds & heirloom treasures. 

Floral arrangements: Pretty Flowers | Event Design: Emily Elizabeth Events | Photography: A Love Supreme Photography | Cake: Nothing Bakes Like a Parrot | Papergoods: Parrot Design Studio | Props: Blessings Home Store, Detroy | Menswear and Shoes: Joseph's of Portland, L.L. Bean | Accessories: Mizubrand

ZEST Magazine Styled Shoot

ZEST invited us to do a styled photo shoot to feature table arrangements. 

"Thoughtful table settings add to the pleasure of a meal. They are an expression of identity, connecting hosts and guests through the use of themes, colors, shapes and moods. A thoughtfully set table frames the meal at hand and fosters meaningful conversation that extends far beyond the evening in question." 

Pretty Flowers designed the arrangements, Janice Dunwoody produced and styled the shoot and Erin Little photographed. We created 3 versions: Rustic, Contemporary and Traditional. 

Eggplant.jpg

Floral arrangement: Pretty Flowers, Brunswick | Stoneware: Odd Inq., South Portland | Simple Cedar Table: KW Things, Peaks Island | Aluminum mugs: Silly's Restaurant, Portland | Linen napkins and table runner: Folly 101, Portland | Artisan hammered flatware: Sundance Catalog Aluminum plate chargers: Portland Flea-For-All, Portland | Tin water pitcher: Portland Flea-For-All, Portland | Thick candle tapers: Dwellings, Falmouth