Françoise Weeks European Floral Design

Last week I blogged about hellebores and mentioned that I had visited   Honeyhill Farms Nursery in Raleigh Hills. Owners Jim and Audrey Metcalfe are hellebore hybridizers. Earlier this week I went back with my friend Jamie Bosworth; she wanted to see and document this magical place.

Thousands of plants were in full bloom and we discovered new treasures in each flowerbed. Jamie’s pictures will tell a much better story than I can narrate. Savor the beauty of these incredible flowers that grace our gardens from early January til April or May. They are such a delight when nothing else is blooming yet in the early winter months.

Mr Jim took us graciously around on his 2 acre farm and answered our many questions. It takes 3 years to find out what the hybridized flowers will look like – so much patience and anticipation… You can find information on the many varieties that they grow and how to care for these jewels on their website.

Call them at 503-292-1817 if you’d like to visit their garden and purchase plants in bloom. Or you can visit them at the Hillsdale Farmers Market on February  21 or on March 7.

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A few weeks ago I posted  ideas to decorate archways and chuppas.  There are many other choices to decorate ceremony sites. Often tall arrangements in vases or urns are a favorite.  But you can also embellish the ceremony site with garden arrangements or wreaths or decorate candelabras.

Craig Strong

Two bright pink wreaths, suspended from a wooden pole, framed the ceremony site for Jandi and Jesse’s wedding. The poles were secured in containers covered with moss; lots of texture decorated the base of the pole.

David Barss

This garden arrangement was a fitting backdrop for the ceremony at the First Congregational Church.

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