From Edible to Incredible!
Once I started using edibles in arrangements I never looked at the produce section quite the same way – my eyes wander to detect interesting texture first… You can use an eggplant, artichoke or squash as the container (make sure to line this organic container with plastic before adding the wet foam) or incorporate berries, key limes, kumquats, sliced kiwis or pomegranates, figs, persimmons, snippets of kale or romanesco, mushrooms, parsley or sage… In Asian markets, such as Fubonn or Uwajimaya the selection of unusual and exotic produce is fantastic!
David Barss Photography
Joni Photo
Hands-on Class in the Studio: Mother’s Day Arrangements with Delightful Spring Flowers!
Delight your mom with a unique arrangement of lilacs, tulips, clematis, dogwood and fabulous textures! Using a full palette of pastel or vivid colors, learn how to create stunning arrangements in a variety of imaginative containers.
Monday May 7 6:30 – 9:00pm $75
Call to reserve your space @ 503-236-5829
https://francoiseweeks.com/seasonal-design-classes/
The hands-on classes are limited to 8 students per class and are conducted at Françoise’s Studio – 2754 SE 33rd Place. Prices include flowers, supplies, use of tools, and best of all, your creation goes home with you! Receipt of your check (or payment with Paypal) for the full tuition secures your place in the class.
Nicandra Pods
Nicandra is a coarse, erect annual that is native to Peru. It belongs to the nightshade family and can become quite invasive. In early summer, the plants are adorned with 1½ inch solitary violet bell-shaped flowers with white centers; the delicate blossom, similar to morning glory, are very short lived but the seedpods are a favorite in arrangements – some are green, some are black and green.
Joni Photo
Joni Photo
Exquisite Fritillarias
An absolute favorite in the garden and in arrangements! These bulb flowers belong to the lily family. And big bonus is that they spread readily in the garden!
My favorite, fritillaria maleagris has a chequered pattern in shades of purple, or is sometimes pure white. It flowers from March to May and grows between 15 and 40 cm in height. The plant has a round bulb, about 2 cm in diameter. It is commonly found growing in grasslands in damp soils and river meadows and can be found at altitudes up to 2,400′.
photo: Ted Mishima
photo: Ted Mishima
Wedding Flowers at Nambe
Britni, the manager at Nambe, asked to provide a selection of wedding flowers for an event last weekend. This month, they will feature a wedding vendor every Sunday. Nambe, located in Bridgeport Village, offers an amazing wedding registry including ‘timeless alloy, dinnerware, flatware, and full-lead crystal designs. Handcrafted with structural and artistic integrity, their pieces endure and perform with grace.’
Botanical Shoes Video
A couple of months ago I made some botanical shoes and centerpieces for a fundraiser organized by Schoolhouse Supplies at the Portland Art Museum. Not only did Joni take wonderful pictures, she also surprised me with this fun short video.
Thank you Joni!!!
Begonia Foliage
Plantsmith Nursery is a begonia hybridizer in Scotts Mill, OR. The gorgeous foliage of their beautiful plants adds wonderful texture to any design!
photo: Joni Shimabukuro
