A Beautiful Ride with Flowers

As you might have guessed from my new banner, I have completed the garden bicycle and it is exactly what I anticipated it to be…simply lovely!  As I blogged on my design in earlier posts of “Promise Garden Color Guide” and “A Lovely Ride” the flower bicycle is a favorite focal point for the 2012 Rose & Flower Show with lots of exclamations of “wow” with praise and “I want one”!

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A few notes:  My final decision was Turquoise as the color for the bike (see Color Guide link above) and Purple for the Herb Tricycle (photos forthcoming).  The flowers will grow out and cascade over the bicycle in several weeks which will enhance it even more.  I used many different annuals and perennials that trail, cascade and give an ever-blooming display.  Watch the blog for more on the bikes, trikes and potting tables.  The slideshow gallery for the 2012 Rose & Flower Show will be posted soon.   Be inspired to create and happy gardening!!

Oh Morning Room Peonies

Reblogged from Jay&Jacy Photography:

I am spellbound by the beauty of the blooming peonies, their fragrance and color and mood created.  At last I can begin processing and posting the new designs here and at the Promise Gardens blog.  Today is beautiful, gorgeous color, too windy for outdoor photography (30mph gusts) but the sunlight and radiance are lighting up the rooms so peonies are adding to the ambience to my delight.  

Read more… 28 more words

The gardens are almost ready...the first bloom of the peonies. . .

Promise Garden Color Guides

The Promise Garden color scheme for the 2012 Rose & Flower Show is taken from the image below and the beautiful image of  Alma-Tadema.  [see posts below]  I created a color guide from the images to show those colors that will be used in the decor, flower pots, containers, hanging baskets, furniture, potting & garden tables, benches and more.   Several of  the statuary will be painted in various hues of these colors as well.  The large Lydia in the main Promise Garden is already in the beautiful color of turquoise with silver overlay (images forthcoming).  I will also add shabby chic furniture and draping in off-white.  The secret garden and shabby chic gardens will also have other variations of the colors from this scheme. I am inspired!  I hope it inspires you for your gardens as well.

The Perfume of Lilacs Inspire Me

My lilacs this year are breathtaking…five beautiful large trees brimming with all the shades of lavender, purples, pinks and white that only God good embellish.  How lovely they are in the gardens and how beautiful and aromatic in the home.  They inspire me in color, perfume and design.  This year’s Promise Gardens theme colors were inspired by these shades.

WITH LILACS

I BEG the pardon of these flowers
For bringing them to one whose hair
Alone doth shame, beyond compare,
The sweetest blooms of richest bowers.

I beg the pardon of this maid
For offering them with hand less pure,
A heart less perfect, needing cure
By Love’s own music, softly played
__Charles Henry Crandall

O Beautiful Spring Basket…

…from the Promise Gardens.  Spring has surely sprung!  As you see, the spring flowers have tempted me to create many lovely arrangements for the spring photoshoots.  I am always in awe of the rich colors and uniqueness of each flower and leaf.  Lilacs, hyacinth and bulbs create a spectrum of delight!  I wish you were here to take in the sight and aroma!  It’s breathtaking!