What's New? Bespoke Style of Floral Design - Or is it?

The term "bespoke" comes from England where it originally referred to custom or tailor-made clothing. In recent years, however, the term has been applied to everything from interior design to information technology, but primarily refers to customized services or products. In floral design, however, “bespoke” refers to a loose, naturalized design style that is currently enjoying a revival among today’s hip and talented designers.

The Bespoke Garden Style or Cutting Garden Style of floral design actually dates back centuries to the original oil paintings of the Old Masters. Back in the day this type of design was found splashed across the canvasses of some of the most talented painters of their day – today this style of design has been re-discovered but instead of being splashed across artists’ canvasses it is being splashed across the Instagram and facebook pages of the designers who created them.

Farm to Table – Not just for food! The Bespoke style of floral design also has its “roots” in locally sourced flowers and greenery. Before the invention of floral foam, global greenhouse and mass distribution of cut flowers designers would source what they could find in local gardens, woodlands and valleys and create loose, low-lying arrangements in compotes to adorn the most fashionable parlors and salons in Europe.

How to Care for your Phalaenopsis Orchid

Unlike some of their exotic cousins, Phalaenopsis orchids are super easy to care for requiring a minimal amount of care in return for months of enjoyment!

Water Requirements

The number 1 rule in Phalaenopsis orchid care is DO NOT OVER WATER! Over watering is the most common cause of death for these tropical beauties and by far the easiest to control. In nature Phalaenopsis orchids attach their roots to trees and rocks and absorb their nutrition from the decomposition of other organisms sharing the same habitat. What this means is they don’t like getting their feet wet. An easy way to manage the water requirement of your Phalaenopsis orchid is to simply place two ice cubes per 4” pot on top of the roots and let Mother Nature do the rest. If you notice the roots on your orchid are beginning to shrivel up place the pot in your sink and water until you see the water running through the bottom of pot. If your orchid came in a container without drainage try adding two ice cubes twice a week until the roots begin to look full and silvery green again.

Light and Temperature Requirements

Phalaenopsis Orchids love sunlight in an indirect kind of way - thus your new botanical buddy will be happiest in a bright and sunny location that receives indirect sunlight with a temperature between 65 – 75 degrees F. Although I have to admit I keep Phalaenopsis orchids in my home year round and have never paid any attention to temperature. It seems to me they pretty much like what I like in that department but then again I live in the South so there really isn’t all that much fluctuation year round in regards to temperature.

Fertilizer

Like any house plant your Phalaenopsis orchid will benefit from regular fertilizing. You can find good orchid fertilizers at upscale nurseries or you can order it online from orchid specialists. If neither of these options are convenient you can use regular house plant fertilizers diluted to half strength. Fertilizing won’t extend the current bloom cycle of your orchid but it will help it to produce large showy blooms in its next go round.

What to do when your Orchid is done Blooming?

Once your orchid is through blooming, remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. Withered stems won't produce flowers. Removing the stem will direct the plant's energy toward root development, which makes for a healthier plant and increased chances for new bloom spikes.

Phalaenopsis orchids typically flower once a year. To identify a new bloom spike, look for roots that are growing upwards with glossy green points, rather than round tips. Once a bloom spike appears, increase fertilizing to every other week and support the stem with a stake as it grows.

Style and Trends: How to Choose a Stylish Floral Bouquet

Style & Trends: How to Choose a Stylish Floral Bouquet

Many factors come in to play when choosing a bouquet: The time of year, time of day, the recipient's favorite flowers, colors, size, budget, and personality. Today we have a global market for flowers and, combined with the talent of your floral designer, almost anything is possible. Flowers follow trends just like anything else but there are certain characteristics of floral design that dictate their popularity.

    

Succulents

     Sometimes it's the actual floral material that drives the trend. Succulents have been so popular, a welcomed addition to any floral design, but especially strong in arrangements. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and it's not difficult to find a pleasing combination.

Color

    Color is also a driver of style and trend. A soft blush tone of 'Quicksand' roses in a cascading bouquet is a favorite with a lime green, like in amaranthus. The green contrasts nicely with the blush, giving it life and a dramatic quality without losing the softness and romance of the blush color. Making the right color choices is often one of the most important decisions in choosing a bouquet, probably because it is the most visual element.

   

Bespoke Design

    Certain floral designs go in and out of style. For many years a dense, compact arrangement was the favorite. Now, there is strong interest in using more foliage to create a looser "overgrown" look. Also, called "bespoke' design, the look is reminiscent of an English cottage garden.

    

    Texture has also risen to the top of the most wanted elements, so you will see succulents, curly willow, wheat, protea and even feathers added to arrangements to add that extra pop. Unexpected combinations create interest and certainly that "one of a kind' look.

Loved! Loved! Loved! Working with this family at Firethorn Country Club in Waxhaw, NC. Not only was the bride GORGEOUS so was the entire family - inside and out!

Flowers include: Miniature purple calla lilies, white roses, white spray roses, purple stock, trachelium, and lemon leaves.

Flowers Include: Blue, purple and lavender hydrangea, purple lisianthus and purple stock.

Guy's Guide to Giving Flowers

What’s the best way for a man to make a lasting impression on a woman? Recent consumer research shows that the answer to making a memorable impact is right under his nose– through flowers. In fact, the study shows that 92% of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 89% say receiving flowers makes them feel special.

Giving great floral gifts, however, still remains a mystery to most men. To help them out, author and TV host Rebecca Cole provides guidance on giving females flowers.

“If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then the pathway to a woman’s heart is through her other senses,” said Cole, author of Flower Power and co-host of Discovery Channel’s Surprise By Design.

“Flowers are a sensual gift that can express any emotion so simply – with just a little knowledge and a phone call to the florist.”

Cole begins by offering advice to guys on how to send just the right message to the woman in his life – a new girlfriend, that special someone, Mom or a good friend.

• The New Thing. This emotion may be the most difficult for a man to express, so Cole provides style advice for the guy who wants to show his new romantic interest exactly how he feels. “A passionate arrangement is filled with hot pinks, oranges, reds and golds. Add a thoughtful card to help communicate just the right sentiment,” says Cole.
• The Real Deal. Flowers are intimately – and internationally – linked with the art of romance, and for good reason says Cole. “As relationships grow, flowers become symbols of different events and milestones in our lives together. Take note of her favorite flowers – the varieties at your wedding, flowers you sent her when you first started dating or the ones she buys for herself. Those will have great meaning and impact.”
• Leading Ladies. “No woman – especially moms, grandmas and sisters – should live without a little TLC,” says Cole. A fabulous flowering plant or a garden-style arrangement with greens and soft pastel hues – no matter what the flower – will send the message that you care.
• The Gal Pal. “Flowers that show you’re thinking of someone, but not in a sensual way, have a natural, just-picked feeling,” says Cole. She advises to ask for a selection of garden-style flowers or a bright bold color palette that is fun and whimsical. A basket with a mix of flowering and green plants delivered to her door or office is also a sure fire winner.

Research shows that 96% of women like to receive flowers when they’re not expecting them. “Guys should know that they don’t have to wait for a special occasion to give flowers,” Cole says. “Make an occasion by sending flowers to the woman in your life, just because. They’ll never forget it.”

Cole offers advice for men willing to try something trendy. She suggests these three top design styles that men can ask for with confidence:

• Monobotanic. Arrangements featuring only one type of flower (such as all roses,tulips, lilies or iris) are in style and may even include different colors of the same flower in the vase or container.
• Monochromatic. Pick a color, any color and stick with it! If her favorite color is pink, for example, ask your florist for a fresh bouquet of different flowers in the same color range.
• Bunches of Texture. Ask your florist to select complementary flowers of various textures to place in bunches in an elegant glass container. This unique look has a bold, contemporary feel and will surely provide the “wow” factor.
• Need to find a florist? Click here for a Florist Directory searchable by city and state or zip code.
• Don't know what to say on the card? Click here for creative card messages for every occasion.

A Guy’s Checklist of Things to Remember

• Be Spontaneous. You don't have to wait for a special occasion to give flowers. In fact, most women say “no reason” is the best reason to get flowers.
• Size Doesn’t Matter. Trust your florist to help you send an arrangement that is appropriate for the occasion. Bouquets both big and small can make a bold statement. It’s the sentiment that makes the impact.
• Score Big Points. Surprise her by sending a bouquet to her office, and see how much attention you’ll get because of the attention she got.
• Relax. Flowers don't have to mean commitment. Women know when an arrangement simply means that you care.

“The most important thing to remember is that you simply cannot go wrong with flowers,” said Cole. “Your florist is there to help, but you’ll get all the credit.”

The consumer research cited was conducted in 2005 by The Michael Cohen Group.