Fower School 04 Achillea (Yarrow)

Photo by Hannah Davis

Achillea growing wild in a field

History: Achillea belongs to a genus of approx. 85 flowering hardy herbaceous perennials. The genus name refers to the mythical Greek hero Achilles and a thousand leaves refers to the leaf cut into a thousand parts. During the battle of Troy it is reputed that Achilles may have healed many warriors after being instructed in the yarrow’s ability to staunch the flow of blood from wounds hence common names of "allheal", "militaris" or "bloodwort". Yarrow was also used in an herbal tea to reduce fever, fight cold and cure indigestion. It may also be used as an insect deterrent by burning the leaves on hot embers and it's essential oils contain more of this powerful anti-inflammatory compound than chamomile. Yarrow essential oil is used for women's problems such as irregular and painful periods and to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding.
The ancient oracle of the I Ching is traditionally cast with Yarrow stalks which are thought to represent the Yin and Yang forces of the Universe in perfect balance.

Gardening: Easily grows in North Eastern temperate zones and can thrive in moderately irrigated soil and can sustain drought. Will bloom through summer and fall when deadheaded.
The bright yellow color against it's gray foliage can provide nice transitions in flower beds as well as arrangements to cooler hued less saturated parings.

Conditioning:This flower should only be cut when all the tiny flower heads are open then slice the stem vertically 2.5" remove lower foliage and place in clean cold water with a bactericide or biocide(needs to be re-cut daily and placed in fresh water for shop use). To preserve dip heads in powdered borax and hang upside down or place in a vase with very little water. This is actually a flower that is preferable to use when dried because of its tendency of corrupting the water for the accompanying stems and hasting the overall lifespan of the entire arrangement.

Sophia Emma Magdalene Grieve (Neé Law)
(also known as Margaret, Maude, Maud or simply Mrs. Grieve)(1858-1941)

According to the Principal and Founder of The Whins Medicinal and Commercial Herb School and Farm at Chalfont St. Peter in Buckinghamshire, England, Mrs Grieve, girls determine whether their loves be true by sticking a yarrow leaf up into their nostrils while reciting the following rhyme:

Yarroway, Yarroway bear a white blow
If my love, love me my nose will bleed now...

Title: Flower School 03 Acer (Sycamore, Maple)

(Fig. 344 from E. Gilg and K. Schumann, "Das Pflanzenreich. Hausschatz des Wissens.", ca. 1900 published by Kurt Stüber

Various examples of Acer (Sycamore Maple) used in decorative arts :
Antique Botanical print of Acer Sycamore
Maple Leaf (pricked with design in reserve) Made in Switzerland ca. 1835, Unknown artist
Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels, early 19th century, Inuyama, Japan

Fall Wedding at The Foundry

The Sycamore Maple was often confused for the biblical Ficus Sycomorus because of their similarly shaped leaves, hence the name. A mature tree grown in deep soil can grow up to 130' high with a width spanning 6.6' or more. The Japanese Acer palamatum is a dwarf tree which can grow from 2'-32' depending on the variety and is closely associated with the high art of oriental gardens. The Japanese common names for their shrub varieties are "hands of frogs" or "babies" because of the delicately pronged leaves. The first Botanist Carl Peter Thunberg also named the species "palmutum" for the same reason.
The many varieties of trees and shrubs in the Acer family are especially showy in the fall when their leaves turn vivid warm colors. This makes them ideal and valuable for areas in the garden where shrubbery is called for. It's also a worthy investment to plant a suckling maple tree in a featured spot which will grow through the years to enormous heights and add a sentimental entity to a family's yard.
In arrangements the blossoms will not survive long after being sheared but the Acer japonicum aureum "Full Moon Maple" (chartreuse in the spring and into the summer) will do better than others and the "Norwegian Maple" A. platanoides, carry bright green blossoms on ebony branches in early spring with moth shaped seedpods which add unexpected texture and a touch of the woodlands to compositions. A. pseudoplatanus "brilliantissimum" (pale coral to lime green in the spring, bright green in the summer and golden orange in the fall) provides luster and a jolt of saturation to any landscape. Hammering the stems of this variety and peeling the bark at least 2" before it drinks will ensure a long lasting life unusual for all other maples. In the fall nothing beats the fiery colors that some varieties offer although they will dry out quickly so should be used immediately for special occasions.
Conditioning: Hammer ends very well and peel bark back then place in warm water. To help sustain the life of specialty varieties for fall themed events place wet newspapers around and through the bundles securing a large plastic bag over and sealing it at the trunks. This technique coupled with refrigeration will keep the leaves fresh for many days.
When preserving the leaves, wire the spine and seal with floral tape for use in future arrangements.

Flower School 02 "Acanthus"

Acanthus (Bear's Breech)

The myth goes that Calimachus, a Greek architect and sculpture had visited a grave site and happened upon the grave of a young girl which had been adorned by a votive basket which was filled with her dolls. The basket was covered by a tile to protect the dolls from the elements and and Acanthus plant had grown around and through the weaving of the basket. This sight was the source of his inspiration for a beautifully ornate column which is referred to as the Corinthian Column. The plant can bee found growing lavishly wild around Greek and Turkish ruins. The Leaves of the Acanthus have been used throughout history for ornamentation of interiors, textile prints and all types of decorative detailing.

The Acanthus is a hardy perennial which does well in full sunlight.
Conditioning :
The stems are best cut when all flowers have blossomed, then their ends should be placed in boiling water for 30 sec and after placed in deep cold water for a few hours. The flowers can also be dried by being hung upside down. The leaves should also have their stem ends dipped in boiling water watching not to let the steam damage the leaves. After, they should be completely submerged in water with a little bit of starch for half a day.
Since they do so well in August or September they are perfect summer flowers for larger bold arrangements combining well with other naturally occurring flowers of the season like Sunflowers, Olive branches, Dahlias and Thistle-(whose foliage closely resemble the Acanthus).

Print depicting the origins for inspiration of the design of the Corinthian Column

Acanthus
Frank Oliver Call

Beneath the sculptured marble portico
Of a Greek temple, white against the sky,
Carved capitals on pillars rising high
Gleam like great blossoms in the noonday's glow.
Proudly each column in the stately row
Its crown of beauty wears; the sunbeams die
Among acanthus leaves that nestling lie
Where they were carved two thousand years ago.

Eternal Beauty, thou wilt not be bound
By time-forged fetters, but dost find a home
Where Gothic pillars rise acanthus-crowned
Beneath gray northern spires or southern dome,
Eternal Beauty, Everlasting Truth,
Thou hast the secret of undying youth.

Savage Tropics

Detail of large escort table arrangement composed of various tropical foliage,
wild blossoming smilax and masses of cascading Hawaiian dendrobiums.

Another Time

photo by Hannah Davis

Age of Consent
Amos Poe

A palm frond, the awkwardness of coming of age and feeling out of place in a world where your romanticism doesn't match the world your in. The utter abandon and freedom of youthful self discovery. A time when all is possible if you believe it. This video took me back in my own personal history to this period in my life. The wind swept shore above -an ode to my home town, West Palm Beach where I spent this part of my life and New Order somehow made the angst and heartbreak of first love worth suffering through. Funny how emotions were all that existed and drove me. Glad to have survived it and grown into a more manageable human being with a place in this world.

Mocha Flavored Inspiration

There are better ways to start your day
but none will tell you all the sweet lies you want to hear...........

"You're completely happy"

"You're brimming with energy"

"You're going to accomplish everything you need to for the day in the next 3 hours"

and most importantly,

"You're damned sexy!!!!"

............like the frothy and artfully made Mochaccinos at Gina la Formarina

Please don't delete my blog from your bookmarks when you order the second one and throw your body rhythm off for days ahead!

Charles Spurrier/ Margaret Thatcher Projects

(detail)Pigvision

Charles Spurier 2011
Margaret Thatcher Projects

Had a lovely day visiting galleries in Chelsea today. Above is a close-up detail shot of an art work that caught my eye. The artist, Charles Spurrier, used packing tape and cutouts from Christie's catalogues to make this assemblage. The final product looks like a flat two dimensional surface until inspected closer where the layers are barely visible. He has burned holes into the tape and then continued adding more tape and necklaces. The burning creates a nice smokiness to the transparent areas. This photo doesn't do it justice. Hopefully I can acquire art like this in this lifetime!

Central Park- Almost there

The buds on the trees in Central Park are an auspicious sign of the burgeoning Spring. This weekend the only dashes of color came from forsythia and the bulbs ( daffodils, crocus and bluebells). It was still sweet to see the young leaves breaking their way through to new season. there was also a nice show from the andromeda bushes by the boathouse which were tender and abundant. Give it another three to four weeks and then visit your local parks for the full effect. The magnolias and cherry trees are chock full of buds most certain not to disappoint!

Flower School 01 "Acacia (Mimosa Wattle)"

I am pleased to write the first of many posts to come encompassing the history, disposition and manner to treat and condition specific flowers (A-Z) as well as suggestions or examples of incorporating them into arrangements. The sum total of these posts will eventually make up the contents of an encyclopedic resource for you flower buffs out there to reference when arranging or caring for cut flowers. I am overcome with excitement and inspiration about this new project and hope to be helpful to all you flower enthusiasts! Please feel free to post comments or any specific questions that you might have and I will do my best to answer in an timely manner.

Acacia (Mimosa Wattle)

The Acacia is said to have over 1300 varieties whose genus have been divided into five. The name Acacia is reserved for those coming from Australia and South East Asia, and the remaining four are classified as the European Vachellia and Senegalia and the Acacialla and Mariosousa of the Americas.
The Silver Wattle ( Acacia dealbata) is an idea tree for landscaping with it's bright yellow flowers, lovely glaucous foliage and the sweet fragrance of it's flowers. It also serves as a protective barrier as the branches have very dangerous thorns from where the name was derived of the Greek term for spike "akis". Tannins and gum are both products widely used from the tree as well as it's strong and beautiful wood used in furniture designs.
Freemasons used the acacia to symbolize purity and endurance of the soul and the
perfume industry uses Acacia farnesiana for it's strong fragrance which has a steep history in the bible often mentioning the burning of it's wood as incense.
The acacia blossoms have a tendency of turning brown and hard when exposed to the air, therefore they are shipped in special bags to preserve the fluffy yellow blossoms. Once the cut stems have been removed from the shipping bags, immediately submerged them entirely under cold water and then dip the end of the stems in boiling water for 30 sec. Place them in warm water until the flower puffs have dried. This technique will help prolong its life. Because of it's temperament this is a flower that should be used for an event and not expected to last beyond a few days. The flowers are charming when combined with daffodils or other early spring varieties like tulips or viburnum for centerpieces or bouquets. (see "Bright and Daffy" post).

Bright and Daffy

Bright and sunny Spring bouquet of Daffodils, Francoise Tulips, Mimosa, and Viburnum