BRAVERY!

Today is the day! I am installing a series of very large paper airplanes, yes paper airplanes, at one of my favorite places on earth...Mayacama Golf Club in Sonoma County. There is, I have been told, a bit of speculation and nervousness about this particular installation and so, I must admit, I am a bit nervous. What is my solution you ask? BRAVERY! I was told that one's life expands and contracts based one one's courage....so I am going to go for it.

I encourage each and everyone of you, in design and in life, to let that nervousness, the apprehension propel you to new places. Success or failure, the one guarantee and assured reward for such an endeavor is knowledge. At best, a fantastic new way of looking at the world and the knowledge that you can do whatever it is you want to do, despite the billions of butterflies in your belly.

Go for it....I am.

(check the web site in the next few weeks and let me know what you think!)

Dried hydrangea...as far as the eye can see

I regret, every year, that I throw away my hydrangea after using them in late spring, summer and early fall arrangements. NO MORE I say. Such beautiful flowers, at this time of year they dry to perfection.

Look for firm heads, preferably mop heads and treat them like you would any cut flower. They will dry on their own, (though the dark blue and red varieties, and also the white generally do not dry that well...floral spray paint works fine if this is the color your heart desires). Pay special attention to the green, those "stained" with pink spots and the deep burgundy with khaki tips. of and of course the more delicate and beautiful pale blue with green....these are the best!

Visit your local florist and load up on these beauties and soon you will have the most beautiful materials to make a wreath, a garland, or simply enjoy them on their own in a glass vase or a decorative basket. (A spray of millet grass looks great spilling from a basket of dried hydrangea).

Now is the time darlings, get out and grab some while they are hot. Go see Neve growers at the SF Flower market and tell him that John James sent you. Their collection of Hydrangea Paniculata (aka Pee Gee) this year is sublime.

Have fun!

Artificial flowers? you bet!

Okay, I am going to confess something, and frankly I am going to do it with a fair amount of pride. Today I was shopping for goodies for a fantastic client who wants lots of pretty things and I happened across Pottery Barn. Yes, Pottery Barn. The artificial Bittersweet branches in particular were stunning. Not cheap at 50 bucks a stem, but intrigued I was...enough to walk inside.

Before I knew it I had a car full of the most beautiful, um, artificial flowers and branches I have ever seen. So the secret here is, do not hesitate to use good artificial flowers in your arrangements. They last forever. ha ha. Whatever you do though, do not use them on their own. I fear I have not crossed that bridge yet, but who knows. For now lets add lots of life and beautiful color to our lives with the addition of artificial flowers in our fresh flower arrangements.

See you soon!

PS How many of you are glad that Fall is here?.....Ah fall in the city. Time for lots and lots of scarves...be brave with them Think COLOR COLOR COLOR