Gorgeous bridal bouquets with orchid, peony and anemone

These are the gorgeous flowers from Christina's wedding in early May.

On meeting Christina had a fairly good idea of the flowers and design she wanted to create but wanted confirmation on availability. We had to switch one variety but all others were in season.

The bouquets were to be lots of foliage, eucalyptus and senecio to give a silvery look and the flowers were to be neutral, creams and white with a pop of colour with the peony.

We used cymbidium orchids, peony, eustoma and anemone.

All the bouquets had the same flower and foliage content with the bridesmaids being smaller in size.

Brides bouquet centre with the bridesmaids either side.

The flower girl carried a silver heart shaped wand with a single cymbidium orchid and foliage detail

The groom wore a double buttonhole of a single cymbidium flower and an anemone with eucalyptus and senecio foliage.

The mums wore a double orchid buttonhole with foliage

The groomsmen wore a single buttonhole of an anemone flower and eucalyptus foliage. All buttonholes had navy blue wire wrapped around the stems to compliment the suits.

If you love these designs or have a design in mind with similar flowers do book a consultation to discuss how we can help you achieve your flower creations.

Alternatively if you have no clue where to start we can help and advise you on a full array of designs to help you to narrow down the choice and colours for your special day.

We look forward to hearing from you soon

Sandra x

St Helen's Church, Willingham by Stow Flower Festival

I was asked many months ago whether I would like to take part in my local church's flower festival. Of course I jumped at the chance to support a lovely church that is still a huge part of the community.

I stuck with my logo colours of pinks, purples and creams and was given a window to create a display for.

Now our church windows are huge! So one can certainly go to town on them.

Below is 3 of the stages of the display, the full window image just doesn't work with a hobby photographer as the light is all wrong, but hopefully you will get an idea of the beautiful display.

The central portion was filled with alliums, orchid spike, gerberas, tulips and button chrysants

These tulips were a stunning colour

The left side was a declaration of LOVE

and the right was a wedding sign display, both on a bed of foliage and flowers to compliment the main portion.

I then added a foliage archway to fill this huge window and added hanging cymbidium heads for detail.

This hopefully represents my business, colours and the main wedding designs I create week in week out.

Other designs created by various ladies and gents of the church and other business.

Aegir Electronics

Arbour lea Dog Home Boarding

Cow Parsley Woodcraft

Dream Doors, Brigg

H Bates and Son. Farmers

Horsleys Retailers

J E Thurlby Funeral Directors

Long field Flowers

Pop Up Tea Room

Long fields Flowers

Sandra's Flower Studio

Woodside Pet Grooming and Cattery

Opening night was for all the sponsors and ladies and gents of the flower arranging brigade to meet up and chat and see the lovely creations that had been so lovingly produced. It was lovely to see the church full of people and buzzing with atmosphere.

When I set up there were many bodies busying about, tea being made, cake handed out and buckets and buckets of flowers and foliage.

The end result was amazing, so many great ideas transformed and really worked well with each business. Unfortunately I didn't get shots of all the displays, there were 25 businesses showcased, each one local to our wonderful village of Willingham by Stow.

The weekend was a huge success and funds raised have gone to support St Helen's Church. 

Sandra x

Commitment Free plants - Houseplant of the month - June

June 2017: Commitment Free Plants Houseplants of the Month 

The story of Commitment Free Plants

Rugged, easy to live with, and a must-have for every ‘man cave’. Commitment Free Plants not only make a man’s home more attractive, but also show instantly that the guy in question is caring enough to keep something green alive. The selection for this Premier League consists of Croton, Philodendron, Snake Plant, Umbrella Tree and Devil’s Ivy - all strong personalities the can take a knock. 

Origin 
Croton (aka Codiaeum) is derived from the Greek word ‘kroton’, which means ‘tick’ and refers to the seeds, which resemble these bugs. This handsome plant grows in Indonesia, but can also be found in many other warm holiday destinations. Croton is an evergreen shrub with variegated, very colourful leaves that are unlike any other plant. 
Philodendron grows in the tropical rainforests of South America and occurs as a bush, small tree and climbing plant with aerial roots. The name derives from the Greek and means ‘tree hugger’. This refers to its preference for growing up the giants of the forest.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is one of the easiest houseplant ever. The plant grows in the dry regions of southern Africa and Asia, where it has to survive in deserts. The Snake Plant does that with sturdy rhizomes from which thick upward-pointing sword-shaped leaves with succulent properties emerge.
Umbrella Tree (Schefflera) is native to the deciduous forests of New Zealand, Taiwan and Australia, where the plants can reach a height of 20 to 30 metres. It is one of the most air purifying plants, and offers an impressive green presence with eye-catching leaves which resemble a hand with a few to many fingers. 
Devil’s Ivy (Scindapsus) is a hanging climbing plant which is a member of the arum family, the Araceae, and can be identified by the spike-shaped flower/spadix with a bract. This houseplant is known as a bringer of luck. In the tropical rainforests of South-East Asia and Indonesia, Devil’s Ivy also serves as a rich source of food for lizards and other reptiles, amongst others.

What to look for when buying Commitment Free Plants

• With Commitment Free Plants the first impression is important: are the plant’s proportions right, is the foliage full and healthy, and is the plant firmly in its pot? 
• With the climbers, check the material that is being used to support the Manly Plant. A moss pole, wood or bamboo must look cared for. 
• The plant must have good roots and sufficiently hardened leaves. Leaf drop can sometimes be caused by lack of light (particularly winter) and brown leaf tips can be a sign of insufficient humidity. The plants must be free of pests and diseases. Especially look out for mealybug and scale insects.
• Most Commitment Free Plants are sensitive to cold at a temperature below 12 to 15°C - something to bear in mind when transporting them during the cold months.

Choice of range 
The range of ‘Commitment Free Plants’ is varied in terms of shape, size and colour. Various species and cultivars exist of each type, making for an impressive choice. 
In addition to many different sizes, Croton also comes in many cultivars. They are all part of the species C. variegatum, which means variegated and refers to the fantastic leaves. 
Philodendron is available both as a climber with large or small leaves, and in bush form. The leathery leaves are often green, or slightly reddish. Larger climbers sometimes have aerial roots. 
Snake Plant is available in many different sizes and shapes, from fans and interwoven specimens through to plants with painted or felt-covered tops to the leaves. The leaves are green or grey, depending on the variety. 
Umbrella Tree comes in various forms, which are mainly members of the arboricola species, which means ‘tree-like’. In the wild the Umbrella Tree can grow into a real tree. The trade offering ranges from single and branched plants in a pot through to indoor trees. All Umbrella Trees can be recognised by the hand-shaped leaves. 
Devil’s Ivy (Scindapus or Epipremnum) is known as a climbing and hanging plant with attractive green and yellow marked leaves. 

Care tips for consumers

• The more variegated the Manly Plant, the lighter the position it requires. If the leaf contains more chlorophyll, it can also be placed in partial shade. 
• Philodendron, Umbrella Tree and Devil’s Ivy cannot cope with direct sunlight. Croton and Snake Plant can cope with full sunlight, and can be placed outdoors in the summer months.
• The bigger and thicker the trunk, the easier the plant is to look after. Never allow the soil to dry completely, water at room temperature and avoid permanently soaking the soil. For the Snake Plant in particular, it’s better to give too little than too much. 
• Any yellow or ugly leaves can be removed. 
• If a Manly Plant gets too tall or is no longer looking good, it can be pruned (with the exception of Snake Plant), preferably during the darker months.
• House plant food once a month is sufficient.

Display tips for Commitment Free Plants
Their size means that Commitment Free Plants are ideally suited to a display that suggests an indoor forest. This fits with the trend of bringing living nature indoors and placing it on a pedestal in the home or office. This fits in with the colour of the year 'Greenery' , so be on trend this year with your plants.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

With Father's day on 18th June these would make excellent gifts, we are taking pre orders now to guarantee your plants.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Sandra x

Mandevilla - Garden Plant of The Month - May

Garden Plant of the Month for May: Mandevilla

Exotic rewarding climber!
Mandevilla is one of the most rewarding flowering garden plants. The white, pink or red flowers on the plant last from May until the frosts arrive. And it keeps flowering without too much effort. It’s no surprise that Mandevilla is enormously popular in gardens and on balconies and patios. The plant was formerly called Dipladenia, and is sometime still sold under this name. This garden plant of the month for May can give pleasure throughout the summer and beyond.

Mandevilla: pink, white or red trumpet-shaped flowers
Mandevilla is a climbing shrub that flowers from May to October.  Although this exotic climber originates from South America, it’s also very happy in our gardens. With its trumpet-shaped, beautifully scented flowers the plant keeps blooming endlessly. The flowers stand out beautifully against the dark green, shiny foliage.
The plants are sold in various sizes, from very small plants for planting in beds or as a table plant on the patio through the very large climbers on trellises or stakes which can be metres high. You can even use them to create an entire living wall, since this keen grower can quickly produce long tendrils to cover a wall or fence. Do provide some support though.
The white, pink and red colours look beautiful in a pot, either as a single colour or a mixture, whereby the combination of two or three colours growing and blooming together is magnificent. A variety of species can be found in the shops, produced by different companies. Mandevilla Sundeville and Mandevilla Diamantina are the most frequently offered. The one thing they all have in common is that they flower very profusely and give pleasure all summer long.

Caring for Mandevilla
Mandevilla will remain healthy and attractive by following a couple of simple tips. It’s important that it’s placed in light ranging from partial shade to full morning or evening sun. Mandevilla likes the warmth it enjoyed in its place of origin. Place the plant in well-draining, moderately damp soil, and water regularly. Too wet is certainly not good. Give extra plant food in the spring so that it continues to flower vigourously for a long time, remains healthy and is less vulnerable to pests and diseases. If wilted flowers are regularly removed, the plant will remain decorative right up until the first night frosts.
Mandevilla isn’t hardy, so as soon as winter comes the plant will die, unless it’s brought indoors and can overwinter in a cool, frost-free place. Make sure the plant does not bring all sorts of insects with it when it’s brought indoors. A light spot around 10°C  is best . It doesn’t need a lot of water in the winter. Ensure good ventilation and don’t place Mandevilla in a draught or near a source of heat. The transition from outdoors to indoors can cause the leaves to turn yellow or shed, but that’s a natural reaction.

Mandevilla pruning tips
While the plant is in the garden or on the patio or balcony, all you really need to do is to train the tendrils through the plant or place them against the climbing aid from time to time. No further pruning is required during the growing and flowering season. The plant can be pruned back somewhat for overwintering before being placed in its winter location. This can also be done at the start of the new growing season in February. This is done particularly to ensure that the plant does not get too big, and to maintain an attractive shape.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

Sandra x

In and Out Plants - Houseplants of the month - May

May 2017: In & Out Plants Houseplants of the Month

The story of In & Out Plants

Merging indoors and outdoors and making the garden into a second home is a popular trend. Calla Lily, Campanula, Cockscomb, Balloon Flower and Lily fit perfectly with this: fabulous houseplants that can be placed both inside and outside and hence join the two together in a natural way. The variety of colours and shapes is overwhelming, but very different depending on the species. Campanula and Balloon Flower (Platycodon) mainly come in blue, white and pink, was lilies are widely available in orange, yellow, white and pink. The colour palette with Cockscomb (Celosia) and Calla Lilies is even more diverse, from delicate pastels through to brilliant deep shades. And you can enjoy these lavish bloomers from April to September. 

Origin 
These In & Out Plants originate from very different places. Calla Lily is a swamp plant which embeds itself firmly in riverbanks. The plant grows from South Africa to Malawi, often in places where the drainage of rainwater is obstructed. This creates a brief swamp-like situation during which Calla Lily stores water in its bulbs, which helps it get through the dry periods. All the Lilies that are used as houseplants are hybrids. The plant is native to Japan, China and Korea. Tropical Cockscomb originates from East Africa, South America and South-East Asia, and has now established itself in all tropical regions. The plant has been bred in the Netherlands since 1989. Prior to that, many cultivated forms came from Japan. Campanula grows in Italy, whilst Balloon Flower (Platycodon) has its roots in East Asia.

What to look for when buying In & Out Plants

• When buying this varied group of plants, look at the pot size and whether the plants are uniform in terms of size, height, diameter and number of flowers. 
• The ripeness varies according to species. Generally speaking, the buds must be well-developed so they can flower for the consumer. Being underripe is often the reason why flowers don’t open of buds shrivel. 
• With the bulb crops (Lily and Calla Lily) the soil can be a bit dry, since the plants get some of their energy from the bulb. It also makes them easy to ship and at the point of sale. With Calla Lily the tubers and the plant itself can be infected with bacteria, which shows in slimy stems and the rapid decline of the plant. Yellow or drooping leaves are also signs the plant is not healthy. The tuber size (diameter of the tuber in cm) determines the number of flowers that will be produced by each plant. The same applies to Lilies. The larger the bulbs used in the pots, the more buds there will be per stem. With the Lily it’s important to check that the bulbs are properly rooted and are not loose in the pot.
• With Campanula, Balloon Flower and Cockscomb it’s very important that the soil is slightly damp in order to prevent the plant from drooping. Water regularly. Do make sure that the water only goes on the soil and not the foliage and flowers, since botrytis can otherwise rapidly infect the plants in the form of grey mould. It is particularly important to check the plant carefully for this fungal disease in the case of plants that are supplied in cellophane or in wrapped trays. 
• Give these plants enough light - if conditions are too dark, they will start to stretch. These species can also suffer yellowing and drooping leaves. 

Choice of range
The range of plants that can be used both indoors and outdoors is growing rapidly. There are many different varieties of each species, many which are increasingly being sold by cultivar name.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) comes in both large-flowered and small-flowered varieties in almost all the colours of the rainbow: white, yellow, pink, purple, lilac, salmon, orange. The leaf colour can also range from green to speckled.
Pot Lilies also come in various cultivar groups. Hence there is the Asiatic Group (small buds, delicate leaf, bright colours), the Oriental Group (coarse buds and leaves, large flowers with a strong scent, particularly white and pink varieties), the Longiflorum Group (long white flowers) and the LA Group (hybrid of Longiflorum x Asiatic Group, particularly with pastel colours).
Cockscomb has been intensively bred in recent years to produce attractive new varieties with fantastic new flower shapes and colours (bright, pastel and bicoloured). There are three shapes: the C. Cristata Group (cockscomb), the C. Plumosa Group (plume cockscomb) and the C. Spicata Group (tail-shaped small flowers). The latter group in particular provides most of the varieties that are used as In & Out Plants.
The Balloon Flower range is restricted to 3 colours: white, blue and pink. Before the flowers open, they are shaped like balloons. The flowers themselves consist of 5 petals, and the foliage is somewhat grey in colour.
Campanula has an extensive range which characterised by white, blue and bicoloured varieties. The variety C. isophylla, with its star-shaped flowers, is best for use as an In & Out Plant. The range is more extensive for the garden, but is less suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. 

Care tips for consumers

• All In & Out Plants prefer a cool and light spot indoors to ensure the longest possible flowering. In the garden they can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. 
• As bulb crops, the Calla Lily and the Lily are the easiest to care for: watering once a week is enough. 
• Campanula, Cockscomb and Balloon Flower have softer leaves, and therefore evaporate more moisture, meaning they need more water: the soil should always be slightly damp.
• For profuse flowering give the plants and food every two weeks and remove wilted flowers for extra-long flowering.
• 
  
• Display tips for In & Out plants
• In & Out plants are suitable for containers, pots and hanging baskets. Combine the various species together by colour, or create colourful mini gardens in the display that makes clear that the plants can be used both in the living room and on the patio or balcony. The plants combine well with summery accessories such as butterflies, decorative insects and other botanical elements. 

These plants would make excellent displays for your wedding - whether grouped on the tables for your guests or the larger plants used at the aisle entrance or altar, or for a civil ceremony the doorway displays. These can then be given out to guests for thank you's.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Sandra x

Flower crown Workshop

Come along to a venue in Lincoln* (AnShen Acupuncture on West Parade will be the main base) with your nearest and dearest for an afternoon of flowery fun.
Learn how to make a flower crown that you can then wear for the rest of your celebrations. Suitable for the younger (minimum age 14) and older members of your family who maybe don't or can't trail round the bars. Or team it up with going out for a meal or afternoon tea** if drinking isn't for you.

I can either supplier neutral colour flowers or team it up with your wedding colours and flower varieties, depending on how secret you are keeping them. (If you are a bridesmaid I will need permission from the bride to use exact flowers/colours used for wedding. Otherwise it will be a general choice). All items required for each person to make a flower crown will be provided along with refreshments. 
Each workshop will run up for up to 3 hours, leaving plenty of time for fun and laughter with no pressure on getting crowns made.

6 guests (minimum) £240 (£40 each)
8 guests £300 (£37.50 each)
11 guests £350 (£35 each and bride goes FREE)

£40 booking fee required to hold the date per workshop and final payment is 3 weeks before. 

*Other venues can be arranged such as your home. Mileage charges will apply. 
** Afternoon Tea can be arranged to coincide with the workshop for an additional fee. Please ask for details.

To Book online follow this link https://ezwwuk-free.10to8.com/

Click on Hen Party Workshop and select See Times

Under Location select Lincoln Workshop and See times.

The following dates are available

20th May

3rd and 24th June

 Other dates can and will be made available as demand increases. There are currently 6 places available for each of these dates. If you require more (up to 12 inc Bride) please let me know and I can add to the booking page and change the price per person as above.

OR you can book by phoning me on 07748095431 and pay by credit card or BACS.

Please ask for further date availability. 

A taste of what you will be creating ;

I look forward to seeing you on a workshop soon

Sandra x

Funeral tribute flowers

 A post that you won't want to read!

We may not want to think about it but at some point in our lives we will have the need for funeral tributes. We will all have to say goodbye to a loved one. 

From previous posts I know this will not get seen by many, but it is a large part of my business. For those that have asked us to provide these displays it is a fitting tribute to their lost loved one and hopefully eased the day just a touch.

They are after all still pretty flower displays, just for a sad occasion.

This is just a small selection of what can be created

Single ended autumnal spray

Pretty pinks, purple and white double ended spray

Autumnal inspired wreath

Gold posy pad

GRANDPA with white ribbon and autumn colour sprays

OUR GRANDAD

Based on football colours

We can create any name, family title, or words to suit. They are priced per letter (POA) and can be any colour ribbon (or you can have foliage) and spray with the letters usually in white but can also be yellow and pink.

Lovely spring spray in pink white and blue

Spring wreath

Red winter wreath

We create so much more and a guide price list can be sent if required.

We can cater for bespoke designs, let us know your ideas.

Trains, planes and automobiles, to birds and bees, to golf and football, to stars and angels and more.

Say goodbye with a personalised tribute always treated with love and respect.

Family consultations in the comfort of your own home, no rush, time to reflect and think of happy times.

If you are in need of tributes call or email to book an appointment to discuss your ideas.

Condolences to all those whom ordered the above flowers for their lost loved one.

Sandra x