6/29/2012

summer_2012

NEW CLASS!
Late Summer Splendor; a celebration of the garden
August 11th and 19th
1:00-4:00
$300/class

Emphasis will be placed on using seasonal flowers and foliage to build loose and wild compositions that evoke the feeling of an overgrown late summer garden.
Dahlias, zinnias, celosia, scabiosa, pods, herbs, fruits and vegetables play an important role in our summer studio practice. Referencing the work of the Dutch Masters and Constance Spry, we'll teach students the basic tennants of floral design while encouraging them to experiment with unusual materials. Class limited to 10 students. All materials and refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, August 11th: This class will take place at the Saipua studio
147 Van Dyke St. Brooklyn, NY 11231 SOLD OUT

Sunday, August 19th: This class will take place at Nicolette's studio:
50 Dobbin St. Brooklyn, NY 11222  SOLD OUT


summer_2012_2

6/19/2012

IMG_7831

Uh, we've been hoarding this post for a while...The Garden Valley rose report.

IMG_9356

There is no rose like a Garden Valley rose, at least in the cut industry - and that's largely because of Fallon Anderson the rose keeper. Located in Petaluma, my new favorite place, a place I could live for a while, and not just because of the roses there. But largely because of them.

gv_2

Fallon greeted us on a cool and moist may night and we ran through the rows with clippers (the ones that made it through airport security that is) - clipping for the hell of it. Roses need to be dead headed to encourage repeat blooms, and so we were encouraged to cut anything open beyond a crack.

IMG_9241

When a rose opens with this swirl pattern it's called quatre couer meaning "four hearts." This one only has three really, but it's beautiful. I heard of a florist once who would throw out all roses that opened this way because they thought they were defected. Gah! Only in New York City!

IMG_9455

This rose is called "sweet juliet" and is similar to the "Juliet" roses we get in the flower district from hot houses in South America but a million times better. Trust.

IMG_9463

gv_3

IMG_9219

"About Face"

IMG_9210

"Pieter B." a rose named after a gardener in Ohio. I love this rose so much. Nicolette's favorite too..

IMG_9288

A row of Kathryn Morley...or is it John Strauss? I was having such a hard time remembering varietal names.

gv_1

A field of "swan" and a tight Pieter B.

IMG_9411

Golden celebration, a gorgeous yellow.

fallons_bouquet

And lastly, heres a stunner made by Fallon who moonlights as a talented designer (Fleurs de Fallon) when she's not tending the roses at the farm.

A hundred thank you's to Fallon and owner Mark for letting us come and romp around in the roses, cutting as if it were our own garden, and putting us up in their lovely cottage. Also thanks to Jen Huang for joining us for the class portion of the visit and taking such pretty photos, many of which can be seen on Kathryn's beautiful Snippet & Ink.