Wednesday, May 25, 2011

enough already!

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Just when I think I can't take it anymore, things heat up even more around here. Not literally - although our god damn cooler is on the fritz yet again and it has been in the 80's here - but figuratively - as in the flowers are just coming in off the charts. There is no time of year like now, and although I'm not the spring frolicking type (I'll keep my boots on in the grass and patiently wait for the autumn thank you) I cannot deny the excitement and energy I have for these flowers. I stay up later, wake up earlier to be with them. The tuning fork; struck. The vibrations accelerating!

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So you have the bearded iris there. A fine specimen of natures awe-inspiring designs. Sexual. Let the record show that is a word I use timidly to describe a flower, but there it is I've said it. I know of few other flowers as captivating as the bearded iris. They leave me speechless.

And then there is the black lace elderberry...

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also known as Sambucus nigra. A sight for sore eyes in zones 4-7. I've waited for it all year. In spring it emerges with rich black foliage and large flat, blush colored flowers. Berries suitable for wine or jam in the fall. And the most elegant cuttings for arrangements should you be so inclined to give pairing to your bearded iris, lily of the valley or early tree peonies.

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The lavender variety of lily of the valley (convallaria majalis rosea) has a fragrance even more intoxicating than it's white counterpart, and though rare, is worth seeking out and spending a bit more on. I would personally would pay 15 cents a sniff. Consider setting up a roadside stand!

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21 comments:

Marie said...

wow

Anonymous said...

I have never even heard of a non-white lily of the valley. You've blown my mind.

Yossy said...

i love the way you use dark and shadow in your photos. so moody and beautiful.

Nidhi said...

same here...waiting for autumn already. breathtaking photos!

Emily said...

Your excitement about flowers makes me happy

sarah said...

killing it with the lily of the valley + peony (i think it's a peony..?..)arrangement. now i have to go spend money on some today..

Raq said...

So incredibly lovely!

Lisa said...

woah, lavender lily of the valley??

Sarahbeth said...

You know how the roof of your mouth feels after you've eaten way way too much sugar? Yeah - well that's how your flower pictures do me. So good it stings.

Sealicious said...

You just keep upping the ante, I don't think I can handle any more floral loveliness, my brain might explode!!!

chanstand said...

i would wake up early to hang out with that bearded iris as well...intoxicating!!!!

Anonymous said...

That peony-lily-of-the valley-elderberry combination is just lovely. The fragrance must fill the entire room!

McKenzie Powell said...

oh god. those bearded irises! the colors are incredible. we get purple or blue at the market here in Seattle, but nothing like yours! the search is on...

beidermeier said...

sexy flowers

sofia.romps said...

I never realized how happy flowers can make you until I started reading the blog.

Steph said...

so inspiring, love your passion

Clare Day Flowers said...

Finally, someone talking about the sexuality and sensuality of flowers. It's so true! That bearded iris is positively oozing with it. Love this post.
Clare | www.claredayflowers.ca

elisa said...

stunning. i was smelling the black lace elderflower today, very different from the white ones blooming wild just now, which i've been turning into cordial and champagne. i wondered if it would make a pale pink cordial? i may have to beg for some blossoms to try it.

bridal flower arrangements said...

It is great to read some of the information and feedback, here. I hope to read more ideas in the future!!!

L A M A R T I N É said...

mmmmmmm lily of the valley!

Procrastination Free Living said...

its so beautiful flower that keeps my breath fresh I like it very much!!! Its a Bi..G WOW!!!!