Joe Marini of River in Essex, CT is one of my top fav floral designers. Genius level great with living things.
I love River and the wonderful owners Joe Marini and his partner John Simoudis. The shop is wonderful and always changing; selling beautiful linens, antiques, architectural elements, garden artifacts, and other goodies. Today I'd like to focus on Joe's floral designs. I'm really excited for Monday when I pick up my Christmas arrangement designed by Joe! I know it will be super. In addition to floral design, Joe does lots of events for individuals (birthday bashes and weddings) and now the local non-profits are asking him for help. And yet, he's very practical. I asked him months ago, even before the economy tanked, how he goes about working with, say, a bride. How does he approach it? He said he considered it a requirement to set a budget and stick to it. He insists that you can, indeed have lovely flowers as long as you are realistic. He said that there might be fewer flowers, but they will be great. From all of the talk among my friends, Joe's work not only wows in the moment, but is most memorable and isn't that what is really important? Call him. There is still time for Christmas orders. 860 304 8480
Taken with my Iphone in the shop earlier this month.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Flowers for Friday -- Joe Marini
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Naughty color hollyhocks
Finally. I have found a house/garden -- or is it an attitude -- conducive to growing hollyhocks. And isn't she lovely?
I call her Astrid my Myla girl. Love this color. Delicate, but not frail. She stands up to the world. Quite like eVA in Wall-E, the wonderful movie I saw last night with my friends Charlie and Addie. Wall-E! Wall-E!
We sure could use some rain. . . .
Monday, June 23, 2008
A Rainy Morning's Musing
Found this wonderful company, Arbor Vetum, that makes furniture from reclaimed teak. What great lines!
I've been puttering about this morning and had a painter working on my screened porch. We accomplished as much as possible with the looming rain limiting our efforts. So I made a sandwich and sat down to read -- finally! -- the June Issue of GARDENS ILLUSTRATED. Arbor Vetum has an impressive full-page ad.
The issue asks various garden designers and gardeners about top ten favorite garden plants. I think comes down to this. There are some flowers that I cannot get enough of. It's like the fireworks factor: there are never too many fireworks for me. So. Here goes; in no particular order. Peony, astrantia, ranunculus, hydrangea, alchemilla, verbena bonariensis, tulips (some), annual poppies (most), old roses (many), and thalictrum.
Friday, June 13, 2008
It haunts me
Ok. Here it goes. I have been trying to download or is it upload photographs of my beloved cornus kousa at my old house. Blogger will not allow this. Why not? Yes finally, PERHAPS
they were having a bad day.
I merely wanted to say that when I lived here
and the moon was doing its best
I awoke to a light that
convinced me that it had snowed in summer.
I willingly accepted
In June. In July.
That snow came.
How could I believe that?
For so many nights. And not have the faith to believe in other things.
What a dope. Perhaps it means I should not be discussing this.
My faith/belief is flawed.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Flowers for Friday -- Mkk Designs
My old friend, and always-on-the-go floral designer, Melissa Kane of MKK Designs sent me some wonderful photos of her recent work. Her studio is in Westport, CT and most of her clients are in Fairfield County. But I'm sure she could be lured elsewhere.
Check out this wild color scheme. Youthful. It works.
I love the lilacs, peonies and bits of fern in this one.
The dappled violet orchid . . . . I can smell the old roses.
And elegant statement from an autumn event. Dreamy family of colors.
Melissa can be reached at melissa@mkkdesigns.com or 203.227.2182
