While cleaning the library, I came across the book that was instrumental in changing my life.
This book was on the sale rack at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Boston 30 years ago.
What an inspiration. I wanted to fill every room with wonderful bouquets…. how difficult could that be? After all, the arrangements in this book were done in a small bathroom in NYC… (with access to the wholesale flower market.)
Without a nearby flower market but with a perennial catalogue firmly in hand I bravely placed an order. My future son-in law (although we didn’t know it then) cleared a border alongside the house for the plants.
While I awaited the delivery I read a Gertrude Jekyll book; exactly which one I do not remember, as one of her books inevitably led to the next. The one thing I did know , was that the plants had to be arranged beautifully out-of-doors as well as supply material for bouquets.
I soon discovered that plants take a few years to develop, and flower arranging is way harder than it looks. Still I am glad for the experience, it makes me so appreciate the talent of my friends who can ‘throw’ an incredible arrangement together in a heartbeat!
30 years later my bouquets are simple and mostly easy one of a kind blossoms from shrubs not perennials, they require way too much maintenance.
Ah, Sandra – the simplicity of your bouquets are just exquisite – there’s nothing like a few flowers cut from one’s garden to make make one’s home come alive – I’ve a library of flower books. flower growing, etc- the very oldest one I have dates back to 1955 that teaches one how to do line arrangements. I still have it and it reminds me of those young days when I so wanted to learn to grow/arrange/enjoy – the best part of being a gardener is that you never learn it all and you are always striving for creating more beauty – you’re at that point.
Carolyn
Ah, Sandra – the simplicity of your bouquets are just exquisite – there’s nothing like a few flowers cut from one’s garden to make make one’s home come alive – I’ve a library of flower books. flower growing, etc- the very oldest one I have dates back to 1955 that teaches one how to do line arrangements. I still have it and it reminds me of those young days when I so wanted to learn to grow/arrange/enjoy – the best part of being a gardener is that you never learn it all and you are always striving for creating more beauty – you’re at that point.
Carolyn
I so agree, a few cut blossoms makes all the difference.
What an amazing library! I love hearing where your hobby and passion started!
Stefan, that is only a third of it!