Inspired Design Notes

Fascinating Flower Containers and Vases

     A fascination for the history of floral design began my collection of vases.  Anytime I pull one out of the cupboard I can’t help but think of the hundreds of flowers it must have held over the decades, and in some cases spanning three centuries. My career started with owning a full service flower shop. Although I immensely value faux flowers, which I work with daily, my passion for fresh flowers and the gardens in which they grow remains.  And so, even though you will find any number of faux designs in my home, there are almost always fresh flowers.

    Flower vases come in all configurations, the only requirement is, if used for fresh flowers they hold water.  Some of the historical names for vases include epergnes, tulipierres (spelled tulipieres by the French, also called a pyramid or pagoda vase), tazza or centerpiece, five-finger vases, two-handled flower pots, compotes, flower bottles, bricks, fans, urns, cachepots, trumpet vases, tuzzie-muzzie (tussie-mussie) holders and garnitures.  With fascinating histories, one of the most notable attributes of many, is their combination of form and function, having been designed specifically to display flowers.

    With our love of flowers, both fresh and faux we carry a wide selection of containers for floral designs.  From historical to contemporary, we try to provide as many styles as possible.  On our website www.shophouseofdesign.com you will find a more in-depth look at the categories of containers and ways you can work with them to create beautiful designs for your home.

The Kraft Gardens at House of Design

The gardens are so beautiful at this time of year.  Every week, at times every day, there is something new springing up and blooming.  We have been blessed with on and off rains and cloudy days this spring, which brings the most incredible light – painter’s light.  The colors are so vivid the flowers almost seem fluorescent.  I take pictures every few days, because as Pam says, it is such a short time we have to enjoy them, creating a record at least makes us think we have captured the moment for a bit longer.  

    Fall is such a busy time of year, especially at the store when we are in the throes of getting ready for Holiday Magic – many years I haven’t gotten to it, but the last couple I have been successfully determined to get bulbs in the ground.  Come spring I am so glad I made the effort because each year we have new flowers that spring forth, unannounced, adding another element of beauty to the gardens.  And each year, they have multiplied and grown bigger, creating an even more stunning display. 
    My favorite this year, if it is even possible to have one, is the Japanese Iris.  It has produced four flushes of blooms, every one as spectacular as the last.  Growing right behind it, what is now a small patch of brilliant orange tiger lilies provides the yang for the yin.  I can’t wait till next year when they are an even bigger patch.  Although I can’t really choose which color harmony is my favorite, I have to say that the complements of blue and orange are right at the top – happy and calm, bright and cool – and since it is Mother Nature’s favorite I am in good company.
    Hercules bloomed this year for the first time since we moved him.  Although his smell is only pleasant to the dogs, his charm is undeniable.  Actually, I guess we will need to start naming his progeny because he shared three blooms with us – not nearly as big as they will be in another year or two, but we were happy.
    The deodar cedar and olive have gotten so much bigger that the picnic tables are in shade most of the time now.  So, even though the weather is warming, they provide a wonderful place to sit and visit or eat lunch.  Our gardens are for everyone and it brings us great pleasure to see people enjoying them.  Please, bring a box lunch and visit soon. www.shophouseofdesign.com