i walked into Cedar Grove Garden Center this morning in search of a few peonies. I found some tight white buds and some out-of-this-world-how-does-nature-DO-that reds. Now you know what's happening in my studio today.
Unexpectedly, I also spied this lineup of boutonnières. Gorgeous!
Who will paint those, I wonder?

It's definitely time to think about the garden. Many of the brides I talk to want to use flowers that are seasonally appropriate: blooming at the time of their planned wedding day.

Using flowers that are in bloom is a great way to keep your costs down. There's no need to import expensive flowers from other parts of the world if what you choose for your wedding day is available locally.

It's also helpful in establishing your color theme. The variety of blooms are abundant, and you can be as creative as you like.  A good  florist will help you identify the varieties that will hold up to the demands of your event. There's no reason you should  fear a bouquet drooping and wilted in your photographs... an experienced floral designer has the skill and knowledge to guide you through your flower selections.

To find the right florist, ask friends for recommendations, do your research, and if you're using a wedding planner ask them to steer you in the right direction. There is no shortage of ideas on Pinterest, Instagram, and myriad wedding websites. I have an entire Pinterest board where I pin bridal bouquets, just for fun!

As for me, I'm planning my flower garden. This summer I hope to have plenty of roses, peonies and hydrangea. The catalogs are on my desk... and the sketches are on paper. All I need now is a little more sun and a lot more time.

Last weekend was Super Bowl Sunday.
It was also the Bridal Show at Cedar Grove Gardens. What a pleasure it was to meet with so many brides-to-be and their families!

The floral designers at Cedar Grove Gardens have long endured my showing up and asking for a single stem... usually when one of my paintings needs some detail, or color, or definition that's missing. I admit, there are times I go just looking for inspiration. Sometimes I'm allowed to go into the cooler, escorted (think bank vault) to poke around for something special. 

This is the season of planning for weddings, and while brides are busy choosing their color schemes, venues, music, etc. they are deep into the myriad choices available for flowers. After all that work, it's a shame to think that those flowers will be gone in a day. It doesn't have to be that way- feel free to give me a call or email if you want to arrange for a Bridal Bouquet Portrait. 
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Cheers!
Margaret