Floral Travels: Wild Flowers at Carter Caves State Park

As we wait for spectacular shots from the 2014 wedding season, here are shots from an amazing hike at Carter Caves State Park in Eastern Kentucky.  Among the breathtaking limestone arches and trickling creeks are a symphony of wild flowers so much a part of the surroundings that you need to look twice to see the flowers for themselves!!

140th Run for the Roses

Any favorites for the 140th Kentucky Derby?  I usually choose my horse by the name while others go by colors.   There are some crazy people that go by the odds-can you imagine? ☺

My choice this year is "Vicar's in Trouble".  The choice was made because I enjoyed the film "Bridget Jones Diary" and in the film she went to a "Tarts and Vicars" party.  

Scientific, huh?

A little about why it is termed "The Run for the Roses":

(From the Derby website)

In 1904 the red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. The tradition was strengthened when, in 1925, New York sports columnist Bill Corum, later the president of Churchill Downs, dubbed the Kentucky Derby the "Run for the Roses." The garland as it exists today was first introduced in 1932 for the 58th running won by Burgoo King. 

Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the Twin Spires and number of the race’s current renewal on the other. Each garland is also adorned with a "crown" of roses, green fern and ribbon. The "crown," a single rose pointing upward in the center of the garland, symbolizes the struggle and heart necessary to reach the Derby Winner’s Circle.

Each year the Governor of Kentucky and other dignitaries also present the winning jockey with a bouquet of 60 long stemmed roses wrapped in 10 yards of ribbon.

May Birth Flower: The Dainty Lily of the Valley

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   May's birth flower is the lily of the valley, which signifies sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness. If you want to show your loved one that your life is complete with them, give them a few lilies of the valley.
    
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April Birth Flower: The Daisy

The birth flower for the month of April is the ever-popular daisy.  Such a prolific flower, you can find these favorites on EVERY continent except Antarctica.

The daisy is primarily the symbol of childhood innocence.  It does hearken memories of pulling petals from the wildflower as a little girl; he loves me, he loves me not...  Never really bothering to wonder who "he" was.  Some days it was Ricky Schroeder from "Silver Spoons", others it was the cute boy on the bus.


Each flower has a message, according to the Language of Flowers. The daisy brings a message of innocence and purity, saying, "You have as many virtues as this plant has petals," or, "I will consider your request."

What is a Frog?

A Yellow Canary favorite, the frog is an elegant and eco-friendly apparatus to keep an arrangement in place.  According to The Antiquer's Field Guide:

 "Originally called flower holders or arrangers, flower frogs were first used in the United States in the early 1800’s. The devices peaked in popularity in the 1920’s and 1930’s, at which time over 20 companies manufactured a variety of styles. After the Depression and World War II, the making of flower frogs rapidly declined and ceased altogether after the invention of florist’s foam in 1954. 

Flower frogs are still functional, of course, but today collectors have come to appreciate them as ornaments, and they are highly collectible."

And collect them we do, we are always keeping our eyes open for metal and glass frogs.  Yellow Canary's Ginny is even attempting to make them in pottery class (pictured at the end, this is a first attempt- remember, practice makes perfect!).

Just a few from our collection:

Spring Wedding Color and Texture

A few Yellow Canary photos from Meagan's wedding at The Madison Event Center.

We love using the ranunculus, seeded eucalyptus and silver brunia to add texture and heart!

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Planning for Summer Arrangements

At Yellow Canary, we are preparing for some warm weather and "planting" opportunities for truly original arrangements this summer!  Herbs aren't just for bringing drama to dinner, they bring depth, texture and fragrance to floral decor as well!

So far, we have our eye on:                                         

  

Inspiration by Color - Red

A rose by any other name is a rose. Red, however, is a different story: scarlet, crimson, vermillion, burgundy, rust, ruby, I could go on...

♬ Singing the Praises of Billy Buttons ♬

Craspedia is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family commonly known as billy buttons and woollyheads. No matter what they are called, they  are a Yellow Canary favorite for their texture, substance and, of course, their dazzling color! They bring a "pop" to a subtle floral or pump up a vibrant arrangement.  Take a look at some of the many ways they can be used...

The Language of Flowers: The Dark Side

There are countless romantic and kind sentiments to be express through the language of flowers.  The Victorians let the flowers "do the talking" for them; the Oak leaf stood for bravery, the rose for love and so on... Here are some flowers that may express some less lofty or sweet feelings.

Texture Part Three: Materials

An event rich in texture and imagination will not soon be forgotten.  Gone are the days of matchy-matchy decor; people want depth and individuality!  The perfect blend of  "smooth" and "rough" is a great platform for texturizing  the decor plan.  The materials used are imperative!  Stout succulents and delicate orchids mix well with the richly textured hydrangia or the impossible whorls of the garden rose or ranunculus.

Save the Bees

Plant these to help save the bees.

Texture: Part Two: Height and Variance

       A mixture of pillars, votive and taper with assorted heights;
herbal boughs add continuity.

Another wonderful idea to add richness and depth to your event is to vary the height and scope of your tables.  To avoid the "coolie cutter" look of completely identical tables mix the size, shape and placement of centerpieces and focal points.  Mind you, keep the theme consistent and your overall look will have one of rich cohesion.

A beautifully textured tablecloth with varied sizes
and shapes of  glassware.

Common themes of flowers and containers.

Dreaming of Summer

Shivering in the cold Cincinnati winter and dreaming of Summer and Grandma's garden.  Join us and share some of your summer flowers.