Oh wouldn't it be lovely!

To have flowers that would last forever and ever! Many years ago we used to be horrified at the thought of artificial flowers, but they're getting better all the time. Our main focus is definitely fresh flowers, but it's nice to see some different things in the silks. Here are some examples from what's in store at the moment.

I particularly love the white amaryllis. The others are green cymbidium orchids.

White hydrangea with succulents and magnolia leaves in chalky white ceramic.

Lilac and green hydrangeas with lichen sticks and leaves in chalky green ceramic.

Wrist Corsages

Congratulations to the year of 2011! Stay safe and remember to go for your dreams no matter what! If you don't get the results you want, remember there is always a back door or a window to get where you want to go. It's up to you.

Here are a couple of corsages from last weeks graduations...

Blue-purple Singapore orchids on diamante bracelet, with ivy leaves

Dainty white spray-rose wrist corsage with silver wire and ivy leaves

What we love about carnations

Now, we have never been big carnation fans, but they have been growing on us lately, and undergoing their own mini renaissance, if you will.
Why? You ask. Let me tell you.

1. Carnations, generally, are fairly long lasting.
2. They come in a variety of colours.
3. They usually have a country garden fragrance which make you want to stick your nose right up to their soft petal-pom-pom and breathe in deeply.
4. They remind us of our Grandmas and Nannas.

(Most of all we like the white ones, all clustered together. But unfortunately I can't find you a photo of these this morning, so you'll have to see the orange and red!)

super close up

red ones

The easiest way to remove lily pollen

So you love lilies but hate the pollen and the yellow stains! What can you do?

Firstly - stop! Don't rub it! Don't wet it!

We have found the best way to remove lily pollen is to get a piece of sticky-tape and dab it gently picking up the pollen. Not rubbing, just lightly dab and lift. We have had success using this method, not only on clothing, but also on the flower itself, if very gentle.

Remember lily pollen is almost like a paint pigment - add water and it will colour whatever it's on. Rub and it will stain.

But by far the easiest and best way to avoid getting stains is to remove the lily stamen before it drops the pollen.

Hope this helps!
The Adam's Garden Team.