Paeonia Fabulous

Erica Svec April 13, 2012

Undoubtedly the feeling of being in love is by far the experience we all live for. It is a state of mind where you silently scream at the top of your lungs "get a hold of yourself! Control your nerves!" Well, every year when peonies start to bud and blossom, this feeling rushes through my soul . Their smell, fullness and lush beauty literally drops me to my knees. As I plunge my nose into the delicious blooms I think "this is heaven!" Peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage. They are also the 12th wedding anniversary flower!

The short lived peony season, typically May through July depending on weather pattens, is over before you blink. With international trade many wholesalers are now able to purchase peonies through Chilean farmers and ship the blooms to the States in November and December. However, my best advice to other brides who share my obsession for this fabulous flower: plan a wedding in May, June or July so your dream of a peony bouquet filled with fuchsia, blushes and creams will be a reality.

These are the first peonies spotted blooming in the area, at the University of Kentucky arboretum.

Till next time....seek great design.

Easter Centerpieces

Erica Svec April 6, 2012

Happy Easter everyone! Some days I am just infatuated with Martha Stewart, and today is one of those days. All of her creative spring centerpieces are so tastefully done! Hope you can use some of this inspiration over the Holiday weekend.

Till next time....seek great design!

A little 101 on Urban Design

Erica Svec March 30, 2012

As many of you know, my background, education that is, is landscape architecture. No that does not mean a profession that solely mows lawns, plants trees and picks out annual flowers for a garden. I often try to tell people the profession of 'landscape architecture' is the study and design of the horizontal. Architects work with structures, they work vertically, a landscape architect works across the land. They examine cities, neighborhoods and parks; make sure as a whole, a City is functioning. Landscape Architects often works alongside city officials to develop master plans which will help prepare a municipality for future development and growth. Cities need identity and Landscape Architects assist with developing these defining characteristics! They think about the larger picture that most cannot see.

Well with that little background, my husband and I, both designers, took a day trip up to Cincinnati to visit the neighborhood Over the Rhine. I had heard about the revitalizing efforts in this area and could not resist the urge to check out some of this awesome, talked about urban design. 5 years ago this area was rated the number one highest crime neighborhood in all America. Today that number has dropped to 24. Crime, prostitution and unemployment are still high but the hopes that this area will continue to improve are exponentially high. Hundreds of millions of dollars have flowed into the neighborhood introducing new residential units, office and retail space. Young people are moving back into the area and taking over the modern and eclectic lofts that compliment the upscale dining and bars.

All in all, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this gem of a neighborhood. The architecture is stunning and unique, and the brick, row house structures of German decent just send me back in time. I daydreamed about having my flower studio in such a unique setting......ahhh....someday soon!

I encourage anyone who travels to Cincinnati to check out this neighborhood!

Till next time.....seek great design!

Spring Bedazzlement - DIY Gifts

Erica Svec March 23, 2012

Spring really is one of the best times of the year. After living in South Florida for years, and returning to a 4 season calendar year, I am overwhelmed and bedazzled by Spring. The smell of freshly mown grass, the sun, I had forgotten it even existed, colts all over the horse farms, well at least here in Kentucky, and SPRING flowers. The magnolia trees have literally left me standing in awe! Not only does Mother Nature renew our minds with the fresh green come March and April, but Spring also marks the start Wedding season! I have recently been asked, by brides, how to incorporate the feel of Spring into their wedding. Check out the creative DIY idea I found. This would not only work great for wedding favors, but baby showers, patio parties, etc. I'm lovin' the small wood boxes and votive holders for the growing bulbs and the delightful paper crafts! Cannot wait to try this idea out for Hide and Seek!

You can purchase your bulfs from Tulip World, and online store that provides 100% Dutch Flower Bulbs. And the shipping is reasonable!!!

Sylphide Aneomone. One of my absolute favorites. Flower symbolizes unfading love and protection against evil.

Petit Four Double Daffodil. Used as March birth month flower and for 10th wedding anniversaries.

Black Parrot Tulip. Stunning feathery and full tulip variety.

Lavender Perfection Dinnerplate Dahlia. Official flower used for 14th Wedding Anniversary.

Till next time....seek great design!

Think Inside the Box

Erica Svec March 14, 2012

I recently discovered the Blumebox and had to share. As most florists know, the delivery and set-up for an event is a whole different beast. It takes a lot of skill and preparation, particularly when you want a good presentation. These boxes left me pondering and dreaming of endless delightful and less stressful delivery possibilities. Though these boxes are a little more expensive than the glass vases I can purchase by wholesale, there are so many perks.

Durable and will not break in transport.
A multitude of colors can be linked to wedding colors and dresses.
Name tags (graphically designed of course!) can be attached to each box making an acceptable presentation.
The boxes can be used as a small accent arrangements below larger, taller vases and flowers.
The bouquets can be re-used / re-purposed as centerpieces in the boxes at the reception. The handle treatment of the bouquet, ie the stems, will be hidden in the box. These bouquet boxes can sit at the head table or surround the cake.
They are shipped and store flat, how wonderful!!! As many florists know we always need MORE STORAGE space. Thus in a small studio space, you could store a high volume of these boxes compared to the glass vases. As my budding business continues to grow I can tell this product will come in handy!
The boxes are made from recycled materials! Save the environment!!!
This company is American family owned and operated. These days, it feels great to support and american company with high quality.

Below are some great photos of the blumeboxe in action! It is a great reference on how the boxes are incorporated into wedding decor and labeled professionally!

Art in Bloom

Erica Svec March 2, 2012

Last weekend my husband and I attended the Art and Bloom event at the University of Kentucky's Art Museum. Floral designer, artists, photographers, etc were invited to interpret a piece of art from the museum with flowers. At first I was thrilled because, well, I love both art, especially modern art, and FLOWERS, but was slightly disappointed that most of the fresh flowers were either dead or wilted! How could this be! People should be keeping their floral designs saturated. Oh well, I enjoyed it for what it was and took a bunch of photos.....here are a few of my favs. Now knowing this event exists, Hide and Seek Design looks forward to next year's exhibit!

Till next time....seek great design!

Valentine's Day?

Erica Svec February 10, 2012

Oh Valentine's Day. I feel the older I get the less I am obsessed with Valentine's Day. However, for pure enjoyment of dressing in white, pink and red, I have decided to celebrate the little cupid and all his bows and arrows. I have found some awesome and unique gifts from etsy to share. Even though they are not flowers, these creative gifts leave me excited about the over dramatized holiday. Crochet Scarf