Spring has arrived in Chicago, as have some exquisite projects for our studio! Gilding foliage, waves of gift arrangements for fashion editors, and samples for some brilliant clients whose taste and vision have yielded really lavish and original results. Oh, and just incase you ever wondered what 170 stems of “Misty Apricot” sweet pea looks …
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Natural law
I long time ago, I went to career counseling to figure out what I was supposed to do rather than be a florist. The results of extensive testing concluded that I should be a lawyer or a farmer. Back then I was living in Brooklyn and the idea of pursuing farming was unimaginable and hilarious …
following the flowers
I seriously do learn a lot from our clients. A particularly glamorous groom once explained to me in an exquisite English accent that he preferred plants “that flower before they fruit,” as he set his feet on the coffee table in flowered pink socks. As a city girl, I thought this was just some smart-sounding poetry …
The ferns and their allies
One of our most seriously sophisticated clients reassured us when she saw this arrangement that ferns are very big this year. I recently read an article with a stellar title, The ferns and their allies. I’d like to be considered an ally of the fern, conspiring with this large group of ancient and primitive …
Michigan Shores Wedding
This classic November wedding was held a few steps from the lake at the Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette. One of my most favorite elements to work on were the lovebird’s initials made entirely of white roses, as well as these garlands of ferns and flowering dogwood for the chandeliers. The incomparable women of Studio Starling made the glamorous, …
Persephone Months
Elliot Coleman, progenitor of four season farming refers to these winter months as “the Persephone months” when the only growth that occurs is in cold frames and their movable greenhouses. I always think of that greek myth as one the greatest feminist stories. As her daughter was abducted and taken to the underworld, Demeter, goddess of the …
Festive Elegance
Last December, we had the honor of decking out this incredible home for the holidays decorated by legendary interior designer, the late Nora C. Marra of Nora Marra Interiors. In deference to her brilliance and the understated splendor her work, we kept the adornments to silvers and aquas with dashes of gold, citron and fuchsia. …
Alfred Caldwell’s Lilly Pool
Designed in 1936, Alfred Caldwel’s Lilly pond is my very most favorite spot in all of Chicago. Giving you the impression that you are the only one who knows about it, this enchanted sanctuary is definitely one of the most sacred spaces in the city. When I was little, I remember finding a massive pair …
violet hour
Loveliest couple this this weekend- they met through Twitter. While she was cracking her friends up with her devastating wit, he began following her and fell under her spell. She was in Chicago, and he in London, so he made up and excuse to be here and flew in just so he could see if …
Magical deliciousness
Last weekend was a double header/ town AND country farm dinner weekend! We had the honor of bringing flowers we grew to Green City’s last Big Table dinner of the season celebrating urban farmers in Washington Park. We brought vermillion dahlias with lacy touches of Cottoneaster berries and lemon basil. Pictured above are chefs Sarah …