Flower July/August 2020

Proverbs 17:22 ONE OF THE MORE POSITIVE ASPECTS of this season (corona time) has been watching—on social media, on television, in print, and among my friends and family—the resourceful and ingenious ways we’ve managed to keep up our spirits and help those in need at the same time. A brilliant and impactful strategy is the “Challenge.” Issued by designers, tastemakers, and artists, these challenges have charged followers (on Instagram primarily) with creating something beautiful—a collage, a delicious favorite dish, a flower arrangement, or even a tablescape to enjoy with family members or dream about for the future. Each challenge has been tied to giving to a relief-related entity. For example, one of our Contributing Editors, Charlotte Moss, encouraged her followers to create collages, and for each one posted, she gave…

CALIFORNIA-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER MARK SIKES has joined creative forces with the workrooms of Chaddock for a new collection that sings with stylish freshness. As Chaddock CEO Andrew Crone explains, “There’s a magic to Mark’s work. He understands the power of timeless lines and personalized details, but in a way that customers and clients understand them, too. That sensitivity to designer needs and client expectations makes him a wonderful partner for us.” The collection charms with pieces that are each unique but mix easily with others. The customization options are plentiful, including 12 featured colors from Farrow & Ball and various finishes. “From their approach to service to their passion for artisan-made, custom furniture to their love of classic all-American, California design, this partnership couldn’t have been a better fit,” says…

THIS YEAR, VENERABLE BRITISH hand-painted wallpaper firm de Gournay looked to the fashion scene for inspiration, joining up with London-based designer Erdem Moralioglu of the fashion label Erdem, which is known for exuberant feminine frocks and attention to detail. For de Gournay, Erdem and his team created a pattern with hydrangea, hollyhock, iris, and morning glory amidst a lattice of branches with birds darting through foliage. In turn, Erdem’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection includes dresses inspired by de Gournay’s works and rescaled for fashion, with florals strewn across backgrounds of white, navy, and black. (degournay.com; erdem.com) The Spring/Summer 2020 Beaufort collection from London-based textile and wallpaper firm The Vale also celebrates flora and fauna with wonderful flair. For her wallpaper designs, founder Melinda Marquardt looks to dramatic artichokes, dahlias, peonies, and…

In Garden Design Master Class, edited by Carl Della tore (Rizzoli New York, 2020), you are front and center with some of the world’s most acclaimed gardeners, who advise in 100 essays on how to take your garden to the next level. Showcasing all types of gardens and uncovering mysteries about garden theory, structure, and process, this book will be filled with sticky notes, and your garden will be grateful for it. While Garden Design Master Class takes the lens wide, Private Gardens of Santa Barbara (Gibbs Smith, 2020) focuses on a tiny sliver of paradise. Author Margie Grace takes readers on a romp through 18 lush Southern California oases. The enviable indoor/outdoor lifestyle, including beach side gardens, is on full display, sprinkled with inspiring stories of transformation.…

MARGOT’S FRESH PICKS Join Flower Editor-in-Chief Margot Shaw in this new video series as she chats with designers, tastemakers, and gracious hosts about their recently published books. In the episode notes, you’ll find recipe links, interview highlights, and more. Among the featured guests are Alex Hitz and Frances Schultz. flowermag.com/fresh-picks CASPARI’S ART OF THE TABLE With a 75-year tradition of fine art publishing, Caspari brings elegance and ease to our lives through its paper tabletop goods, stationery, and gifts. President Lisa Milbank shares how the company evokes luxury with a trick of the eye. flowermag.com/caspari FLOWERMAG.COM FOLLOW US…

Eileen Tongson of FarmGal Flowers THE ORLANDO-BASED FLORAL DESIGNER AND FLOWER FARMER CREATES LUSH ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE SURPRISE OF FRAGRANT HERBS TUCKED THROUGHOUT AT EAST END MARKET, AN ARTISAN FOOD HUB WHERE SHE GROWS FLOWERS AND HERBS MATERIALS LIST 1 ‘Celway Terracotta’ celosia2 ‘Break Out’ dahlia3 ‘Karma Thalia’ dahlia4 Bupleurum5 ‘Green Mist’ ammi6 ‘Rubenza’ cosmos7 Spearmint8 ‘Queen Red Lime’ zinnia9 Daucus carota ‘Dara’10 Delphinium11 Apple mint12 Variegated pittosporum STEP BY STEP “Using herbs brings freshness and vitality to arrangements, and the scents trigger memories for people.” – EILEEN TONGSON STEP 1 I chose a handled white vase for a taller arrangement. First, mold a piece of chicken wire to form a ball that will fit in the top of the vase, place it in the vase, and then add water and flower…