SLOW FLOWERS: Week 33
August 18th, 2013
SUMMER CONFECTIONS
The stars of this arrangement are the alluring ‘Queen Red Lime’ zinnias.
Ingredients:
5 stems Zinnia elegans ‘Queen Red Lime’, grown by Jello Mold Farm
5 stems Dahlia ‘Rebecca Lynn’ in flower and bud, grown by Jello Mold Farm
4 stems Sedum ‘Green Expectations’, grown by Jello Mold Farm
7 blades green millet (Setaria viridis), grown by Jello Mold Farm
5 stems golden ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Luteus’), grown by Jello Mold Farm
Vase:
8-inch tall x 5-inch diameter fluted vase by artist Frances Palmer
Potter, artist and flower-grower, Frances Palmer created this yummy buttercream vase.
Design 101
A very special vase: I was first introduced to the work of Frances Palmer when Stephen Orr profiled the American potter and her Connecticut cutting garden in Tomorrow’s Gardens. Then Frances appeared on Martha Stewart’s television show, where she discussed how she creates her exquisite one-of-a-kind vessels and dinnerware, including vases for the flowers she grows. Her delightful pottery style – classical with a touch of whimsy – is a floral designer’s dream come true.
Naturally, I set my sights on acquiring one of Frances’s pieces. For the vase-lover on a budget, her Pearl Collection reflects the artist’s signature style at everyday prices. I chose this fluted vase because of the generous diameter of its opening (nearly 5 inches). And to me, this butter-yellow glaze is a perfect foil for all sorts of flowers, but especially the zinnias and dahlias.