Flora Peek Inside: Oleander

Amanda, After my wreath post I had some people ask about where to buy them. Coincidentally, I have bought almost every one of my wreaths from the same place. So I popped in today and asked permission to snap some pics of Oleander - a most beautiful flower shop in the Kingsway. Jen always has gorgeous arrangements and does a fabulous job with her window so that you can't help but be lured in...

I've always had a thing for flower shops and bookstores. Two places that I imagined would be amazing to own. A flower shop because you are surrounded by natural beauty and a bookstore because you are surrounded by knowledge and imagination. Hmm, just thought of something. Maybe a hybrid - two stores in one and add beautiful home goods to the mix. Oh wait, that's Chapters.

Here is oleander in its glory:

Imagine my joy to be amongst terrariums, wreaths and fresh cut tulips. I brought some pretty white ones home. Visit Oleander Floral Design's Facebook page for details.

-Kate

Lovely pins: gardening glory

Amanda, We spent the entire day outside. After our walk this morning we played in the court until 5 pm. Basking in the sun, making up for our vitamin D deficiencies. It was glorious.

I had lots of time to ponder my surroundings.... How much I love our street, how much I love our neighbors, how much I love my kids. Then I pondered what my new painted door will look like when it's done. How I will need to brighten our curb appeal with flowers. Oh right, flowers! Where are they? Not even a bud yet.

Hence the inspiration for my lovely pins. I don't do the gardening around here but I sure love the benefits of a manicured front and backyard.

Favourite flower #1: Peonies

Favourite flower #2: roses

Favourite flower #3: hydrangea

Favourite flowers #4: tulips

This last image was taken in my kitchen. These tulips bring me such joy when I walk in the house.

-Kate

Easy terrariums

Amanda, Remember I said I was going to make some cheap and easy terrariums after I realized I had most of the materials in my cupboards? Well, I made one for Max and one for Mila with two glass vases I found in the basement.

I used succulents for these two. They require a bit more attention than cacti but are so green and lovely.

-Kate

Oh Fiddle Leaf Fig

Amanda,

I have been obsessing over the fiddle leaf fig tree every since you posted about it.  So naturally when I was thinking of a way to fill the space next to my fireplace I automatically thought of the plant. Look at my new baby!

Isn't she pretty? 

She is just perfect in the space. She brings life to that corner and I pray that I will be able to keep her alive.

I'm hoping fiddle leaf will grow and grow so that I can eventually have her sitting on the floor.

-Kate

How to build a terrarium

Amanda,

So remember I was loving the West Elm terrarium? I went out and bought it yesterday. After much debate I settled on the gold faceted terrarium but to my dismay they don't come with flora (west elm used to have a buffet of little plants and moss to complete the look.) I was forced to buy everything on my own at Plant World, however, the experience made me realize just how cheap and easy it can be to make a terrarium on my own. I didn't even need West Elm.

Here is mine below as well as instructions to make more:

How to make a terrarium

You need: soil, moss, a small succulent or cactus, any glass vase or jar (mason jars are cute and would make a great gift.)

To do: take a vase from your collection and place your succulent or cactus inside. I even kept my plant in its plastic pot. Then layer soil and moss, even little stones if you want to cover the plant pot.

Ta da! So easy.

I will be making more today. Maybe one for my bedroom or for one of the kids' bedrooms with a little dinosaur hiding in the moss.

-Kaitlin 

Terrarium

Amanda,

Your post reminded me of something I've been coveting for a while now. The terrarium. It's a plant solution for the smaller space and it's also so pretty that it fulfills design needs too.
West Elm has a couple options and I'm actually thinking of one for my dining room table. Unconventional but really a perfect centerpiece.

-Kate

Fiddle-leaf Fig

Kate,

I recently watched an episode of Cityline where one of the experts was speaking about the benefits of plants in our homes.  Apparently they clean the air of pollutants and dust!  They do the same thing outside so I'm not sure why I was so impressed and shocked.  In order to properly reap the benefits of them we need 5 medium sized plants per person.  Which means we both need 20 plants!

I've come across my favourite plant.  I've actually wanted one for quite some time but I've read that it is poisonous.  It's called the fiddle-leaf fig.  I think it's modern, lush and almost tropical looking.  

The question is do I go for it despite it being poisonous?  One plant down 19 more to go!

-Amanda