CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Trend Alert: Rose Motifs

casasugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:00:51 -0800

What's not to love about roses? Their beautiful, curling blossom structure has made them one of the most popular flowers in the world; their scent has been transferred to perfumes and linen sprays, and their diversity enables them to flourish in home gardens across the world. Of course, roses are also popping up in the world of interior design. Take this rose round ottoman (on sale for $412). Made of wool rosettes, this unique furniture piece would add a touch of glam to a living room or bedroom. I can even think of some feminine modernists who would adore it.

The LA Times breaks down the history of the rose thusly:

The ancient Romans associated the rose with their goddess of love, and European aristocracy in the 17th century prized them so highly they were accepted as payment for debt. The tradition of beauty continues with a new crop of rose-inspired furnishings: ruffled-edge bowls, tiles with digital imagery, linen fabrics — even a whimsical chair upholstered in paper roses.

To see my picks for rose motifs in interior design,

Casa Quickie: Use Water Glasses For Flower Arrangements

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:15:00 -0800

Small arrangements such as this one look lovely in a pretty water glass. Just cut your flowers on a short stem to prevent toppling. This is especially pretty on a bedside table in a guest room, especially when, as in this picture, blooms are placed in Fleur-De-Lis Glassware ($44.90-59.90). It's the perfect way to welcome a Thanksgiving visitor. Source

How Often Do You Have Fresh Flowers in Your Home?

casasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:00:12 -0800

One of the advantages of living in the Bay Area is that I can count on blooming trees or bushes year-round. Even if it's just a humble single flower in a bud vase, I can add life to a room without spending a penny. Do you try to have fresh flowers in your house, too?

How Often Do You Have Fresh Flowers in Your Home?

I have fresh flowers nearly every day.

Once a week for me.

Once a month.

Rarely.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Garden Therapy: Inside Inspiration

casasugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:00:20 -0700

I recently cashed in the Smith and Hawken gift certificate that my mom, auntie, and grandmother gave me as a bridal shower present. These green ceramic pots caught my eye, so I bought a trio of them to use for an indoor plant project.

To see how I'm using them,

How-To: Arrange Grocery Store Flowers

casasugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:30:29 -0700

I love having fresh flowers in my home, but most of us don't have the time or money to stop by a fancy florist every time we're craving color. Don't fret: grocery store flowers can be just as pretty if you know how to arrange them right. Just follow these five easy tips, and people will think your arrangements are the work of an expert.

Buy mixed bouquets or several cheap bouquets featuring one flower. Variety will inspire creativity.
Choose flowers in contrasting textures and shapes (i.e., soft gerbera daisies, round berries, and spiky lobster claws) and complementary colors.
Collect foliage from your yard or street. A flowering vine or broad-leafed weed often ends up looking much prettier than the filler that comes with supermarket bouquets.

For the final two tips,

Midday Muse: Everblooming California

casasugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:00:58 -0700

Since I grew up in the Midwest, I associate mid-September with falling leaves, chilly temperatures, and apple picking. However, here in California, where I've lived for seven years, I'm still getting used to the concept of mild seasons. As if to prove this to me, my rosebushes, which were just blooming back in May, are back in full yellow-and-red splendor again. I suppose I'll get used to it eventually, right?

Would You Match Your Flowers to Your Bedding?

casasugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:15:39 -0700

Granted, it's a pretty idea, but would you ever try to replicate this in real life?Source

Would You Match Your Flowers to Your Bedding?

Definitely, I think it's a lovely look.

Maybe, if the flowers were on sale.

No, it's too matchy for my style.

And the Winner Is . . .

casasugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:30:45 -0700

. . . Beccster44!

Congratulations to Beccster44, who won this this gorgeous organic lily bouquet ($60 value, plus free shipping). I'm sure you're going to love your bouquet! Source

Win a Bouquet of Organic Lilies!

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:02:38 -0700

Organic Style, my favorite online destination for eco-friendly flower bouquets, just alerted me that its source for pink oriental lilies is now certified organic. Since Organic Style is so excited about the certification, it bought up the entire crop of pink oriental lilies from the California farm, and it's offering a bouquet of these gorgeous organic lilies to one lucky reader.

If you're interested in winning this gorgeous lily bouquet ($60 value, plus free shipping), just take my quiz! To enter, you must log in and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member and log in before you take the quiz. If you're not already a member, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Contest ends Friday, Sept. 5, at noon PDT and is only open to US readers. Click here for Official Rules.

Name This Flower

casasugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:00:41 -0700

This beautiful green bloom has a subtle minty scent, and is great for cut bouquets. (Hint: Its three-word name includes a "lucky" country.)

Etsy Find: Felt Flower Button Bouquets

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:00:16 -0700

If the fleeting beauty of a fresh floral bouquet isn't what you had in mind for your wedding or other celebration, you're in luck. Etsy seller Princess Lasertron makes custom bouquets from hand-stitched felt and vintage buttons that will last well beyond your ceremony, and perhaps your five-year anniversary. But you needn't be tying the knot to take one home. The one-of-a-kind floral arrangements look just as good set in a glass vase on your dining room table, as they do with your Vera Wang. Prices run from $60 to $250.

Cool Idea: A Colander As a Vase

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:44 -0700

I recently polled you on your love for Todd Oldham's ice cream cone carnation floral arrangement, and you were pretty split on it. I on the other hand was not a fan; although in general, I feel that the world-renowned designer can do no wrong. Today is no exception to that notion, though. Oldham has created another arrangement for FTD, the Todd Oldham Green Salad ($79.99), this time using a colander as a vase. I adore this innovative use of a colander, not only for its good looks but because it is something everyone can achieve. Of course, it helps to have a vibrant, kelly green colander to perk things up, but I love it regardless of color. It's also a great housewarming gift, as the colander can be used in the kitchen once the arrangement falls by the wayside. Love it?

Name This Flower

casasugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:00:40 -0700

It's more of a shrub than a flower, and blooms in a fantastic array of colors. Do you know its name? (Hint: its name relates to the insect it attracts.)

Six Perennials With Late-Flowering Habits

casasugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:00:01 -0700

For most of us, Summer is about being outdoors, enjoying the warm weather, and surrounding yourself with nature. When Fall comes, we bundle up, move indoors, and say goodbye to our gardens as they begin their descent into frosty Winter. But, one way you can have an endless Summer is to choose perennials with late-flowering habits for your garden. Want to find out about some plants that will help extend the flowering season at your home well into October? Then .

Sneezeweed. A bronze/red daisy that blooms mid-September for three to four weeks.
Aster. Another daisy-like flower in white, purple, lavender, pink, or red that blooms prolifically through October.
Chinese lantern. Flowers in mid-Summer with bright-orange seedhead in Fall.
Chinese anemone. Rose flowers bloom in mid-Summer to early Fall.
Autumn joy Simple, pink flowers bloom well into October.
Goldenglow. Golden disc flowers bloom in mid-Summer to early Fall.

A few houseplants you might also try are palms, ferns, mother-in-law’s tongue, euphorbia, and croton. Once your flowers bloom, be sure to share photos in our Su Casa group!
Source

Midday Muse: Best in Show

casasugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:29 -0700

Today marks the start of the Southport Flower Show in Southport, England. The UK's oldest independent flower show, it's a must-attend event for anyone interested in home and garden trends. If you're in or around Southport this weekend, I'd advise heading out to Victoria Park to gawk at some of the beautiful blooms.

Source

Love It or Hate It? Todd Oldham Ice Cream Party

casasugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:00:14 -0700

I'm normally of the persuasion that Todd Oldham can do no wrong. But today? Not so much. The colorful designer has now slapped his name on a collection of floral arrangements for FTD, including this Todd Oldham Ice Cream Party ($39). If I'm feeling simpatico, I suppose I might say a genuine ice cream cone could make a cute arrangement for a kid's birthday, filled with some wildflowers. But a ceramic ice cream dish? Filled with carnations (yuck!) in "vanilla" or "strawberry," and a "red cherry" carnation? Come on, Todd!

Love It or Hate It? Todd Oldham Ice Cream Party

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Steal of the Day: Signals Three Rose Vases

casasugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I would never call Signals a go-to retailer for home décor products, but every once in a while they sweep me off my feet with a great steal. This time, it's Signals Three Rose Vases ($32, reduced from $59), three vases adorned with rose blooms in cream, chartreuse, and mint. Not only is a set of three vases for 30 bucks an incredible deal, but the vases share a remarkable similarity with the Roost Porcelain Flower Vase ($68-$96), a design I've been fawning over for some time. Each leaf and petal on the vases is hand-shaped and applied, making them very delicate and feminine, but their fresh colors keep them contemporary. What do you think?

Midday Muse: Damask in Blooms

casasugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:00:05 -0700

I love damask patterns, whether they're woven into a beautiful throw or papered onto a wall. They're often feature flowers, fruit, or animal life, but have you ever heard of a damask pattern that's composed of flowers? Well, that's exactly, what Manchester, England, artist Jo Vickers did when she created a flower installation in a damask pattern. Displayed in Manchester's Albert Square as part of the Manchester in Bloom festival, over 60,000 flowers were used to create the pattern. Breathtaking!

Source

Midday Muse: Wild Colors

casasugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00:15 -0700

I have to start this post off on a positive note: I love this house, and I love its beautiful garden and variety of flowers and plants. I also really adore bougainvillea. However, I can't really deal with the two clashing shades of pink that flank this home's entry. It's kind of jarring on the eyes. Are you with me on this one, or do you think that the clashing bougainvillea is fine?

How-To: Decorate With Summer Flowers

casasugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:15:42 -0700

Interior stylist Paul Lowe makes beautiful vignettes with food, flowers, and home interiors. These outdoor entertaining shots provide inspiration for simple decorating ideas, many of which you can do with little or no cash output, especially if you have a small flower garden. You can also steal these tips for decorating with flowers at a summer wedding. To see some lovely decorating ideas, which would be perfect for an outdoor garden party or destination summer wedding, check out the slideshow. Photos by Frances Janisch

DIY: Build Your Own Wedding Bouquet

casasugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:15:17 -0700

If you love to make your own bouquets for your home, you can easily make one for your own wedding, or for that of a friend or family member. Not only will you help to save money, you'll also create a unique, personalized bouquet that will help to make the day more special. Remember to try to go with simple, fresh flowers that are grown locally — if you can buy from a flower grower or farm and cut the flowers yourself the day before the wedding, you're guaranteed to have gorgeous, fresh blooms.

What You'll Need

Floral Wire
Stem Wrap Tape
Hot Glue
Long Stemmed Fresh Flowers
Preservative Solution
Small Bucket
Fabric or Ribbon that matches or contrasts well with bridesmaids' dresses
Knife

To find out how to "build" your bouquet,

Casa Quickie: Alternatives For Flower Pots

casasugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:00:14 -0700

The other day, when I was walking through the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, I saw the cutest flower display outside of an Italian restaurant. Blooming out of imported tomato sauce cans were gorgeous red geraniums. This is an easy, quick idea you can adapt, too. Just make sure to punch a few holes in the bottom of the can before planting your flowers in them. And unusual, imported tomato sauce cans will look infinitely better than your average Hunt's tomato sauce can. I'm imagining punchy colors and bright, big blooms looking best in these cans — marigolds, geraniums, and petunias would all look lovely.
Source

Love It or Hate It? Orchid Urinals

casasugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:00:54 -0700

After seeing the two person toilet and the toilet/washing machine, and even Leonardo DiCaprio's eco-fabulous toilet, I didn't think there could be any more innovation in the bathroom. But, that's just silly, right? Of course there could be. San Francisco artist Clark Sorensen's Orchid Urinal Sculptures ($7500) are innovative, one-of-a-kind, beautiful, and fully-functional! Beat that.

Love It or Hate It? Orchid Urinals

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Su Casa: This Garden Is Coming Up Roses

casasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:45:54 -0700

Even though Good to Grow month is over, I couldn't let a technicality like that prevent me from sharing some photos of SweetpeasMom's lovely flower garden.

She writes,

This is a little area on my back deck. SweetPea couldn't stay out of the picture. On the left on the deck are two miniature rose plants and then some white flowers I don't remember the name of. On the right side on the deck is a pot with tulips (which didn't bloom this year... so far... that's wishful thinking for you!) and it also has strawberries growing in it. . . . And I don't know the names for any of the flowers along the top, I got them all because they were different shades of purple and I wanted color out there. We had a stormy night a few nights ago, and it kind of beat them all up. I don't know if they'll come back, but I'll keep them there until I'm sure they're dead. (Again, wishful thinking!!) I didn't get a picture of it, but I planted some jasmine this year off of the deck and I'm hoping it will grow up through the lattice.

Anyone know the name of any of these other flowers? Be sure to also check out the gallery for the pretty shots of SweetpeasMom's roses. Want to share your photos? Here's how to join Su Casa.

DIY: Rub-On Vase

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:45:29 -0700

If your kitchen cabinets can be mistaken for a 1-800-Flowers inventory shelf full of plain glass vases, it may be time to spice them up a bit and put them to work. This project will help you transform the run of the mill to something that's distinctly you (and a bit Tord Boontje, too). Or, if you're just looking for a bulk of inexpensive yet elegant vases for your wedding, perhaps, this is the DIY for you. You can pick up the supplies (vases included) at your local crafts store, and get your rub on!

Supplies:

Clear, glass vase
Glass cleaner and paper towels
Rub-on transfers (online sources: Two Peas in a Bucket and Lifetime Moments)
Scissors
Burnisher tool (popsicle stick will do)

To learn the steps,

Where Do You Buy Your Flowers?

casasugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:30:44 -0700

I love to support my local flower stands, but often I find myself picking up bouquets in the supermarket and I simply can't resist the flowers at my weekly farmers' market. I try to steer clear of the bodega flowers, though; they don't seem to last very long. Overall I'm pretty lax about my flower shopping routine (though I try to stick to flowers with the VeriFlora label), but I have friends who are staunch supporters of their neighborhood florists. What about you? Source

Garden Therapy: San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers

casasugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:04 -0700

If you're visiting San Francisco, take the time to drop by Golden Gate Park and the Conservatory of Flowers. Constructed in 1879, this gorgeous building, which is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, houses exotic and rare plants. Not only is it the oldest building in Golden Gate Park, it's also the oldest public conservatory in the United States.

To find out about this gorgeous spot, just

Cool Idea: Can o' Plants

casasugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:28:52 -0700

I've just come across a duo of similar products that are fit for Good to Grow month, and just plain kewl. Leave it to the Japanese to find a way to be innovative with plants; Flowers in a Can ($10) are a bit like Red Bull, except when you pop the top, it gives you flowers!!!! Of course, you've got to toss in some sunshine and de l'eau, too, but you get the point. Dandee Designs Spring in a Can ($10) works much the same and grows grass, but I'm not sure whether the kit comes preassembled or not. Perhaps this is not the most cost-efficient way to grow plants, but I'm loving the packaging concept.

Cool Idea: Twelve Months of Flowering Plants

casasugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:30:25 -0700

If you're the type of shopper that tires of new purchases easily and runs out to shop some more, Smith & Hawken's Twelve Months of Flowering Plants ($459) will keep you happy year long. Kind of like your favorite shelter magazine, you'll be delighted each month when beautiful blooming plants arrive at your doorstep. Ranging from White Amaryllis in January, Gerber Daisies in July, to Hydrangea in December, each plant is chosen for its "singular beauty and variety of form and color." The plants come in a nursery pot, and your order comes with a free cache pot so you'll have a spot to keep them. When the year's up, you can transfer your beloved monthly plants to your garden (if you have one), and you'll be Good to Grow for years to come!

Cool Idea: Potless Plants

casasugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:11 -0700

Did you know that every year about 80 million tons of plastic end up needing to be recycled? Much of this is thrown away, which is bad news for the environment. At my house, I have a stack of plastic garden pots that have been gathering over time. I try to re-use them when starting seeds, but often times they just end up sitting in the corner, ugly and unused.

If you, like me, are looking for a better solution, then head down to the nearest Home Depot store and grab some PotLess Plants when you're starting your garden. Planted in earth-friendly, biodegradable containers, these flowers use containers that decompose in the soil as the plants grow. Available at Home Depot stores (though not online), this product provides gardeners with an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to plastic trays and pots. Plants and flowers come in a paper six-pack carrier. When you're ready to plant, just stick one — or all six — of the biodegradable containers into the ground to plant. No pots to throw away, no massaging the seedlings out of their containers. Easy as can be.

Steal of the Day: Birch Vases

casasugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:30:49 -0700

Get in on the latest trend by picking up these Signals Birch Vases ($32.95), which are on sale now. These vases aren't made of real birch bark; they're actually cast resin. But, they do a good job of fooling you, right? Fill them with a fresh bouquet, some dried flowers, or spray paint a handful of twigs in bright white for a permanent display. I'm not sure if this birch trend will stick (pun intended) around, but time will soon tell, huh? Luckily these vases aren't a huge investment. Not as much as, say, trendy mirrored furniture.

Casa Quickie: Food Coloring for Your Flowers

casasugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:00:28 -0800

If you add a few drops of food coloring to a vase of white flowers, their petals will change colors accordingly. It's a fun way to brighten up your Love Shack if you happen to have some pale blossoms around. Yes, I did first try this project as a kid, but the petals are certainly elegant enough for my very mature décor. Bad Fortune Cookie tried the experiment, and wound up with subtle yet successful results. To see her finished product,

Roundup: Prettiest Valentine's Day Bouquets

casasugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:10:52 -0800

While I always prefer to buy organic blooms, I know that sometimes it's fun to see every floral option out there. Since we all have different tastes when it comes to flowers, I thought I'd round up some of the prettiest bouquets I've seen around the internet. And since it's only Tuesday, you could covertly leave the laptop open to this post when you know a flower-purchasing pal may be walking by. Don't worry — he or she will still have time to order that bouquet for you.

Casa Quickie: Easy and Elegant Roses

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:30:07 -0800

Apartment Therapy has a great suggestion for updating the look of traditional roses. Just cut the stems down to about an inch or two in length and cluster in a shallow bowl. The look is instantly fresh and unabashedly romantic.
Source

Love It or Hate It? Bic Pen Vase

casasugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:00:25 -0700

You've heard of blown glass, but how about blown plastic? These Giffin' Termeer Daisy vases ($19) are made from upcycled Bic pens that are heated until their plastic becomes malleable, and then blown into a bulbous shape.Source

Love It or Hate It? Bic Pen Vase

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Garden Therapy: Can You Help With This Rose?

casasugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:09:30 -0700

TeamSugar member Davie_K wrote in, saying

Okay, my fiancè is the most romantic guy. He bought us a white rose bush for our place. The thing is, I know very little about roses and I can't even find out what this one is. It's called "princess snow" and it's a small tree with light green-colored foliage. It's been outside a couple of days and I'm worried that we're not looking after it properly. It's a white rose, as I said, with occasional pink spots and dark stamen. I'm not even sure if the foliage is supposed to be light green. Can someone help me out please? It's seriously deteriorating. ANY and ALL advice is greatly appreciated!

Your fiancè is indeed a romantic—and appropriate—gift giver, Davie_K, since white roses are traditionally thought of as the bridal rose. They also represent true love, purity, innocence, sympathy, and spirituality. But this symbolism doesn't really aid you in your question, does it?

To see my advice,

Organic Bouquet Giveaway...We Have a Winner!

casasugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:04:42 -0700

Thanks for taking part in the Organic Bouquet giveaway. Our winner is Chanel-aholic. Congratulations!

Giveaway! Win Flowers from Organic Bouquet

casasugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:33:31 -0700

Want to win some beautiful blooms from Organic Bouquet? Then take this quiz!

REMEMBER! YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO TEAMSUGAR TO QUALIFY FOR THE QUIZ!

Giveaway! Win Flowers from Organic Bouquet

casasugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:43:40 -0700

Want to win some beautiful blooms from Organic Bouquet? Then take this quiz!

REMEMBER! YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO TEAMSUGAR TO QUALIFY FOR THE QUIZ!

Casa's Must Haves For October

casasugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:32:18 -0700

October is ushered in every year with my sister's birthday on the first day and ushered out by my grandmother's birthday on the last (yes, on Halloween!), so it's always a month of celebration for me. Inevitably, I also associate the month with deep fall colors, such as dark purples and fiery oranges, so some of my must haves for this month are inspired by those colors. In the spirit of celebration, we're also bringing you several contests this month, as well as encouraging you to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I'm going to take advantage of all of those beautiful falling leaves and make my own leaf paper art. For inspiration, check out this gorgeous paper art.
Anthropologie's completely crave-worthy Jayne Sofa would provide a brilliant burst of color in anyone's living room, and it's now on sale.
These ceramic pumpkins would look great with an Italian vegetable soup with gnocchi inside. Maybe I'll make some for my sis's birthday.
A gorgeous organic fall bouquet would be a great way to dress up your home, especially when it's free!
Speaking of dressing up your home, October is Dress Your Walls month here at CasaSugar, and we're giving away some art and wall coverings to celebrate, including enough Ferm wallpaper to cover a wall of your home. Stay tuned for contest details!
Squirrel away nature's autumn bounty in these carved wood vessels.
Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a yummy pink-grapefruit-scented Ribbons of Love diffuser from Archipelago ($50). Forty percent of the profits will go to City of Hope Research Hospital.
And finally, settle into fall, grab a book, and cuddle up with an animal pillow from Velocity.

Giveaway! Win Flowers from Organic Bouquet

casasugar — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 23:30:10 -0700

In need of a pick-me-up? Have fall's falling leaves got you bummed? Then maybe you need some flowers in your life.

Enter to win an Organic Bouquet floral arrangement by taking the quiz below. (By the way, your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just simply by taking the quiz once you are logged in). You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to take the quiz. So if you're not already a member, just register here for an account and to join in all the fun on the Sugar Sites! One quiz entry per person—all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Also, this part is important, YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO TEAMSUGAR FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT.

Interested in more details? Click here for the Official Rules.

You can take the quiz until the giveaway closes on Friday, October 5th, at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT. I'll announce the winner on Monday, Oct. 8. And don't forget to e-mail this to all your friends and family so they can have a chance at it too!

Midday Muse: Autumn Flora

casasugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:30:33 -0700

German photographer Janne Peters certainly has an eye for capturing natural beauty. When I first stumbled upon her photos, through An Indian Summer, I literally caught my breath. And the autumnal colors of this lone bloom are making me itchy to go and buy some autumn bouquets immediately.

Su Casa: A Flower-Filled Porch

casasugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:38:16 -0700

Ah, if only we were all lucky enough to have a flower display as lovely as the one created by Zoe Loves Doug. Until then, at least we can admire her handiwork in today's Su Casa. (Want to share your photos? Here's how to post in the Su Casa group.)

A serious flower-gardening hobbyist, Zoe Loves Doug grows all sorts of beautiful things at her Colorado pad, including poppies, petunias, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.

Crave Worthy: Fluke Love Is Blind Vase

casasugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:39:47 -0700

I love having fresh flowers in my house, and I prefer to display them in simple vases so as not to overpower the natural beauty. Not only does this Fluke Love Is Blind Vase ($87) have a stunning, understated grace, but it's also cleverly and subtly romantic. Designed by Jessica Lertvilai, the earthenware vessel features text from love letters etched in Braille on the sides.

Flowers 101: Alstroemeria

casasugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 07:24:19 -0700

I love the gracefully awkward name of the alstroemeria flower, which is named after a Swedish baron named Clas Alströmer. This variety is one of my favorites to decorate with because of its long vase life. Buy a bunch when the buds are closed, and the blooms stay looking lovely for weeks. For that reason, you'll often see the sturdy flower adorning the tables of restaurants.

Sometimes called the Peruvian lily, the alstroemeria comes in a wide spectrum of mostly autumnal colors, including mauve, burnt orange, pink, and dusty yellow. The petals are often two-toned with flecks of color toward the center. The long stems are lined with slender, almost cornstalk-like leaves, so that a bunch of alstroemerias in a vase have a very full look. That, along with the long life and the affordable price, make alstroemerias a great choice for everyday decorating.

Love It or Hate It? Michael Anastassiades Bronze Ball Vase

casasugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:56:43 -0700

I am a pretty terrible bowler, but this Michael Anastassiades Bronze Ball Vase ($2,500) is a bowling ball I can get behind. The sculptural piece is made from weighty bronze and offers a very dramatic way to display a single flower. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Michael Anastassiades Bronze Ball Vase

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Do You Decorate With Fresh Flowers?

casasugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 05:00:28 -0700

Source

Do You Decorate With Fresh Flowers?

Yes! I always have fresh flowers in my house.

Sometimes, but not all the time.

Rarely, though I do buy them for special occasions.

I never buy fresh flowers.

Other (Tell me below)

Definition: Perennial

casasugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:51:48 -0700

Unlike an annual, a perennial plant is one with a life cycle that spans at least two years and blooms repeatedly throughout multiple seasons. A garden that primarily uses perennials will require less replanting and maintenance than one stocked with annuals. But while annual blooms stick around for months, a perennial flowering period is much shorter.

Many of these plants possess botanical features that help them weather cold or dry seasons. Common annuals include black-eyed susans, ferns, orchids, and daffodils (pictured).

Source

Definition: Annual

casasugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:20:41 -0700

An annual is a type of plant that completes its entire life cycle, from seed germination to bloom, in the course of a year. Common annuals include begonias, marigolds, pansies, petunias, and zinnias (pictured).

Once the plant has produced its next generation of seeds, it will die. However, you can prolong the blooming cycle by removing the flowers as they wilt, and the plant will produce seeds, which you can use to plant more annuals.

Su Casa: Sunny Sunday Flowers

casasugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 06:00:04 -0700

After seeing Supergrover's garden photos in Su Casa this week, Radarkitty was inspired to share her own sunny flower shots in the Su Casa group. (Want to share your photos? Here's how to join Su Casa.)

Before hosting a big party for her 30th birthday, Radarkitty bought a ton of flowers, and her husband built a big planter box to hold them. Says Radarkitty: "The last few weeks have been particularly stressful personally to me, but my little flower garden always makes me feel better." They make me feel good, too, so check out these pics starting with Radarkitty's fave, the hibiscus.

For more photos, including the entire planter,