In the summertime (and especially this summertime), the Napa Valley usually
brims with fog until it burns off around noon. But when I drove over into town early this morning to pick up my flowers from Aztec Dahlias, Devoto Gardens, and some private growing grounds, the sky was already clear and the air warm and dry. I knew it was going to be a Hot One. I made sure everyone had plenty of water to drink then sped back to the studio to put together some arrangements worthy of such a sizzlin' day.
The temperature hit 105 degrees around two-ish, and doesn't yet show signs of falling. No worries, though, these flowers are ready to party despite the heat.
Delish, the colours, shapes...
ReplyDeleteAre you trained photographer as well as floral designer, life guard etc etc?! Did you get the email re G.I.?
It's about 20 degrees and rainy here.
Now I understand why strangers stop our driver on delivery and ask " For me?"
ReplyDeleteCause I want it, it's flawless, it's freas and it's fabulous.
XO Jane
Thank you so much ladies! I was really spoiled with the flowers this week, especially those figgin' huge dahlias. And the orange cosmos- they seem to dance. Probably they are one of my new favorites.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I had a bit of trouble with one of the biggest dahlias wilting (granted, it was 105F...I felt like wilting myself). I'm submerging him now to see if that helps.
Belinda, no news from any G.I. chaps, but thank you so much for passing along my information! (I had missed that comment back in July, my apologies!). I really appreciate it!
Maybe you never got my email a few days ago? Check mfg email - did i send to the wrong place? V tentatively hopeful news!
ReplyDeleteI've found it in the Spam Folder (eeks!) and responded! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteRisked your spam folder once more!x
ReplyDeletewow.
ReplyDeleteGiant (Wilted) Dahlia Update: After three hours of chillin' in a tub of cool water, Giant Dahlia perked up. I removed a few damaged petals and am keeping an eye on his vase life. Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteAnd JSB, I'm not sure if you're commenting on the flowers or the heat, but either way, I thank you for your appreciation/commiseration. It's cooled down considerably, especially since I escaped down to the Peninsula.
ReplyDeletecommenting on your gorgeous creation, not the heat. And, I like that the G(W)D is male.
ReplyDeleteWell, it that case, thank you again! For the record, GWD did not fully recovered from his incident, and managed only two days of respectable appearance in the vase.
ReplyDeleteI swear by this technique: remove leaves from lower dahlia branches, give them a fresh cut and place them in about 3 inches of boiling water. spread the heads of the dahlias out so the steam from the water does not damage the blooms. Leave them in the boiled water overnight or until the water cools to room temperature. Design with the dahlias as usual. It will double the life of the dahlias. Hope this helps! For more on this technique check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/user/FlowerSchool#p/u/2/gR6OsBSu15k
ReplyDeleteThank you Shannon! I will be sure to try that out. You know, I've always wanted to do a super scientifically set up comparison of different processing techniques (with stringent controls and photo documentation and such). Maybe this would be a good one to try out, since we can expect some interestingly successful results! (I know that's not good science . . . which is why I'm a florist and instead of a biologist ;)
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