Spring Catch-Up, Part 1 of 10: MFG's Dozen Red

Whoa. As you can see from the title of this post, I've got a lot of catching up to do!

I'm starting off with a delivery of two dozen red roses. I've long regarded this classic as a sort of indicator of a shop's overall style, much as the Two Egg Breakfast,  Chicken Tikka Masala, or Pad Thai is to American, Indian, or Thai restaurants,  respectively. Like these dishes, the Dozen Red is probably not the best or most interesting item on the menu, but it does give you a clear starting point for comparison; you know more or less exactly what to expect, plus or minus a few embellishments unique to the establishment which designs it. So this was kind of a big deal for me.

Here's my interpretation, featuring velvety red, long-stemmed 'Red Noami' roses grown by Neve Brothers Roses over in Petaluma, accented with early dogwood from Tracy, and olive from Wooden Valley. My hope is that the recipient found it all that a Dozen Red should be- lavish, beautiful, and romantic- but also some of what I strive for all of my arrangements to be - reflective of the season and local landscape.

Next up, a woodsy, lavender palette at Silverado Vineyards.