Faded Glory

I've been stumbling around since I saw these centerpieces belonging to a celebrity wedding. When I say there is a lot going on around here, it is an insane understatement. These arrangements at inStyle Weddings make me think of something calm: A concept which thoroughly eludes me of late. It is all I can do not to be found pitching dirt in every direction on the lawn and installing a garden which grows nothing but these flowers in order to always have them winking at me in the house; So cool and tranquil, and somehow reminding me of Newport in summer and all those lovely rose hedges on the Cliff Walk above First Beach.

These were boxes covered in silk dupioni and then packed with amnesia roses, Café au Lait dahlias, pink Antik roses, lavender and faded grey hydrangea, and lavender Astrantia.

The muted shades of these blooms is easy on the heart. Nothing frentic. They would be lovely in a softly colored dressing or guest room or on a table before a banquette in a sunny window.

Here, for example. Where I would keep them to myself.

Traditional Home

Here. Where I would consider sharing them with the ruffians of inner peace always navigating in these parts.

Veranda

Or here. A room which would be roped off with velvet to prevent said ruffians involvment with all things calm.

Greystone via Veranda



These are curious varieties, rare and difficult to get. If you are considering this arrangement for a centerpiece, I advise enlisting the help of a well-schooled and connected florist with talent to spare; this was no easy feat of planning. Give them plenty of warning to get good sources. Or, you could grow your own. I am thinking of trying. Since it seems I have loved few arrangements more, why not get hitched.

The first is the amnesia rose: I have just told you everything I know about it and was able to find out but for some generalizations mentioning "hybrid tea...". It is lavender with green tips and a rare flower if ever there was one. I still have not located a decent place to buy the root.

Then the Cafe au Lait Dahlia. A pretty almost-neutral, it could be a work horse in arrangements around the house.

easytogrowbulbs.com

Lavendar bronze hydrangea.

growersbox.com

The more faded heads of the hydrangrea known as Nigra.

Wayside Gardens

And these funny interlopers, lavender Astrantia.

Dutch Bulbs

Finally, the pink "antik" rose.

Antique Rose Emporium

I hope you are enjoyed a moment of calm here, even if only imagined, like mine.