Bella Blooms

There are so many reasons that I LOVE hydrangea...let me count the ways. I must have upwards of 15 plants throughout my front and backyards and in pots on my patio. I can't wait till they all begin to bloom in the next few weeks.

My love affair must have started when I was 7 or 8 years old, the house where we lived at the time had the most gorgeous blue hydrangea bushes that were taller than me and bloomed more profusely than anything I have seen to this day.

The hydrangea could be one of the most versatile wedding flowers around, the range of colors that the hydrangea comes in and the fact that is available year round makes it perfect compliment to many other blooms.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings, this is a great image showcasing hydrangea bloom colors.

Love the lilac purple hydrangea in this bouquet, courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo courtesy of Meg Smith Photography, floral design by Ariella Chezar

Photo from Project Wedding

Photos courtesy of MiBelle Inc, floral designed by The Hidden Garden

I have been addicted to reruns of Jeff Leatham's Flowers Uncut on TLC, and it might just be how he incorporates hydrangea into so many of his amazing designs.

Just stunning

One tip when using hydrangea in your bouquets and boutonnieres, keep in mind the weather as hydrangea doesn't hold up well out of water on hot days. Be sure to discuss with your floral designer to ensure no surprises on your wedding day.

Bella Blooms

What a glorious Sunday we had in Southern California, after yet another day of rain, Sunday opened with clear blue and sunny skies. I knew it was the perfect time to pick up my gardening tools that have been hibernating all winter. As I began to prep my flower beds and vegetable gardens for spring plantings, I was disappointed when I realized that none of my tulips had bloomed this year. The hyachinth, daffodils and many many more were there, but no tulips. Paying homage to one of my favorite spring bulbs, I leave you with lots and lots of lovely tulip images.

Ah spring is coming courtesy of JL Desgins

White Tulips from The Hidden Garden, Ivory Bouquet from JL Designs Photo by Stephanie Williams Photography

Found on Style me Pretty by Details Details

Bouquet found on James Abel Events

Parrot Tulip Images found at Southern Accents and Rossi & Rovetti Flowers

Parrot and Button Tulip Bouquet found on Martha Stewart

~ Frosting Friday ~

We've gotten a taste of winter this past week in Los Angeles with chilly temperatures and rain storms and it makes me miss the snowy winters I had growing up in New Jersey. In Southern California the closest thing we'll have to a White Christmas are views of mountain tops covered with snow. So for today's Frosting Friday feature I am sharing a very wintery ice blue cake with pinecones touched with snow. Happy Holidays!

photos courtesy of Martha Stewart