Ikebana: Living Flowers

Living walls, elegant topiary and a riot of red,white and blue

At the beginning of the New Year, avid gardeners are curious to know what trends will have an impact in the next 12 months. Wonder no longer - here are my predictions on what the best dressed gardens are likely to be wearing in 2012.

Last year many people became involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables, while others made their gardens more appealing to wildlife by adding plants to attract all sorts of creatures. Both of these trends will continue in 2012, but there are others to look out for.

Sales of red, white and blue flowering plants are likely to surge as patriotic gardeners celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee or show their support for Team GB at the London Olympics.

Paul Hansord, managing director of mail order firm Thompson & Morgan, says planting up a border, container or hanging basket with red, white and blue flowers is a great way for gardeners to get involved in these events.

The company will unveil a trio of colour-themed

Source: Daily Mail

Faith Hope Love: Paper Flower Topiaries

by Laura

This is a very simple project. Making roses can get boring, but I find this type of therapy because I do kinda thing at night when the house is quiet and kids are in bed. This is the type of project is done during one of your shows or watching a movie with her husband because sitting still for two hours is difficult for you to do. I'm just saying. I have just a few layers of tissue paper and cut out a bunch of flowers. Then I levels in nearly two paper flowers on each other, ruffled them to the ends and used a straight pin to look like the center of the flower and attach them to the small polystyrene ball.Pearl floral pins would make this even nicer, but I was only using what I already had. The room is coming along, Brandon and I worked on it last weekend. We paint on the walls and most of the projects done. I'll be posting an update with pictures this week sometime. I am definitely learning a lot....

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News

Floral Fancies

The Handbook - Dec 31, 1969

The restaurant's facade will be highlighted with fresh white pelargoniums and finely cut ivy trailing from topiary cones and spheres above. At street level, trees will support climbing roses and clematis, framing the windows.

Design Experts & Hines Growers Share 3 P's Of An Instant Garden Makeover

PerishableNews (press release) - Dec 31, 1969

For a garden party in a pot, the new Bougainvillea Garden Party® Patio Tree's multi-colored flowers bring a tropical topiary appearance to gardens, entryways and outdoor living areas. To see a full range of tropical plants and more inspiration,

Pouring for happy Drew

New York Post - Dec 31, 1969

There was one massive floral arrangement with green flowers that looked like a topiary.” Before the civilized soiree wrapped by 11:30 pm, guests nibbled on wild salmon, spicy shrimp, smoked ricotta-roasted tomato crostini and filet of beef on brioche.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show and M&G Investments: nurturing growth takes time

Telegraph.co.uk - Dec 31, 1969

The planting of floral displays will have been carefully planned to ensure they are a riot of colour for when the show opens, with every blade of grass and topiary bush precisely trimmed. But while accomplishing such a fantastic flourish takes months

Magdalen Chapter Hotel opens in Exeter, Devon on June 25

Examiner.com - Dec 31, 1969

The furniture here reflects Devon's rural landscape with 'topiary' lights, sculptural chairs, and a striking modern floral mural by Hugo Dalton. Located in the heart of the building, The Bar is adorned with an installation by glass artist Kate Maestri