Botanical Inspiration: Dahlias And Dates

When creating a botanical arrangement I'm often inclined to work with a lot of different foliage, not necessarily with an array of flowers.  However, while visiting the SF Flower Market last week, I was attracted to the amazing selection of late summer dahlias.  To be honest, what first got my attention were the clusters of date branches.  Their rich and earthy orange color inspired the tones of the dahlias I decided to work with.  Together they seemed to bridge the seasonal change that's happening now in California.  

I had fun photographing my latest composition against our newly painted guest room's black wall.  Take a look at how it all turned out:

Late Summer meets Autumn and they live happily for a brief moment in time...

Botanical Inspiration: Hoya Kerri

For this week's Botanical Inspiration, I'm sharing one of my favorite plants:  the Hoya Kerri, also known as the Sweetheart Plant (because of the heart shaped leaves).  Its  succulent-like qualities enable Hoyas to need very little water (perfect for us Californians) and bright indirect light.  They exhibit vine like growing tendencies since they are able to both climb and trail, so having a upward growing support and a large container pot will allow them to grow to their full botanical potential.  I love when plants both fall over their pot and sprout up from it.  Mine recently bloomed!   For information on this unique plant click here.  

Do you have a favorite house plant? 

Match Maker: Random Rooms And Their Botanical Matches

Botanical placement can be as important as the layout of a space.  The shape, size and color of a vessel, as well as the plant type selected for it, become reflections of one's style. On Pinterest, I often pin room inspirations and botanicals intentionally next to each other.  For me, it's second nature that a space needs plants to add life and interest to it. 

It's been some time since my first Match Maker post but after noticing my recent pinning pattern, I realized another one was in order.  I continually pin room inspirations that coordinate with botanical images.  It all makes sense to me, since the plants in a space are an extension of a room's decor.  Take a look at some of my recent matches and click here to view the previous one.   

If your spaces crave a much needed botanical lift, Cocoon Home Design can definitely help.  We specialize in custom planters and botanical pairings for both interior and exterior spaces designed to enhance everyday living.  Contact debra@cocoonhome.com

Images:

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Botanical Inspiration: Cattails And Pomegranates

On a visit to the SF flower market earlier this summer, I came across bunches of cattails.  Clearly they were put on my path to become an inspiration for a botanical arrangement.  I balanced the velvet-like plumes with pomegranate pods, pistachio berries and seastar fern stems for added softness.  My bedside table never looked this good.  Sometimes, a girl needs to treat herself.  Right?!

Take a look:

Botanical Inspiration: A Place For Them

There is an area in our kitchen that is somewhat sacred to me.  It's a decorative spot where there's always a vase with botanicals in it.  Recently, I put together a few of my favorite plants for a special occasion.  Creating an arrangement is meditative for me.  I enjoy the process from its onset, whether it means walking the SF flower market or foraging our garden.  I never really know what will inspire me until I spot a material that moves me.  This time, a bunch of grevillea first caught my attention, followed by bright pink peonies that called for some poppy pods for textural contrast.  Once I got home, I added twigs from our very own smoke tree.  The result was at once bold and sweet.  I enjoy having this spot in the kitchen which I treat as a little sanctuary.  Effigies of the goddess of compassion, rock salt vessels and a black and brass box accompany the botanicals, setting the mood for morning, day or night.  Take a look at one of my latest compositions and remember to treat yourself to cut foliage or flowers whether there's a special occasion or not.