We reached out further in our designs: striving to achieve movement among the arrangements we deliver: beautiful flowers showing off, bobbing, and smelling terrific.
Once we unknowingly matched the artwork at the Habitat in Belmont.
We said goodbye to our rabbit Violet and later, found this raggedy little guy at the New England House Rabbit Society.
Who turned into this confident Rascal: Max
Then I went a little crazy and brought home Alice to bond with Petals which hasn't worked out…yet.
But she seems to be happy in the other window and takes her turn every other day wandering the front of the shop.
We said goodby to our handsome Blossom
And later adopted this impossibly good puppy: Addison Louise
My dream of owning donkeys was fueled by our visit to the Donkey Sanctuary in Canada where the kindest, most dedicated volunteers tend to 40 or so rescued donkey souls.
We also managed to stop and see Kris at The Dancing Donkey farm in Upstate New York where I met her herd. Ramsey, the baby donkey was a year old by the time we were able to visit, but still a little boy. I expected to love the donkeys but hadn't expected to fall in love with her horse Tessa who planted a big kiss on my cheek…at least I think it was a kiss!
Nice tail shot!
Inspired by Sarah at Saipua and Erin at Floret, I managed to roto till a plot in my backyard and plant a crop of dahlias.
My first cut blossom.
The early bloomers.
I visited dear Opal in the summer and had to resign myself to her fate as a guard donkey.
On several occasions, we shared a Honey Crisp apple which she loved more than baby carrots.
I went out on a limb and purchased a painting I fell in love with. She needs some work but has already delighted customers as she delights me.
The girls and I went up to Snug Harbor Farm in Kennebunkport in the Fall to take a class with dear Sarah from Saipua. Most attendees were hard core designers and the results were beautiful.
This was my favorite: the designer almost forgot it!!
And finally, sadly, we said goodbye to our friend Cathy Walsh at Sprout Flowers in Worcester. I'm sure it was Cathy who wore bells in her skirt at Christmas time. There will never be anyone quite like her. The wake was packed with friends and florists sharing funny stories. She was a true light and will be missed by her husband Paul and hundreds of friends.
Bye Sprout
AND
We start the year off with a small wedding on Saturday and hopefully a big shop clean out.
Happy New Year to all of you recently engaged Brides to be, and to my lovely group of readers who take the time to see what we're up to at Bow Street Flowers
Cheers!