Normality is a paved road: it's comfortable to walk but no flowers grow.'- Vincent Van Gogh

It never ceases to amaze me the way a simple flower is held up in literature, art, even philosophy, as the 'good' we should aspire towards. It's true that flowers do far more than to simply brighten the kitchen table; they impress upon us and remind us of how beautiful this earth is and what it is capable of producing. Isn't that something to be celebrated?

Here at the Arbour, we are slightly biased; we LIVE for the moments where flowers bring about beautiful encounters. I sometimes look at our bucket loads, sitting there waiting to go to their new homes- Oh, the stories they would tell!

 Our blooms have taken pride of place at wedding celebrations, they've seen engagements and parties, they've congratulated and surprised, inspired and proposed! They never fail to bring a smile and their joy is catching. Perhaps that's why we love what we do so much?

No two days in our little flower shop could ever really be described as 'normal'; No two days are ever the same and we're privileged to play our part in bringing a little magic to some of life's biggest moments. From 'Welcome to the world!' to 'Will you marry me?' Our flowers have been part of momentous occasions and for us, it's a privilege that never grows old!

This week we're beginning to get ahead with lots of exciting Christmas prep and the shop is slowly transforming into a wonderful, festive atmosphere. We've just launched a new range of skincare products and candles (more on that soon!) and we're preparing to have all our stock assembled and ready for Lincoln's Christmas market next week.

Our Christmas wreaths tend to be particularly popular and with lots of orders already coming in, the biggest challenge is to avoid the shop floor being mistaken for an evergreen forest!

Whilst the buzz of festive spirit that descends on our staff is inescapable, I must admit, when the big day does finally roll around, we always have a momentary sigh of relief, basking in the wonderful efforts of our team and thinking about our lovely customers and how our blooms might be taking center stage on their own Christmas tables.

It's a wonderful job and we're very excited to share with you more 'behind the scenes' snapshots over the coming weeks as we prepare to send our beautiful blooms and gifts off to their new homes! And if you are planning to pop by the renowned Lincoln Christmas Market, do pop into The Arbour on your way- we'd love to meet you!

Summer Holidays and a time to reflect.

I love the warm weather we are experiencing at the minute. I appreciate being able to get outside. My poor husband is on a mission in our garden to try and get it under control and so I keep wandering out to offer some advice, gently, of course, just little words of encouragement you understand! I do try and have a nice, cold, long something for him to drink when he's finished. To be honest by that stage I am usually swinging gently in the hammock dreaming of far flung places and warm sand between my toes. Or can you believe it Christmas! Elizabeth and I at this time of year have to begin to go to some of the lovely home fairs that are on at the minute and try and put ourselves in Christmas mode, no easy feat in July. But thats all part and parcel of being a florist.

I have never really been a 9 till 5 kind of girl. Don't get me wrong I have done it many eons ago but I much prefer the living on a knife edge that the floristry world can bring. Oh to be sure it can have its calm elegant moments where everything is very straight forward and under control. Then it can have those free-fall moments when you haven't got a clue whats going to happen next and you need to pull something out of the bag very fast. I remember one Mothers day when someone wandered into the shop and casually brought up every rose on the stand, "great for business"I hear you say, absolutely! But then I had no roses left and a full day of work in front of me. That took an awful lot of sweet talking to one of our  suppliers. Or the time we had made an arch full of flowers for a grand opening, when we started to move this beautiful creation this wretched thing did not want to play ball. Not only that but we had to get it down Lincoln's famous Steep Hill, such fun! I love the fact that no two days are the same. Working with some of the most beautiful flowers which are so tactile is inspiring. Flowers bring so much pleasure, they are not just for the big occasions but also  for everyday living. Nothing lifts the spirits quite like looking at some flowers sitting on the side, it can be just what is needed to lift a room and bring life to a home. Then they can tell someone that you are thinking of them, or that you are sorry {always a biggy} or simply that you love them. So whatever you are doing this fine weekend take time to reflect on life and enjoy the Summer!

Anne

Fritillaries!

No snakes head is as beautiful as the Fritillaria Meleagris. These beautiful Spring flowers are making a bit of a comeback at the moment as bouquets are becoming a bit more natural and free.

Fritillaria meleagris are perfect for posies for a spring bride and bridesmaid. They also look fabulous arranged on their own. These lovely bell shaped flowers can add fabulous movement to 
arrangements.

However you choose to use them, these lovely petite flowers will be a welcome addition to any arrangement.

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.

Hydrangeas... The most wonderful wedding flowers!

Is it any surprise that brides the world over love to have luscious, fluffy hydrangeas starring at their wedding. As there are a wide range of colours it's no wonder these lovely beauties are popular. They can be styled on their own or mixed in with other flowers, which is my personal favourite. Because they come in so many beautiful hues it's little wonder that they prove to be popular with brides.

From decorating the outside of the church or venue to decorating the tables these divine flowers will offer a real 'Wow  Factor' and make a spectacular entrance for you and your guests.

From simple bouquets... very understated, to something a little more glamorous hydrangeas  can really make a show-stopping bouquet.

They can be uses in hair crowns, to give a lovely soft boho look, cake decorations, table centers and a whole host of other ways  to add some flair to your special day.

However you choose to use them hydrangeas will never disappoint !

Spring Weddings!

Here's some ideas from Pinterest for Spring weddings to give all of our brides some ideas, I hope you enjoy looking at them!

January Days!

Well , here we are well into the dark grey chilly days. But passed the shortest day the days will begin to lengthen and thoughts of Spring  keep us looking forward. I always find this time straight after Christmas a little dismal. The decorations are down, the days are dark and the shop looks a little bare as we await new stock. I often am surprised how our small little shop tucked away on Steep Hill becomes a hub for people as they climb, breathlessly up that cobbled street. I love it when friends old
and new come in and stop to catch their breath before setting out on the next part of the ascent. People are drawn into the shop by the lovely scents which they can smell as they wander up. The
bright flower stand seems to be the one part of the shop that stands out. The flowers have come from
much warmer climes. Armfuls of flowers that are so incandescent in their freshness sit waiting to be
displayed in new ways.

 I love the scented Narcissi. The purity of the simple dainty head just pleases me and  I love to add them into the bouquets along with the freshest of pussy willow. Having said that I am also very fond of the tulip. There is nothing nicer than bringing a couple of wraps of the palest pink or soft white flower home and spreading them around the house. They just seem to chase away those dark days.

My other indulgence at this time of year is the hyacinth bulbs. Potted up just before Christmas they are now beginning to bloom and their heady aroma is beginning to fill the house.  I like to look for different and interesting pots to display the bulbs in. So at this time of year I often go scavenging amongst the antiques shops and reclamation yards to see what one off pieces I can find for the shop.

 There something very therapeutic about getting ones hands dirty as you pot up the plants with soil and I just love it when someone comes into the shop and says "that's perfect" for my friends birthday and walk away with one of my little finds because they know it fits the bill perfectly.
So while we have to wrap up warm and we can see our breath because the shop is so cold I sit and look at the flower stand and dream of warmer days and hope for a year of contentment.