STYLE, EVENTS, HOME Studio Sprig STYLE, EVENTS, HOME Studio Sprig

How to Design a Valentine Tree

Why I Designed a Tree FIlled with Love

As the Christmas season was coming to an end, I decided I wanted to enjoy our pretty tree a little longer. I knew I could get away with keeping our faux Balsam Hill Pine up through January dressed in its wintery guise, but what excuse did February have? That’s why, this year, I created a Valentine's Tree. Read on to see how I did it.

Transitioning a Christmas Tree

We created a pretty simple Christmas tree this year so the transition was easy. I first removed all of the Christmas balls but kept all the white lights and icicles. This step was very quick and with a semi-bare tree, I was able to then plan for February-appropriate decor.

Making a Valentine's Tree Topper

I considered keeping our glowing Moravian Star tree topper but decided that a Valentine's tree needed to better reflect Valentine’s Day. I considered a grapevine heart wreath covered in dried flowers but decided I’d like to just use found materials and make my own. This is how I did it.

Start with a basic shape

I took an old cardboard box and cut two identical free-form hearts. I then hot-glued a 10” doubled-up piece of floral wire about 4” deep inside the two panels and extended it out the bottom, so that I’d have something to wrap around the tree’s top branch. If I do it again, I will also extend the wire from each side so the heart has more stability when topping the tree.

Once the wire is secured, hot glue the hearts together. This step helps the topper to be more ridged and stable.

Designing the front of your heart topper

Start by designing one side of the heart with your dried flowers and moss. I used my professional-grade Ryobi glue gun, some reindeer moss, and the dried flowers I harvested this year. If you want to learn how to dry your own flowers, see my blog: Learn how to dry your own garden flowers. I didn’t have much of a design or plan, but I just kept filling in the cardboard as I went around the heart and eventually, one side of my heart was completely covered.

Designing side 2

When I finished side 1, I realized leaving the second side of the heart blank wouldn’t look very nice from the side view, so I cut up a coloring book, quickly glued it to the surface of the heart, and glued some leftover moss around the edges to finish it off. In retrospect, I would cover this side first with contact paper or something simple to make the job easier. You could also fill the back side with moss if you have it.

The Heart-Shaped Tree Topper

Here is the result. Not bad for a trial run. Later I’ll show you how it looks on the tree.

Hanging hearts on the Tree

Now the rest of the tree needed some LOVE-ly decor. I found these pretty heart ornaments in rose gold online. They are sold in sets of 45 so I only ordered one set. You can also get them in silver, pink, gold, red, and a pink, red & white combo.

Accenting with Vintage Valentine Cards

I also found some vintage Valentine ornaments to add some character to my tree. There are many types of interesting card ornaments to choose from on Amazon, so look around. Some are more childish which would be nice if you are creating this for your children or grandchildren.

The Unveiling

When all the little rose gold hearts and vintage Valentines were hung, I added a few large dried flowers and some colorful felt ball garlands that I had lying around.

I am very pleased with how this turned out and I’m happy I started a new tradition for our home. Don’t worry, if you’ve already removed your Christmas tree this year, you can plan for next February or grab some fallen branches from outside and place them in a garden pot to make a smaller Valentine’s Branch Tree. Anything is possible. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Enjoy The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

I am sure you've heard of The Philadelphia Flower Show. Flower enthusiasts come from far and wide to this grand event every year.

The Philadelphia Flower Show Water Feature

If you are from the northeast or live anywhere near Philadelphia, I am sure you've heard of The Philadelphia Flower Show. Flower enthusiasts come from far and wide to this grand event every year. Many of them probably do not even realize it's the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world!

The Flower Show is produced by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society annually at the beginning of March and is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center which provides the show with 2.3 million square feet of exhibition space, the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast. During the two years of the pandemic, the show was moved outside to fdr park and it was moved to the month of June.

PA Convention Center - Photo: www.discoverphl.com/

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, that uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. They use the funds to provide low-cost gardening programs, create community gardens, support neighborhood programs, design and maintain free public gardens, and plant trees. This year's show began on Saturday, March 4, and it runs until Sunday, March 12, so there is still plenty of time to get there. If this is your first time I hope this encourages you to go.

The hours are:

March 4, 10, 11: open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

March 5 - 9: open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

March 12: open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Philadelphia Horticultural Society Photo: phsonline.org

Flower Show Themes Through the Years

Every year the Horticultural Society chooses a new theme. The 2023 theme is "The Garden Electric". Some creative themes through the years have been:

  • 2022 In Full Bloom

  • 2021 Habitat

  • 2020 Riviera Holiday

  • 2019 Flower Power

  • 2018 Wonders of Water

  • 2017 Holland: Flowering the World

  • 2016 Explore America

  • 2015 Celebrate the Movies

Flower Power Theme 2019 - Photo: PhillyVoice.com

The Flower Show Exhibitors

Floral designers and exhibitors are carefully chosen. You'll find professionals, nonprofessionals, universities such as my alma mater, The University of Delaware, and locals like Temple's Tyler School of Art and Architecture and Delaware Valley University all represented. And keep in mind it's not only about well-known floral studios and their gorgeous displays, you'll also see fascinating exhibits from The Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators, The Pennsylvania Bonsai Society, and The Men's Garden Club of Philadelphia to name just a few. The full 2023 list of exhibitors can be found here.

Florastruck: The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show Entrance Garden

Find Your Favorite

My favorite exhibit this year has to be “The Cerebral Garden”: Look for a giant brain with electrical synapses emanating from a large white tree. Designed by Jennifer Designs, this full immersion experience is truly unique and one I did not expect while waiting in line. The designer invites visitors to step inside the lobes of the brain. There is an interactive feature explaining how electrical impulses shape our thoughts and perceptions. In my opinion, it's a great interpretation of this year's theme Garden Electric.

Cerebral Garden White Tree

The Cerebral Garden Exhibit - Photo: Kim Bensing

The Cerebral Garden Exhibit - Photo: Kim Bensing

The Cerebral Garden Exhibit - Photo: Kim Bensing

Don’t Skip The Student Exhibitors

Do yourself a favor and keep your eyes open for the Pressed Plant Art exhibit, Bugging Out Over Color, in the Design Gallery portion of the show. These works were created by the 5th-12th grade students from Tredyffrin/Easttown School District under the supervision of the brilliant fine artist and my dear old friend Khara Flint. These little framed delights really exemplify the beauty that pressed flowers can and should provide. I wanted to buy one for my home. Thank you, Khara!

“Bugging out over color” -Pressed Paper Student Exhibition led by Artist, Khara Flint

Take Advantage of Some Special Events

Throughout the entire week, you'll find various events to keep you busy no matter what day you go.

On March 5-12, you can participate in an Early Morning Tour where you can buy a separate ticket for a two-hour tour with a longtime attendee ($110 fee). Early Morning Photography Tours are also available from March 6 to 10 ($130 fee). Both start at 8 a.m. and end at 10 a.m.

Floral Tutus

When you first arrive, you'll walk right through Artisan Row. Here you can make candles, and botanical jewelry, create handbags and flower crowns, design succulent terrariums, and even participate in a dried flower bar. These events have an additional fee depending on the event you choose.

The Dry Flower Bar at the Philadelphia Flower Show

The Dry Flower Bar at the Philadelphia Flower Show

There is free live music at the flower show every day beginning at noon. Every year the show features a flower crown Bloom Bar ($33 fee). On March 5th you can enjoy Design & Dine: Create your own floral arrangements while sharing a meal ($40 fee). With the show's Potting Parties, you can learn the art of container gardening with flower designer Tu Bloom ($10 fee). There's even a dance party called Flowers After Hours on March 11 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. This year the theme is Garden Noir; participants will wear all-black attire and masks. Must be 21 and over with an ID ($75 fee).

Take Your Kids & Pets

There is a Kid's Cocoon featuring a play area for children to learn about pollinators, plant seeds, and take them home. On March 12, children can partake in face painting, giveaways, mascot visits, and more with Family Frolic. On March 10, they are offering Fido Friday where you can bring your furry friends to the Flower Show. Each day the Butterflies Live experience lets you enter a butterfly habitat, enjoy the experience and respectfully take pictures. ($5 fee).

Young girl holding a butterfly

Butterflies Live at The Philadelphia Flower Show - Photo: phsonline.org

Talk to a Few Vendors

I always look forward to the spark of joy I get when I visit the vendor section of the flower show. The show hosts many interesting vendors each year, so many that they take up almost half of the entire convention center. The full is can be found here.

I have a few vendors I always hunt for whenever I go. This year I stopped by booth #116 to visit my social media friend and vintage jewelry designer extraordinaire Jill Schwartz. I've been following Jill to the flower show for years and I own several of her designs. She studied design at Pratt and she just has such a warm, kind personality. She also has an exciting presence on Instagram if you indulge. Check out Elements Jill Schwartz.

Elements Jill Schwartz - Photo: Kim Bensing

My other go-to vendor is Glenda Gies (booth #809). Glenda is a local handbag designer from Philadelphia. I was first drawn to Glenda's designs a few years ago when I purchased my first bag at the flower show. Glenda uses the most exquisite tactile fabrics on her handbags which come in many stylish, vintage-inspired shapes. I met Glenda for the first time this year, and I own two of her fabulous handbags, which you can purchase at a discount only at the flower show. Check out Glenda Gies.

Glenda Gies Handbags - Photo: Kim Bensing

I was very happy to find Doylestown’s own Bluestem Botanicals among the vendors this year at The Flower Show. Bluestem is an herbal farm collective that connects people with plants for food, and medicine. I had the pleasure of participating in a tented potluck dinner and farm tour this past summer in Doylestown. Here at the show, founders Eric and Linda are serving guests a sample of a refreshing blueberry mocktail, spritzed with one of their herbal hydrosols. Check out their yummy “Drink Your Garden” farm-crafted, botanically-focused cocktail/mocktail kits when you visit them at the show.

Founders of Bluestem Botanicals, Eric Vander Hyde and Linda Shanahan Photo: Kim Bensing

How to Buy Tickets to The Flower Show

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society produces the show, so you must buy your tickets on their website provided here.

Adult tickets: $43.50

Student tickets: $30.00 (with a valid student id)

Child tickets (5-17): $20.00

Children under 5 are free

There are two packages: two adults and one child ($100) or two adults and two children ($120)

If you order online there is a small fee, but I recommend doing this in advance of your trip to avoid long lines, especially if you choose to go on a weekend.

If you become a member of the Philadelphia Horticultural Society online, you can get discounted tickets and Member’s Preview Day tickets are also an option. This preview takes place the Friday before the show opens. Everything is very well explained on their website above.

Garden Electric…

Ice Cream Cone Man

How to Travel to The Flower Show
I happen to live in a Philadelphia suburb, approximately 20 miles from downtown Philadelphia, so each year I hop on the regional rail (SEPTA) just a few blocks from my home and it takes me to Jefferson Suburban Station which conveniently is underneath the PA Convention Center. The train ride is easy and stress-free because I do not have to find parking, walk in the city at all or even wear a coat as the outdoor regional stations have heating lamps. And Jefferson Suburban Station is one of the main hubs in center city, Philadelphia, so if you have rail service where you live, download the SEPTA app and find your best route. In addition, I found this handy guide in the Philadelphia Inquirer. I hope it helps.

Bike: 19 minutes from South Philly, 30 from North or West Philadelphia.

Buses: Take lines 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 21, 23, 33, 34, 36, 38, 42, 47, and 48.

Subway: On the Market-Frankford line, the 11th Street Station leaves you within a three-minute walk from the Convention Center. On the Broad Street Line, the Race-Vine Station will leave you a minute away from the venue.

Regional Rail: Get off at Jefferson or Suburban Station.

If you choose to drive into the city, the address is below. There are plenty of city parking garages nearby so the Convention Center should only be a short walk.

PA Convention Center
1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Giant Paper Flowers from Ukraine

Peace Doves

How to Eat at The Flower Show

In years past there were various local establishments like Philly's iconic Di Bruno Brothers sprinkled throughout the convention center for easy eats. This year Aramark Hospitality took over that function. The Convention Center's Overlook Cafe is another option if you prefer to stay inside. But if you want to experience the local flavors Philly has to offer check out Philly's famous Reading Terminal Market located just across the street or walk over to Chinatown, another nearby option.

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, PA

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Please leave comments below if you’ve experienced The Flower Show firsthand and if it’s still on your list, I hope this inspires you to go this week. If you live far away, consider a trip to Philadelphia next March. The Show certainly prepares you for the beauty that is spring! You can subscribe to this blog here. Thank you. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here.

Hellebore at the Philly Flower Show

Hellebore Detail - Photo Kim Bensing

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Have you ever thought about creating a beautiful water feature?

Read about an Irishman and his quest to make the most beautiful backyard water features.

Even if you haven’t, please allow me to introduce you to Gerard, the water feature superhero.

Gerard Touhey built his first backyard pond in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1995. Since then, Water Features by Gerard has installed and worked on water features in Disney World, Mexico, France, Ireland, and Chicago as well as Boston and his surrounding Lehigh Valley area. Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of meeting him and I’d like to share my experience. I’ve included a short video where Gerard beautifully tells his sentimental life story, referencing his journey from Ireland, and how he began creating all of these larger-than-life water features at the end of this blog. Please be sure to watch when you finish reading.

Portrait of Gerard Touhey in front of his illuminated gardens and water features

A Waterlust Life.

Last weekend I was invited to tour a backyard like no other. This is Gerard Touhey, the water feature superhero. This man SERIOUSLY redefines a backyard escape. On Sunday, I joined some of my beloved family for dinner in Easton, PA -thank you cousin Sharon, for making these arrangements. After dinner, we toured this magical oasis Gerard simply calls his “yard”. To say I was blown away would be an understatement. I had no idea what to expect and just thought we’d be seeing a few aquascapes and traditional ponds. I was wrong.

Gerard Touhey owner of Water Features by Gerard

Gerard Touhey, owner Water Features by Gerard

IT’S ALWAYS those Victorians!

From the front of Gerard’s gorgeous blue Victorian property, you can see only a few carefully placed “hydro hints”, beautifully situated and trickling down toward the sidewalk. But wait….because as impressive as the front gardens were when I walked around to the right side of his home I found so much more. I found things like…

Gerard’s well-appointed victorian home in Easton, PA

Heron sculpture on water feature

Heron sculpture perched on water feature.

…Secret PEDESTAL Perches.

It’s here that I separated from the crowd to go off and discover a few Secret Pedestal Perches. These little moss-covered perches and rocks are tucked away everywhere, perfectly illuminated and peppered with small garden sculptures like this heron eyeing up a fresh, unsuspecting koi.

This sidetrack of tiny pathways was super enchanting and kind of reminded me of my favorite 1972 TV show, The Magic Garden. (Yep, if you click here you can hear the theme song)

Glass Bridge over water featrues

Mini Glass Bridge and the Petite Beach.

With that song ringing in my head, I thought it couldn’t get much better, but then I stumbled upon a Mini Glass Bridge placed over a quiet stream. As you’re probably assuming, Gerard could have incorporated a typical wooden bridge here, but then he’d be just like every other “pond designer” you’ve ever met! Instead, Gerard incorporated this glass detail so that his many guests and tour groups could enter the side patio space with dry feet and a view of the colorful pond fishies. Since water surrounds 3 sides of Gerard’s home, it’s sort of like his castle has a moat.

After crossing the magical, mini glass bridge the entire glorious water ensemble unfolded before my eyes.

It’s there that I found what I decided to call The Petite Beach, one of many little “garden rooms” Gerard created to enchant his friends and family. Here, from your painted Adirondack, you can summon a Guinness, kick off your sandals, and actually put your feet in the sand.

Gerard and friend enjoying a Guinness on beach

Gerard and friend enjoy a toast on The Petite Beach.

Leaping Frogs Everywhere.

In perfect view from the sandy beach are several carefully positioned bronze statues. My favorites were the little children playing with Leaping Frogs. Everywhere you look Gerard has created the most vivid Naturescapes with splashing water, vibrant flowers, and grand illuminations that make each one distinct. We arrived just before dusk, so the lights literally came on while we were strolling around. The great thing is you can leap around for hours and still miss many of the interesting scenes hidden throughout.

girl with frog statue

Little girl garden statue taunting a leaping frog.

boy with frog statue

Little boy garden statue capturing a leaping frog.

Bronze boy holding his leaping frog.

Secret swimming hole.

pond or Pool?

It’s true, while most backyard ponds are designed for a few weary koi or just installed to provide pleasant splashing sounds, Gerard’s feels more like he and Tom Sawyer carved the earth with their bare-knuckle hands to create the world’s coolest swimming hole. That’s why he needed to build a beach, remember? So if petite beaches, canoe boating, and bronze froggies are your thing, you’d feel right at home with one of these bubbling babies in your backyard. Do not tell yourself it can’t be done. Unlike other “pond contractors” who come to your yard for a “dry & boring” consultation, Gerard brings you to his. Smart man, because while you're summoning your Guinness in bare feet and feeding his koi some kibble, I would bet you’d be in a better frame of mind to dream up some wonderlust-y features you’d like to have in your very own backyard fantasyland pond.

Swimming pond with canoe in blue.

Swimming pond with canoe in pink.

Gerard exhausted from a dig.

The long rest with canoe in green.

Concrete heads are cool.

I’ll leave you with one parting thought on design. As an Art Director, I lovingly gazed at this corner for a very long time. Sure, it may have been because of the perfectly cascading waterfall basin, but I think we all know that it was really because of the concrete head. You just can’t go wrong with a concrete head. In fact, I have one in the center of my family room. I picked her up at an estate sale. I love her. This one in Gerard’s corner waterscape garden proudly wears her spikey leaves just like the Victorian woman -who probably lived in this home over 100 years ago- would have flaunted her fashionable plume. This head was a very nice nod to our tour’s end. Below I have included Gerard’s social links so you can get to know him and his artful genius. Please remember to view his video.

The magic of moss.

After a long day with canoe in purple.

I hope you enjoyed this Inspiration. Please leave comments below. I’d love to hear about your backyard plans. If you’re interested in a Water Feature for your plot of paradise or you just want to connect with Gerard, please mention this blog and Kim from Studio Sprig as he’d love to hear how you found him.

Instagram: @waterfeatures_by_gerard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerard.touhey/photos
Pinterest: @gerrypond
Email: Waterfeaturesbygerard@msn.com

Please watch this wonderful video where Gerard beautifully shares how it all began. Video: Gerard’s story.

A few sound resources to soothe you while you build your dream.
1. Relaxing Zen Music with Water Sounds
2. Spa Music Hour
3. Shower Meditation
4. Rain Fruits ZZZ
5. Purifying Waters of Zen


Learn: There’s a scientific reason why water is so calming. Learn about it.
Create:
Gather items to implement a fountain, pond, pool, or new sculpture into your scape this spring.
Inspire:
Invite friends over to just stare at your new ambiance. Offer them a Guinness.


Slán go foill

I’m always here to help you with your creative journey. Please sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I look forward to connecting. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here. - Kim

Photo credits: Sharon Coe, Gerard Touhey & Kim Bensing


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EVENTS, STYLE Studio Sprig EVENTS, STYLE Studio Sprig

How to choose flowers that have sentimental meaning

When creating bouquets or arrangements choose flowers, greens, and herbs that have sentimental meaning.

Kate Bensing with her 6th grade Flower Bouquet

The Meaning of Flowers

Long before I opened Studio Sprig in 2016, I owned a freelance design business called Kim Bensing Design where I told sentimental romance stories through book-like wedding invitations. Because of my background in conceptual advertising, the captivating stories about my engaged couples were what I was after. I interviewed them extensively before I even began the design work. I loved this aspect of my job. I really enjoyed getting to know their backstory, and what message they wanted to relay to their guests with their invitations.

So in 2012, my first daughter Kate was graduating 6th grade and I wanted to buy her some flowers. But I didn’t want them to be just any pre-made, handheld bouquet wrapped in plastic. I wanted them to be especially meaningful to reflect how ultra special she was to me. So I went to a florist near me and asked them to tie up a few specific blooms & sprigs for my daughter to hold at her ceremony. This is four years before I knew anything about the floral industry, local growers, seasonal flowers, or pesticides. I did, however, know about plastic wrap, and I knew I did not want that! When I arrived, I was strictly interested in the meaning of the flowers and I asked for their help. And because I needed a card to explain the flowers, I also designed and attached a simple little one that illustrated the meaning of each flower in the bouquet and why I chose it. I hoped that she’d keep this forever but I am not sure she could actually find that card today, as she’s now 22 and a very busy graduate student. But through that small, ribbon-tied bouquet and a little tiny card, my undying love was conveyed that day, and it was the catalyst that propelled me to launch the Bucks County, boutique floral art studio; Studio Sprig, four years later.

Choosing Sentimental Flowers for Arrangements and Bouquets

Here is a short list of some of the flowers I chose for Kate’s bouquet above, to the best of my limited 2011 knowledge, and again because I can’t find the card!!! I hope you get the idea.

The focal flower is Stock & it is a symbol of a happy life, lasting beauty, and contented existence. It also smells AMAZING!!
The purple Aster symbolizes love, wisdom & faith.
The scattered Baby’s breath symbolizes everlasting love.
I am sure there were a few more sprigs tucked in, but I can’t see them in this photo, so sorry.

This topic of “the meaning behind something” has always fascinated me so here is a little flower history for you.

Floriography: The Language of Flowers

Floriography, the language of flowers, has been practiced in traditional cultures throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa for thousands of years. Strong interest in floriography soared in Victorian England and in the United States during the 19th century. Gifts of blooms, plants, and specific floral arrangements were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which - and I love this part - could not be spoken aloud in Victorian society. A popular book entitled Le Langage des fleurs by Charlotte de la Tour was published in France in 1819. Here, Charlotte offered 300 meanings for particular flowers to provide assistance in making bouquets. Victorians often exchanged small "talking bouquets", called nosegays or tussie-mussies, which could be worn or carried as a fashion accessory.* I always love this because I carried a tussie-mussie filled with roses, hydrangea, and herbs for my wedding in 1998, having absolutely no real understanding of why I chose one except that I loved Jane Austen.

If you are unfamiliar with the illustrations of Kate Greenaway, take a look at her gorgeous 19th-century children’s books including the one linked below.

I hope you have enjoyed learning the meaning behind the meaning of flowers. Below please see the short list of some popular blooms and their symbolisms as well as a few current and not-so-current resources I discovered. You can click on the image and it will take you to where you can buy it. Have fun the next time you create a bouquet from your own garden or pop into your local flower shop or farmer’s market, and be sure to request specifics based on what they will mean to your recipient. Remember to always attach a small card to explain!

Helpful Links to learn more about meaningful flowers

I have included a link for the french edition of Le Langage des fleurs if you would like to add it to your collection. There are also more current options which I will include below. Most notably the gorgeous books authored by Shane Connolly. Enjoy.

 
 
 
 

Floriography Sources

Shane Connolly of the UK is a renowned designer who designs for England’s royalty. Shane exemplifies the idea of discovering how florals can relate to the concept of your event. His beautiful website is worth browsing. Here are 6 of his published books that would be worth reading.

The Secret Language of Flowers: Rediscovering Traditional Meanings

Language of Flowers

Wedding Flowers

A Year in Flowers

Table Flowers: Over 50 Arrangements for Simple, Special and Spectacular Occasions

Discovering the Meaning of Flowers

Please comment to share some other interesting floral symbolisms or stories you’ve enjoyed or created. Include images!

A short list of popular flowers, herbs and their symbolisms:

~ Zinnia / friendship, & daily remembrance
~ Rose / love & passion
~ Peony / love, honor & goodwill
~ Dahlia / commitment & kindness
~ Tulip / passion & deep love
~ Carnation / love
~ Calla Lily / life & fertility
~ Gerber Daisy / cheerfulness & celebration
~ Orchid / thoughtfulness & charm
~ Gardenia / trust, hope & peace
~ Sunflowers / loyalty & admiration
~ Hydrangea / gratitude, grace & beauty
~ Rosemary / remembrance
~ Sage / wisdom & immortality
~ Thyme / courage & activity


Learn: Read a book about the meaning of flowers
Create:
Design a handheld tussie-mussie and assemble with a note
Inspire:
Share your creation with a friend

I hope you enjoyed this Inspiration. Please leave comments below. I’d love to hear about your cool floral combinations. I’m always here to help you with your creative journey. Please sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I look forward to connecting. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here. - Kim


*source: Wikpedia
Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate and will sometimes offer affiliate links. The price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. Thank you very much.

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Hi, I’m Kim. Welcome to Studio Sprig.

Kim Bensing’s original watercolors and designs are now available on wallpaper and fabric. To order visit Studio Sprig’s design library on Spoonflower. Contact me if you need assistance.