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The brighter the better in some cases, and that’s what we’re loving these days when it comes to banksia. The banksia is a bold and textural bloom that’s displayed in many of our favorite designs. For any season, there’s always a way to make them work no matter what the occasion is. I think the uniqueness of a banksia is what makes it loved by so many of us. When it comes to designing with banksia, the options are seemingly endless. Such an exceptional flower can be transformed by the designer, projecting a different look depending on what else it is paired with it. You can go with natural burgundy, orange or green hues, or add more color to the stems and create a virtual rainbow. I attended the Hortiflorexpo in Shanghai this month, and while in the Lynch Group exhibit, banksias were all the rage. Here are some of the ways they were displayed throughout the booth. What color combination do you like best?

'Tussie Mussie's were introduced to England in the early 18th century. A small circular bouquet like a nosegay, but carries symbolic meaning, based upon the language of flowers, where specific flowers represent specific sentiments. They were commonly exchanged by lovers, who sent messages to one another.' Wikipedia. I have been making Tussie Mussies's  for Nanabelle's Vintage Tearoom's in Antrim, some of the materials I have used in my arrangements have the following meanings : Lavender - devotion, distrust, Geranium - gentility, coral or orange Rose - desire, passion, Rosemary - remembrance, Thyme - thriftiness, purple Violet - daydreaming. I find the whole subject fascinating, and love the thought of those 18th century lovers sending little coded messages to eachother. Except if everyone knew the language then everyone would know what they were saying. My home town of Antrim has been a little short of somewhere lovely to go and have a coffee or tea, but not an...