Natures Bounty Lesson 1: FIGS

 The past month I have been part of a coop called Bountiful Baskets.  Each week people make a 'contribution' of money which is pooled together to purchase fruit and veggies at a discounted price.  It is so much fun to see what we get in our basket each week.  A couple of weeks ago we received Mission Figs.  They were beautiful!  The colors on the outside of the fruit were so elegant for such a humble little fruit - then I cut them in half and WOW!  BEAUTIFUL!  One little fig contains an amazing palette of colors.  Just look at these!

Mother Nature really does have things figured out doesn't she.  Now picture these colors for your wedding flowers or even for your living room or dining room etc.  These colors are warm, rich, comfortable, but above all absolutely gorgeous!  Look at the contrast of the green and purple on the outside of the fruit.  Look at the beautiful juicy color on the inside with the pithy color that surrounds it. 

 Here are a few flowers for a fig inspired wedding.   

<><><><><> Leonidas Rose

Dahlia

Kermit Mum

                           Fern Curl

PS:  Can you tell I am ready for Autumn!?

PURPLE! The most popular color for weddings!

Rumor has it purple is the most popular color for weddings this year.  I'll be honest with you - I don't love purple on its own.  But when paired with the right color purple can create many different moods.  One great thing about purple -  it is very versatile and comes in a wide range of intensity.  Purple can vary from a dark  rich, almost black hue to light, frosty and cool.  It can be rich and juicy or antique and dusty.  Take a look at the color wheel.  To make a bold or bright statement use the colors opposite purple, which are yellow green and orange.  For a monochromatic look move to the right or left of purple into rich magenta and violet blues.

The purple that I love is a scent.  It is the rich smell of Concord Grapes hanging sweet and ripe on the vine.  This purple is a memory of  rich Autumn fragrances, harvest, crisp air and rusty leaves floating from trees.  Personally this is the direction I would go with purple.  Picture this, rich plum with chocolate brown, bronze, orange, cream and green ...my mouth is watering!  What a rich and diverse palette for your wedding.

 
For a Winter wedding cool icy lavender and white would be lovely and brisk.

Green and purple or lavender with white make a clean and fresh combination for Spring. 

Bright pinks, yellows, oranges and whites combined with purple, violet and lavender make fun playful Summer bouquets.

I love the monochromatic look with just about any color.  All one color and/or flower make an elegant statement. 

Some of my favorite purple and lavender flowers.

Sweet Pea - Very Fragrant - Spring only

Anemone - Spring only

Lilac -  Very Fragrant -  Spring only

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Lavender - Very Fragrant -Summer

Hydrangea - Available year round

Calla Lily - Available year round

Ranuculus - Spring only

For more color combonations check out http://www.theknot.com/ as well as http://www.thebrideandbloom.com/