Holiday Wreaths

Who would believe that it is wreath time again? It felt like it was just yesterday when I was picking my flowers before the frost. But I  love this season too, as Wreaths are a way to share with the world the beauty of nature and to rejoice in the Holiday Season. A reminder to be kind to others, ourselves and to prepare for the long winter sojourn. In my wreaths I use all natural ingredients, mainly wild crafted or grown on the farm. Everything is picked and made Fresh.

The workshop just before the chaos begins.

Magnolia leaves, oranges, rose hips and cultivated juniper.

Swags can make an inexpensive way to brighten up a dark corner and add some festive cheer, inside and out.

I'm big into Multipurposing. Small wreaths can be hung on doors and utilized into candle holders during a special celebration.

I also am doing some woodsy wreaths this year. There is wild juniper, magnolia leaves, sunflower heads, rose hips and another green I am in love with (sans latin name) and calling it 'Funky Green' for now.

My dried oranges. I love using these to add some opulence to my wreaths. After adding slices into the whole orange, dehydrate in a dehydrator. Takes anywhere from 24- 30 hours. Best to spray with sealer and wire after wards.

The wreaths kept outside to stay cool and fresh. I also drape with a shade cloth to protect from too much wind and sun.

Ah, Magnolia leaves. Can it get any prettier? Actually it can, since the leaf has one velvety brown side and a green side.

I'm going through a phase where I love variegated cedar and its gold tones. It is also really great in a garden.

You can find me at the Acadia Christmas Craft Expo at Acadia University or at one of the Farmer's Markets.

 Kentville Farmer's Market- Wednesday 10-2pm at the Town Hall.

or Saturday's at Historic Farmers' Market, at the Keith's Brewery- Find me in the Courtyard at the Brewery entrance.

I keep up to date pictures on my Facebook page, so please check us out there also. Thank you and have a lovely and safe Holiday Season.

Amanda Muis

Wedding- Alice and Chuck

I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by so much beauty on the farm, and then be able to grow and share that beauty with others for their special day. I can't wait to see  photos of the actual wedding. But for now, my side.

My Crowning glory. Fresh Wreaths of Coneflowers, zinnia, allium, lavendar, monkshood, grain etc.

Detail shot of the flower wreath.

Boutineers

Striped Grass, salvia, masterwort, lavender and allium (globe thistle for the groom)

Lady's Corsages of dahlia, veronica, lavendar, masterwort, heather and gompherena. The darker one in front was for a wrist corsage.

Pale pinks, whites and cabbage roses adorn this bridal bouquet. A touch of Lavendar around the outside will release its sweet scent when held.

Beautiful Lilies, double coneflowers, sweet peas, masterwort, varigated weigela, snapdragon, cabbage roses.

The Maid of honor bouquet of pinks, purples and whites. I love the antique lace.

Snapdragons, lilies, zinnias, saliva, sweet peas, canterbury bells

I am so delighted to not only grow these flowers, but also arrange them. I make plenty of bouquets for the Historic Farmers Market in Halifax each week and rarely photograph them. These I want to remember forever. Thank you.
         Amanda

Adam and Courtney's Wedding

I was so lucky and privileged to do flowers for a whimsical vintage wedding of some dear friends and fellow farmers from Olde Furrow Farm. They even had a horse drawn carriage! I can't share how happy I am for them- But I can share the pictures of the flowers pre-wedding.

Flower shot- Clematis, Peony, yellow flowering Allium, wild Grasses, Coreopsis foliage, Thrift, Lupins and Baptisia

The Pink Ladies Corsages- Lupin, Sweet pea, Wild Grain and Rose

Groom's- I had tomato blossoms in the shot but had to change over to flowering Allium

Father in law's Boutineers

So Pretty!

Boutineer's, More Lupin, Euonymus, Trollis, flowering Allium, wild Grain

The beautiful bouquet. Specially made for Courtney's colorful personality.

 

Side view- forgot to mention that making bouquets in advance of weddings, means there is time to allow blossoms to open more fully for a perfect day. I had tiny butter and cream iris to open up, along with the peonies.

Vintage lace hand pinned with pearl headed pins

This is only the first of  a few weddings I will do over the summer season. But it is my first and so special because I know the couple, and be able to express their personalities and love into flowers is an awesome honor.

Spring is here! (maybe)

Tulips- it will be a while before they are ready, but my patience pays off!

A rouge among spring seedlings

 somehow the Winter slipped past me, and it is officially Spring. That means it is still snowing on occasion. I think the problem is that Nova Scotia got spoiled in nice Spring weather last year, and we can't remember what it is like to have to suffer. Last year this time I was already planting outside. I will be lucky if  I can in 2 weeks time at this rate.

Tools of the Trade in the Greenhouse

I have some Anemones planted that seemed to bring little 'friends' with them- thrip. a potentially destructive pest towards my tulips. Since I don't spray my  flowers, I had to take them out into the snow in hopes that the cold will kill/knock them out. It was time to do a little weeding- Beautiful abstract designs taken from my weedings- micro beets, radish and lettuce that seem to pop up everywhere.

 I don't know what this is, but It looks like a Corn Salad/Mache gone wild

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         It also reminds me of some beautiful Orchids from a long time ago.

More beautiful abstracts of seedlings on the snow- It reminds me of a map

No matter the weather, I am busy growing seeds for plants, veggies and my beloved flowers. Soon the snow will stop and I will be growing these things outside. Market season is coming up soon, and I just can't wait!
Hope this finds you well,
Amanda