More Blush Roses - Quicksand

Vintage lovers prepare to swoon. How gorgeous are these roses? This variety called Quicksand are the most amazing fleshy blush pink shade. Check out the subtle variations within this one wrap of roses. 

At one glance they appear to be putty pink, look again and they're coffee cream. Beige would be an insult ( I mean who wants to be beige after all? ) but think natural, neutral, nude and you're definitely on the right track.

This batch came in with quite a small slightly cone shaped head. Quite a similar shape to Amnesia. I haven't yet put them together but I'd be interested to see how they work because they're both very much dusky antique shades. 

Look at those amazing tints of raspberry pink on the outer petals. They are just begging to be paired with fruity deep pinks and incredibly subtle silver foliage.

Mmmm. How would you have yours?

Walpole appartments

Back in September I got to have a sneaky look around some smart new apartments in Mayfair. Based within a grand georgian building, tucked just around the corner from The Ritz, property developers Oliver Burns have created 5 opulent State apartments in what was once the home of Britain's first and longest serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.  

I was on hand to help set up the rooms for publicity shots, and to get them styled and ready for the Press launch.  Fabulous props were brought in to complete the luxury lifestyle look and beautiful flowers dressed every room.  My favourites the dusky antique pink hued Amnesia Rose, and below the seasonal burnt orange of the Physalis (Chinese lanterns) added to the warmth of the rich gold tones.

Vintage Blooms

Want to create a vintage feel for your big day, or for a little corner at home?  I shall be hosting a workshop with We Make London called Vintage Blooms and Buttonholes at The Oak Studio in Hampstead on Wednesday 6th July, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

I'll be demonstrating how to create a vintage style arrangement using some of the new vintage roses in teacups and teapots, which as well as looking fab on your kitchen or dressing table, would make great budget wedding table centres.

I will also be covering how to make a buttonhole fit for the occasion of your choice or just for lolling around in elegant splendour.  You can book online here.  Please do come along and join in the fun.

I don't know about you but I love vintage - be it fashion, furniture or flowers.  And I'm not alone, the trend for vintage has definitely gained momentum over the last few years.

In the shop we have seen more enquiries for vintage themed weddings. Brides seem to be moving away from formal handties of head to head roses and favouring a more wild, english country garden feel for their flowers, and incorporating vintage tea sets and cake stands, accessories like birdcages and books, and elegant vintage or vintage inspired dresses.

Beautiful blousey David Austen roses and dusky antique tones epitomise the vintage look, but with roses available in so many shades and shapes, combined with different blooms and foliage, there are endless ways to create a vintage feel.  

Vintage - A rose by any other name

Another contender for my favourite flower, or my favourite rose at least, is this beautiful rose called Amnesia. Its dusky antique pink is such a perfect colour for vintage style weddings. It works really well with the antique laces, and bridesmaid dresses in mocha and chocolate that have been popular with some of our brides at Ashley Blooms.

Sweet Avalanche, above, is also a personal favourite. Its a beautiful large headed rose, with a lovely shape and delicate blush pink hue. This shot doesn't really capture just how lovely they are so will try to get a better snap on here sometime soon.

And lastly Blue Curiosa. This large headed rose has blue tones that would work really well with purples. It opens quite quickly, with centres reminiscent of garden roses and not dissimilar to the David Austin roses that have been so popular over the last few years.

Before becoming a florist I wasn't really struck on roses, but nowadays I love them more and more, with waxflower, eucalyptus, hydrangea or just on their own.