Flower March/April 2021

Spring drew on … and a greenness grew over those brown beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps. —CHARLOTTE BRONTË, JANE EYRE I JUST LISTENED TO THE SPRING CONCERTO of Vivaldi’s iconic Four Seasons. With the joyful opening herald of spring, followed by sounds of birds singing in celebration, then streams being caressed by gentle breezes, a dark and ominous storm, and a gradual return of the playful birds, I am absolutely invigorated. What I notice, besides the brilliant interpretation of sounds of nature in the piece, is the play of volume and intensity. I’m lulled by a restful chirping serenade, only to be startled by the crashing thunderstorm. And back and forth it goes until…

VLADIMIR KANEVSKY’S GLORIOUS FLOWER SCULPTURES will be exhibited at Washington, D.C.’s Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens April 6–September 5. The artist has said, “There is everything in flowers—history, drama, structure, beauty, and fragrance.” Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post would certainly agree, as she surrounded herself with flowers both in her gardens and in her home. The meticulous porcelain sculptures will take the place of live arrangements, bringing color and style to several rooms in the house. “Marjorie Post maintained a lifelong love of porcelain, especially that from the 18th century,” said Wilfried Zeisler, Hillwood’s chief curator. “She collected pieces with delicate decoration, harmony, and superb craftsmanship. Vladimir Kaneveky’s modern interpretation of this antique form would certainly have caught her eye and fits right in with her fabulous collection.” Floral-adorned porcelain, marquetry,…

In A Year at Clove Brook Farm (Rizzoli New York, 2021), the multitalented lamp and ceramics designer Christopher Spitzmiller captures all four seasons at his country home outside of New York City in Millbrook. He may be a weekend farmer, but he’s committed—raising chickens; keeping bees; and putting up his own jam, cider, and honey—and his beautiful retreat has something on offer throughout the year. And while Christopher may do things on a grand scale, you can apply his tips to whatever size garden you have or endeavor you want to pursue. As he advises in the introduction, “I hope this book inspires you to try something new around your own home, whether it’s sowing a few fruit and vegetable seeds in a pot or welcoming friends over for a…

MATERIALS LIST ◾Dusty miller◾Ornamental kale rosette◾‘Jacorma’ peony◾Queen Anne’s lace◾‘Princess Hitomi’ garden rose◾Gentiana◾Helleborus‘Winter Bells’◾Muscari◾Tulips◾Scabiosa◾‘Apollo’ iris◾Astrantia◾Feather-leaf acacia◾‘Mini Green’ hydrangea To read about Martha Whitney’s inspiration for this arrangement, turn the page > Martha Whitney’s Inspiration “I wanted to capture the celebration of the spring garden in this arrangement. This season brings to life many things that have been dormant for so long, including our urge to garden and fill our homes with color and fragrance. For me, experiencing the sense of renewal that comes from going out into my yard and seeing that my dreams have awakened and begun to flower is transformational.” For step-by-step instructions, turn the page > MATERIALS LIST ◾‘Rosa Loves Me (Just a Little Bit More)’ rose◾Double tulip◾‘Mini Green’ hydrangea◾Dusty miller◾Gentiana◾Helleborus ‘Winter Bells’◾‘Apollo’ iris◾Kale rosette◾Muscari◾‘Jacorma’ peony◾‘Lisa’ scabiosa◾Silver dollar eucalyptus MATERIALS LIST ◾Orange ranunculus◾‘Apollo’ iris◾‘Lisa’ scabiosa◾Gentiana◾Dusty miller◾Muscari STEP BY…

Calling out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat? Like the horn section blasting the arrival of a new sound in the iconic Motown anthem “Dancing in the Street,” the publication of Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms (Rizzoli New York, 2021) by Corey Damen Jenkins announces the ascendance of a new talent born from the streets of Motor City now writ large for the whole country to see. “I have what you might call a ‘Cinder-fella’ story,” laughs Corey. Growing up in a family of three boys, he was interested in color, pattern, drawing, and architecture but was steered toward a more conventional career by his father, whose goal for his sons was financial stability. “When my dad and I were talking about me…

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