First there was this; a timid foray in the larger scheme of reclaiming the carnation from its flocked, glittered, Safeway/Vons/you-name-it-big-ugly-grocery-store reputation. Almost any flower can look chic when en masse and arranged in a tight mound. But I’m becoming more emboldened, more as each day gets longer. So this week I present the following mixed assembly of blooms—

In Defense of the Carnation.

Butter yellow carnations, white tulips, anemones, and pink jasmine. Pas mal, non?!

The anemones this time of year are amazing. It was a closed green bud (like that one in the background) just twelve hours prior to my taking this picture. And this one (below) is amazing. Red streaked in the back and deep navy and velvety black in the center.

The flower anemone is no less amazing than its sea dwelling counterpart, and just as diverse. Another one that previously appeared to be no more than closed, light green bud:

That bright lime green center blows me away.

Finally, a bit of gesturing jasmine.

Love the carnation.

xoxo