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This really is the best time of year, isn’t it? As we emerge from a long, cold scarf-wearing Melbourne winter, the sun has finally come out (the scarves are off!), our favourite flowers are in full bloom and preparations have begun for every flower lover’s favourite event, the Spring Racing Carnival!

  

  

This year we’re tapping even further into our creativity and imagination, providing beautiful blooms for special events large and small in the lead up to the racing season. It’s truly amazing how an event space comes to life with the presence of beautiful bouquets and bespoke floral arrangements, regardless of a budget. We’re happy to work with everyone on making their events special this carnival season - whether you’re hosting a corporate event for your valued clients or you simply require some statement pieces for an intimate private function in your home, we can assist by adding that special floral touch. Why not get in touch to discuss your needs and vision? I’d be happy to share some fresh ideas with you to take your event plans up a notch.

 And don’t forget we’re doing our unique floral headpieces for those who are looking for something a little different and special for their Race Day outfit. Get in touch anytime and order your bespoke floral headpiece now.

IMAGES:  PINTEREST.COM

However you choose to make a statement this season, here’s to another exciting floral-inspired Spring Racing Carnival in the month ahead!  Head to our website, or contact me on 0401 544 529 or via email here anytime to discuss how we can create something special for you or your event this racing season.

 

ANGE x

 

 

 

Easter! A holiday defined by the principles of renewal, hope, peace and rebirth (with just a touch of fun and chocolate). How do you mark the occasion? To me, whether you choose to celebrate Easter through worship, through customs or rituals, or just as time off with family, it’s always good for all of us to be reminded of these principles during this special holiday break.

“I think that's what life is all about, actually, about children and flowers.” Audrey Hepburn.
 
Bless you Audrey, I think you’re right.
 
And while the beauty of children is sometimes a little marred by dirty socks and unnecessary supermarket tantrums, flowers are indeed one of life’s greatest sensory pleasures - the smell of Jasmine in summer, the sight of a glorious bunch of Roses or the furry touch of a Star Flower. Nature is truly wondrous, isn’t it?
 
But the wonder of flowers gets better! Not only are we in love with blooms for their beauty and scent, flowers can also assist us on a path to good health and wellbeing. For centuries, medical practitioners and holistic healers spanning a multitude of cultures have relied upon the therapeutic properties of flowers to heal a variety of ailments and illnesses, both physical and mental. The list of beneficial floral remedies is surprisingly long - here are just a few examples.
 
Snapdragons (pictured above) named largely due to their resemblance to the face of a dragon, can be used as a gentle sedative and mental relaxant. It is especially useful when battling insomnia or stress.

IMAGE: PINTEREST.COM

 

The drought tolerant succulent perennial Begonia, mixed with hot water, has the proven ability to assist with the elimination of headaches and toxins within the body. The crushed flowers and leaves can also be rubbed directly on the skin to help relieve pain and heal sores or burns.
 
Calendula (known also as the Marigold) is most effective is reducing inflammation, the pain of cuts, burns and stings and it features widely in the production of beauty products by brightening the skin and reducing blemishes. It can also be gargled to reduce symptoms of a sore throat.
 
Carnations brewed as a tea can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, agitation, stress and fatigue.
 
The Dandelion, prepared as a tea, supports healthy liver function, can naturally balance hormones and blood sugars in the body, has been known to reduce inflammation and can assist with reducing the symptoms of anaemia.
 
The beautiful and ever-popular Gardenia goes well beyond its ability to look pretty and smell divine - it features heavily in Chinese medicine for blood cleansing and blood disorders, bladder problems, and physical injuries. The Gardenia also works effectively on a mental level by helping to alleviate depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia and similar disorders.
 
Jasmine, like the Gardenia, goes beyond its amazing scent. Its sweet, exotic flower aids in the treatment of digestive issues and stomach ulcers. Sipping a Jasmine brew before bedtime can also help to ward off insomnia and anxiety.
 
One of my favourites, the gorgeous Peony has medicinal properties that date back to ancient Chinese civilisation. Consuming a tonic made from the Peony flower is helpful as a muscle relaxant in cases such as general muscular pain, cramps and also menstrual discomfort. More than just a pretty face, it seems!
 
And finally, the antimicrobial properties of the Nasturtium make it an effective remedy against colds and flu, assisting the immune system in the fight against germs. The Nasturtium flower is also useful in treating infections of the lungs, bladder and reproductive organs.
 
The wonder of Mother Nature! I don’t know about you, but I see a lot of stress-reducing floral teas in my future!
 
Naturally, if we’re suffering from ANY kind of medical issue (whether it be physical or mental) a medical professional should be the first stop in our journey to wellbeing. However, the healing power of flowers should never be underestimated as hugely beneficial to our mind, body and spirit. Remember how good you felt the last time you surprised someone with a beautiful bouquet of their favourite bloom? Or perhaps how happy you felt when you were the lucky recipient? Why not bring on those happy, warm feelings once more by ordering a bespoke bunch for someone special today! Head to our send flowers page and place your order here.
 
 

ANGE X

Hello, 2017!

 
Happy New Year to you all – I really hope you enjoyed a wonderful festive season and managed to get a little beach-related downtime in the process!
 
So the busiest time for lovers and florists alike (!) will soon be upon us and I thought it might be nice to explore the ‘true’ meaning of St Valentine’s Day outside of the wordy greeting cards, the long stemmed red roses and of course the tubs of ice cream that are eaten by those who just wish the day would simply pass them by. (Yep – we’ve all been there!).
 
Originating in Roman times, there are a few supposed versions of how St. Valentines Day began. Some profess that in the third century, marriage was banned by Emperor Claudius II during wartime as he believed that single men made better soldiers (total killjoy, old Claudius) therefore a sneaky, starry-eyed priest named Valentine began to marry young lovers in secret.  This romantic and defiant gesture saw many lovers joined in union during Claudius’ rule, but sadly Valentine’s actions were eventually discovered and he was put to death for his actions.
 
Another version suggests that a prisoner named Valentine fell for the daughter of his captor who used to visit him in secret and before his execution he penned her a love letter that was signed, “From Your Valentine”. Clearly it’s a phrase that has stood the test of time; almost seven centuries later it is still rolled out when, once a year, we dust off our writing implements and express our love for one another in words, sometimes with chocolates and hopefully always with a bouquet of beautiful flowers.
 
According to tradition, the red rose is a symbol of love and passion and has appeared in paintings, poetry and music for hundreds of years. Sending a single red rose on Valentine's Day is usually understood to mean ‘I love you'. Having said that, I believe that ALL flowers convey a message of affection from one to another in some way, and most importantly, such a gesture doesn’t have to cost the earth. 
 
This year, while roses are certainly a classic selection, why not consider some equally stunning and original floral bouquets featuring blooms such as Water Lilies, Dahlias, Gardenias (that perfect scent!), or the ever-bright and beautiful Hydrangea? Trust me - putting that little bit of extra thought into the originality of your Valentine’s gift is sure to win you some major points. (You can thank me later … *wink*.)

I’m really excited about putting together a range of unique bouquets this year and there are so many flowers that can bring Valentine’s Day to life. And in addition to the individual bouquets I’ll be creating, our Bespoke Botanics’ Gift Subscriptions are still available - your special someone can receive a different designer bunch hand-delivered to them each week or each month for as long as you desire. One week they may be surprised by an explosion of brilliant Peonies, the next it may be gorgeous pom poms of Viburnums that magically appear on their doorstep.  Yet another way to surprise and delight the one you love with a gift that extends well beyond February 14^th.
 
(Gift Subscription options and to purchase online can be found on our website here.)

Whatever your plans this Valentine's Day, I hope you’re remembered, cherished and delighted by whatever gesture that comes your way. And if not, then go ahead and treat yourself to a lovely bunch of something, in addition to your favourite tub of ice cream! Everyone deserves to feel special this February 14^th.

 

Hello, December! (Where did you creep up from, you sneaky minx?)

While this time of year brings with it the impending joys of the Festive Season and holiday time with friends and family, it also has the ability to send us into a tailspin of panic whereby gift lists are made and schedules are overloaded with endless obligations that see us racing from one commitment to another while trying to figure out how that list is ever going to get done. Sound familiar? And then there’s the shopping centre car park! ‘Nuff said.

 Every body breathe! I can help. Let’s tackle that gift list together and talk beautiful and unique Christmas gifts.

Everyone loves flowers and when we receive a bunch from someone who loves or appreciates us, it’s that extra bit special. Flowers have the magic ability to turn a house into a home and the good news is that it’s no longer a luxury reserved only for the rich and famous.

 The Bespoke Botanics’ gift subscription has just launched and it’s available now, just in time for Christmas.

 If someone special in your world deserves the beauty of blooms, consider gifting them a membership to my new bouquet subscription service and they’ll receive a different designer bunch hand-delivered to them each week or each month for as long as you desire. One week they may be surprised by an explosion of brilliant Peonies, the next it may be gorgeous pom poms of Viburnums that magically appear on their doorstep. Who wouldn’t love that?!

There are several subscription options available to suit a range of budgets, so head here to the ‘GIFTS’ section our website for details and to purchase online. (Yay, no dreaded cark parks!). Each gift certificate comes elegantly wrapped inside a box filled with rosemary and free delivery is available to many of our metro locations.

Show someone how much they’re loved and appreciated with brilliant bouquets this Christmas.

 

 IMAGE: BESPOKE BOTANICS

 

And don’t forget our gorgeous Festive floral centrepieces and wreaths are still available to purchase online here! Bring your table to life with the beauty of blooms this Christmas Season.

 

 IMAGE: BESPOKE BOTANICS

In case you haven’t ventured into your local department store recently, I should warn you that Bing Crosby is already in fine voice and the aisles are now oozing with baubles, reindeer statues and colourful, flashing tree lights. The usual assortment of hampers are lining the shelves in readiness for the flurry of teacher-related purchases and you can barely see through the forest of plastic Christmas Trees standing to attention.

As we approach the season of ‘fashion and fillies’ known here in Australia as the Spring Racing Carnival, tell us – what’s your style when it comes to stepping out? Do you favour something simple like a timeless little black dress or is your typical fashion personality more bright, bold and colourful? Do you like to blend in or do you prefer to make a statement? (Or perhaps like me, you do a little of both depending upon your mood?)
 
Regardless of your own penchant for style, I think we can all agree that the natural beauty of flowers has remained a common creative thread through almost every era of fashion and continues to be so on the catwalks of today. From the early origins of fabrics in Asia where Peonies, Chrysanthemums and the Lotus flower were the first floral prints to feature in textiles, to the Rose-inspired garments designed for Marie Antoinette in the 1700s, and the work of Paul Poiret through the 1800s, almost every iconic designer over time has drawn their inspiration from the natural beauty of flowers.

IMAGES: PINTEREST.COM 

      

IMAGES: MATCHESFASHION.COM 

         

IMAGES: BESPOKE BOTANICS

Whatever your fashion style and statement this year, here’s to another exciting floral-inspired Spring Racing Carnival in the months ahead!  Contact me on 0401 544 529 or angela@bespokebotanics.com anytime to discuss how I can create something special for you this racing season.