Please kindly note that for the comfort and safety of our equine friends, our farm is only open to h
I was over the moon when I stumbled upon this little, stylish extraterrestrial-looking chrysalis with rows of sparkling gold spikes yesterday. I have seen a few Spangled Fritillary butterflies at the farm, but I have never spotted a Variegated one. It turns out we have a few of its host plants at the farm, including passion fruit vines and violets.
Try designing your next arrangement with a Kenzan , AKA flower frog/flower pin/pin frog. This simple and sustainable tool makes it easier to create a whimsical and airy arrangement that looks as if it floats freely in the air. (See my Reel on March 23, 2023 to learn a little bit about the Kenzan.)
I’m California dreaming today as I explore a garden in San Jose with blooms that are starkly different from mine in Virginia. Most of the plants in this garden have thick strong stems. The challenge for this project is to create a flowy arrangement using only flowers from this garden and common household items.
I have created two arrangements. The only differences between the two are the addition of a stem of purple flowers on the top left of the second arrangement and a slight adjustment of a few stems nearby (for balance). A small change can give an arrangement a very different look. Let me know which you prefer and why (if you feel like sharing).
Happy Thanksgiving from Cedarmere in the Blue Ridge.
Chrysanthemums steal the show!
Delightful and fragrant, Emperor of China, an old hybrid of chrysanthemum, is under appreciated! It has beautifully quilled petals, deep crimson in the centre, and fade to a silvery-pink as the layers of petals unfurl. These flowers are light and airy and last very well out of water, making them an excellent choice for bouquets.
LOVE tiny flowers, especially blue ones like these dainty forget-me-nots. I was excited to spot a few of these early spring flowers blooming among my dahlias two weeks ago. What a wonderful surprise to be able to wrap up the growing season at Cedarmere with a bouquet of early blooming flowers mingled with late season blossoms!
Autumn’s crescendo at Cedarmere Farm!
Greetings from Cedarmere. A spectacular autumn morning.
I spotted this beautiful monarch butterfly yesterday afternoon. It’s amazing that it survived these past frosty nights. I hope it’s strong enough to continue its long journey to its overwintering site in Mexico before a freeze eliminates the few remaining nectar plants still in bloom. Cedarmere has been a monarch way station (abundant food, water, shelter, and most important, milkweed) for nearly a decade. More and more have stopped by each fall as they to continue their migratory path south. Until this year, we only had visits from monarchs going south in the fall, such as this one. Please consider joining me in creating your own backyard way station and assist beauties like this one complete the enormous task of flying between 2,000 to 3,000 miles to their overwintering location in Mexico. [Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/migration/index.shtml ].
Preparing for a romantic elopement.
Crisp autumn morning at Cedarmere. Rescuing these beauties before the frost.
The versatility of dahlias is most evident in the variety of shades, sizes and shapes available for every hue. Here are just a few examples of the many different dahlias featuring the color pink!
Some pretty, little details.
Photos by Jen Fariello http://www.jenfariello.com
Lovely week working on flower arrangements with many others to support the Reclaimed Hope Initiative, a Charlottesville non-profit organization serving foster, adoptive, and special needs families (). The culmination was an art auction fundraiser on 9/15/2022 at Pippin Hill Farm () displaying and selling 20 GORGEOUS arrangements under the leadership of The Dogwood Tree Florist (), FernCreek Florals (), Cedarmere In The Blue Ridge (), Rebecca Meadows (), Over the Moon Farm and Blooms (), and Alight Flower Farm (). Love the community effort for such a worthy cause!!
Photos by Nina Chapel Photography ().
We had the pleasure of hosting our own daughter’s wedding at Cedarmere this past Sunday! What a magical and festive weekend, despite all the preparations and hard work. Upon reflection, working together on Friday and Saturday to get the farm ready made the weekend all the more inclusive and memorable for both families. Most magical of all are the radiant smiles on Jess & Jake.
Photos by Jen Fariello http://jenfariello.com Thanks Jen!
# venue
Last weekend family members from all over gathered at Cedarmere to celebrate Dad/Grandpa/Uncle/Grand Uncle Bob’s 90th birthday. Except for one brief (but furious) downpour, the weather cooperated nicely for a fun summer family reunion. Cedarmere’s spring-fed pond provided a refreshing playground for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and swimming. The gardens were full of colorful flowers attracting a multitude of pollinators, including numerous monarch butterflies and hummingbirds.
Whimsical arrangement for pool party.
Nice way to regroup after a busy week tending and harvesting flowers at Cedarmere—peaceful view and refreshing wine.
An important design principle: Rhythm.
In addition to balance (discussed in my post on 5/10/2022), rhythm adds life to a floral arrangement. Rhythm refers to the visual flow in an arrangement, which helps move the eye through the entire design. There are several ways to accomplish this visual rhythm. In this arrangement, I use repetition of colors, textures, placement, and lines throughout the arrangement, and I added long and airy stems of flowers or leaves to radiate out from inside the arrangement as well as using floral elements to cascade down over the vessel.
At the with today!
A festival of spring colors. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of around 850 feet, Cedarmere’s gardens receive the perfect combination of sunshine, rain, and breezes for beautiful flowers to thrive.
Springtime flowers make simple & sweet bridal bouquets
A bridal installation with flowers from Cedarmere. Peach and lavender are such a romantic color combo.
Planning the wedding: Most important decision is the backdrop for the chuppah.
Flower arranging workshops - 6/11/2022 - An important design principle: Balance
Visually pleasing arrangements, whether simple or complex, share a number of principles, including balance. In our flower arranging workshop on 6/11/2022 (see April 28 post for details), we will explore and practice balance and other design principles and elements while having fun with our own unique artistic expressions. Balance is critical to an arrangement, both physically and visually. First and foremost, we certainly don’t want our arrangements to topple over because it’s too heavy on one side! Visual balance is equally as important because it gives the viewer a feeling of restfulness, security and stability. There are two types of balance – symmetrical (or formal) and asymmetrical (or informal). Symmetrical balance is when one side of the arrangement is nearly a mirror image of the other with a repetition of the same flowers, buds, and foliage on both sides of the central axis. Asymmetrical balance, on the other hand, means that the plant materials on both sides of the axis (which does not have to be in the middle) don’t have to be the same. Although both sides of the axis can look different, they must have equal visual weight to maintain a visual sense of balance. Visual balance depends greatly on the placement of flowers and foliage. When the flowers and foliage are higher or further away from the axis, they will appear heavier. Larger or darker plant material right above the container will create visual stability. However, avoid placing too much weight low in the design because the design will look bottom heavy.
The simple arrangement in the photo above is an example of an asymmetrical arrangement. Although the plant materials on both sides differ in size, height and placement, they appear to be of about equal weight. Also, notice that the axis is not right in the middle of the vase. I will discuss rhythm/movement next. Stay tuned!
This is the life!
Please consider joining me on June 11, 2022, to enjoy the fresh country air and beautiful Mountain view of Cedarmere Farm while creating stunning and joyful flower arrangements.
Please consider joining me on June 11, 2022, to enjoy the fresh country air and beautiful mountain views while creating stunning and joyful flower arrangements.
Delightful tulips basking in the sun at Cedarmere.
VA
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The color scheme was green and white. Adding a touch of lavender, pink, and yellow enhanced the white color of the flowers and the green of the foliage. All floral materials were sustainably grown at Cedarmere Farm and artfully designed by the Cedarmere Floral Studio team. Photo credit: Nina Chappel Photography #barnwedsing #farmwedding #sustainable #wedding #venue #weddingflowers #charlottesville #flowerworkshops #VisitCville #fieldtovase #fieldtotable #grownotflown #cutflower #flowerfarm #slowflower #farmvenue #floristcharlottesville #sustainableflowers #seasonalflowers
Bluebird populations declined drastically between 1920-1970 due to habitat loss, pesticide use, weather changes, snag (dead tree) removal, influx of house cats, and the introduction of the house sparrow and the European starling, which are both cavity nesters like Bluebirds, but more aggressive. Bluebirds are migratory; they summer in Canada and winter in Central America. But, as we’ve observed at Cedarmere, they will reside year round in Virginia so long as they can find food, water, and thickets for shelter. In the spring, females will lay 1-6 eggs, one a day. My husband Bob loves tending to their nesting boxes and checking on the newly hatched babies. But we keep our distance starting no later than 12 days after hatching because there’s a risk that they will prematurely fledge from the box, and will most likely perish because they cannot fly. Bob also diligently cleans the old nests after a brood fledges. This helps the parents build a new nest for their next brood. They may produce three broods a year. Not only do these native birds add much joy to our landscape, but they also help keep bugs in check because they feed mostly on insects and berries during the breeding period, and primarily berries in the winter. Native plants like dogwoods, eastern red cedar, holly, pokeweed, and viburnums offer berries the bluebirds love. Efforts in providing nest boxes specifically for bluebirds have helped their numbers rebound, but they still need our help. One excellent source for Bluebird boxes is the Audubon Society: https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/bluebird-nesting-box/ (https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/bluebird-nesting-box/) #bluebirds #audubonsociety #conservation #charlottesville
One of our favorite conservation efforts here at Cedarmere is to help the eastern bluebird thrive. They need us and we need them. Bluebird populations declined drastically between 1920-1970 due to habitat loss, pesticide use, weather changes, snag (dead tree) removal, influx of house cats, and the introduction of the house sparrow and the European starling, which are both cavity nesters like Bluebirds, but more aggressive. Bluebirds are migratory; they summer in Canada and winter in Central America. But, as we’ve observed at Cedarmere, they will reside year round in Virginia so long as they can find food, water, and thickets for shelter. In the spring, females will lay 1-6 eggs, one a day. My husband Bob loves tending to their nesting boxes and checking on the newly hatched babies. But we keep our distance starting no later than 12 days after hatching because there’s a risk that they will prematurely fledge from the box, and will most likely perish because they cannot fly. Bob also diligently cleans the old nests after a brood fledges. This helps the parents build a new nest for their next brood. They may produce three broods a year. Not only do these native birds add much joy to our landscape, but they also help keep bugs in check because they feed mostly on insects and berries during the breeding period, and primarily berries in the winter. Native plants like dogwoods, eastern red cedar, holly, pokeweed, and viburnums offer berries the bluebirds love. Efforts in providing nest boxes specifically for bluebirds have helped their numbers rebound, but they still need our help. One excellent source for Bluebird boxes is the Audubon Society: https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/bluebird-nesting-box/ (https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/bluebird-nesting-box/) #bluebirds #audubonsociety #conservation #charlottesville
One of our favorite conservation efforts here at Cedarmere is to help the eastern bluebird thrive. They need us and we need them. Bluebird populations declined drastically between 1920-1970 due to habitat loss, pesticide use, weather changes, snag (dead tree) removal, influx of house cats, and the introduction of the house sparrow and the European starling, which are both cavity nesters like Bluebirds, but more aggressive. Bluebirds are migratory; they summer in Canada and winter in Central America. But, as we’ve observed at Cedarmere, they will reside year round in Virginia so long as they can find food, water, and thickets for shelter. In the spring, females will lay 1-6 eggs, one a day. My husband Bob loves tending to their nesting boxes and checking on the newly hatched babies. But we keep our distance starting no later than 12 days after hatching because there’s a risk that they will prematurely fledge from the box, and will most likely perish because they cannot fly. Bob also diligently cleans the old nests after a brood fledges. This helps the parents build a new nest for their next brood. They may produce three broods a year. Not only do these native birds add much joy to our landscape, but they also help keep bugs in check because they feed mostly on insects and berries during the breeding period, and primarily berries in the winter. Native plants like dogwoods, eastern red cedar, holly, pokeweed, and viburnums offer berries the bluebirds love. Efforts in providing nest boxes specifically for bluebirds have helped their numbers rebound, but they still need our help. One excellent source for Bluebird boxes is the Audubon Society: https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/bluebird-nesting-box/ (https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/bluebird-nesting-box/) #bluebirds #audubonsociety #conservation #charlottesville
My favorite tool is the Japanese Kenzan — “flower frog” or “pin frog” in the US — a relatively heavy metal plate with needles to which floral materials can be affixed. Kenzan is an indispensable tool in the Japanese classical art of flower arranging, Ikebana. The Kenzan avoids the use of environmentally unfriendly floral foam and encourages thoughtful planning and deliberate placement of individual flower materials, thus minimizing waste and facilitating graceful and balanced designs with an airy and uncluttered look. The design featured in this post leans Eastern, emphasizing lines, visual movement, and negative (empty) space, but Kenzans can also be used in Western style arrangements with massed groupings of flowers and colors. Or, as I often do, fuse both styles in your designs. Please email me: christaatcedarmerefarm@ gmail.com if you are interested in learning how to incorporate Kenzans in your designs. If there is enough interest, we will host a workshop at the farm. Cedarmerefarm.com [email protected] #barnwedsing #farmwedding #sustainable #wedding #venue #weddingflowers #charlottesville #flowerworkshops #VisitCville #fieldtovase #fieldtotable #grownotflown #cutflower #flowerfarm #slowflower #farmvenue #floristcharlottesville #sustainableflowers #seasonalflowers #localflowers #kenzan #flowerfrog
My favorite tool is the Japanese Kenzan — “flower frog” or “pin frog” in the US — a relatively heavy metal plate with needles to which floral materials can be affixed. Kenzan is an indispensable tool in the Japanese classical art of flower arranging, Ikebana. The Kenzan avoids the use of environmentally unfriendly floral foam and encourages thoughtful planning and deliberate placement of individual flower materials, thus minimizing waste and facilitating graceful and balanced designs with an airy and uncluttered look. The design featured in this post leans Eastern, emphasizing lines, visual movement, and negative (empty) space, but Kenzans can also be used in Western style arrangements with massed groupings of flowers and colors. Or, as I often do, fuse both styles in your designs. Please email me: christaatcedarmerefarm@ gmail.com if you are interested in learning how to incorporate Kenzans in your designs. If there is enough interest, we will host a workshop at the farm. Cedarmerefarm.com [email protected] #barnwedsing #farmwedding #sustainable #wedding #venue #weddingflowers #charlottesville #flowerworkshops #VisitCville #fieldtovase #fieldtotable #grownotflown #cutflower #flowerfarm #slowflower #farmvenue #floristcharlottesville #sustainableflowers #seasonalflowers #localflowers #kenzan #flowerfrog
Sustainable, foam-free floral designs are what we emphasize at Cedarmere Floral Design Studio. My favorite tool is the Japanese Kenzan — “flower frog” or “pin frog” in the US — a relatively heavy metal plate with needles to which floral materials can be affixed. Kenzan is an indispensable tool in the Japanese classical art of flower arranging, Ikebana. The Kenzan avoids the use of environmentally unfriendly floral foam and encourages thoughtful planning and deliberate placement of individual flower materials, thus minimizing waste and facilitating graceful and balanced designs with an airy and uncluttered look. The design featured in this post leans Eastern, emphasizing lines, visual movement, and negative (empty) space, but Kenzans can also be used in Western style arrangements with massed groupings of flowers and colors. Or, as I often do, fuse both styles in your designs. Please email me: christaatcedarmerefarm@ gmail.com if you are interested in learning how to incorporate Kenzans in your designs. If there is enough interest, we will host a workshop at the farm. Cedarmerefarm.com [email protected] #barnwedsing #farmwedding #sustainable #wedding #venue #weddingflowers #charlottesville #flowerworkshops #VisitCville #fieldtovase #fieldtotable #grownotflown #cutflower #flowerfarm #slowflower #farmvenue #floristcharlottesville #sustainableflowers #seasonalflowers #localflowers #kenzan #flowerfrog
Did you know that one out of every three bites of food we consume is thanks to pollinators like honeybees, butterflies, birds, and bats? As pollinators feast on nectar and pollen, they brush against flowers’ reproductive parts depositing pollen, resulting in growth of a fruit or seed. Many plants cannot reproduce without pollinators! Our survival depends on their survival! Yet, our pollinators face many challenges in the modern world: habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contaminants. Pollinators need to be able to find the right quantity and quality of food within flight range to thrive. At Cedarmere, we strive to plant a continuous food supply from early spring to late fall to provide adequate food for our flighty friends when they emerge from and then prepare for winter hibernation. We do this by growing plants of varying seasonality and different heights, growth habits, and flowers of different sizes, shapes, and colors to support as many different pollinators as we can. Combined with a variety of native plant species, heirloom plants, and herbs, we support a diverse array food of and shelter for these essential partners of ours. Please join us in this effort. No piece of land is too small to plant a couple of flowers or a bush to help them in their life journey. #barnwedsing #farmwedding #sustainable #wedding #venue #weddingflowers #charlottesville #flowerworkshops #VisitCville #fieldtovase #fieldtotable #grownotflown #localflowers #cutflower #flowerfarm #slowflower #farmvenue #floristcharlottesville #sustainableflowers #seasonalflowers
#wedding #weddingvenue #smallweddingvenue #microwedding #seasonalflowers #weddingplanning #bride #smallbusiness #floralarrangement #slowflowers #locallygrownflowers #sustainableflowers #weddingflowers #savethebees #bees
An important design principle: Rhythm. In addition to balance (discussed in my post on 5/10/2022), rhythm adds life to a floral arrangement. Rhythm refers to the visual flow in an arrangement, which helps move the eye through the entire design. There are several ways to accomplish this visual rhythm. In this arrangement, I use repetition of colors, textures, placement, and lines throughout the arrangement, and I added long and airy stems of flowers or leaves to radiate out from inside the arrangement as well as using floral elements to cascade down over the vessel. #wedding #venue #charlottesville #flowerworkshops #VisitCville #fieldtovase #fieldtotable #grownotflown #cutflower #slowflowers #flowerfarm
A bridal installation with flowers from Cedarmere. Peach and lavender are such a romantic color combo. #wedding #venue #charlottesville #flowerworkshops #VisitCville #fieldtovase #fieldtotable #grownotflown #springflower #cutflower #slowflowers #flowerfarm
Planning the wedding: Most important decision is the backdrop for the chuppah. #wedding #venue #charlottesville
This is the life!
Delightful tulips basking in the sun at Cedarmere.
Fingers crossed, will have dahlias for a few more weeks. #dahlia #grownotflown #slowflower #slowliving #flowerfarm #flowerworkshop #weddingflowers
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