I had a "Ladies Who Lunch" in the middle of August----the first one since Betty died---(I am very behind with my postings)----And there were Flowers from "The Conservatory" by the fantastically talented Van.......
As always, a new-to-me flower is a part of the beautiful arrangement....That pale green poofy-ball-like flower is something I have never seen before in my life---and it looks like something from Outer Space.....
These looked 'other-worldly' to me....Van used about 5 or 6 of them in this particularly beautiful arrangement. When I asked him what they were, he didn't know. As always, he sees things at the Flower Mart and gets them because he thinks they are beautiful....It was just my lucky day that these flowers had been at market that morning.......
I've never seen anything like this beautiful and unusual flower before---not in my whole entire life! (Judy, do you know what they are, my dear?) All the 'Ladies' were fascinated by them, too....None of us had ever seen this flower before......
To say I was fascinated by them is putting it mildly.....I found the hairy things that covered each poof, especially interesting and amazing......
And, next to some of the other very beautiful flowers, these unusual pale green poofs, seemed even more incredible......!
The whole arrangement looked 'other worldly', even though there were flowers that we are all familiar with---like The Rose....there were any number of gorgeous Roses included in this arrangement.....
Here below.....another Rose....a closer look, which fills you with wonder at the excruciating beauty that nature is able to create.........
Look at the incredibly beautiful colors in this Rose, below.....exquisite is the only word for it........Well, there's also 'breathtaking'.......
And one last picture......To me, this picture below is the perfect picture! I think I might just make this one into a card........
Flowers lift me up! They lift my spirits and I am so deeply touched by the artistry of flowers---just looking at them---I mean really looking at them and taking them into my being, gives me so much pleasure and enjoyment......Flowers are magical in every way---the colors, the shapes, and often, the aroma, too......Magical.......!More To Come.........
Note: 9:44am....With Kenju's help...I found this link to what this fantastic looking "pod" is.....Click on the word link.......
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Those really are unusual and I hope someone identifies them. I'll check back to find out.
Know the party had to be a bit sad with Betty gone. Hope you all dwelled on and shared the happy memories.
Looking forward to those pictures.- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 12:42:00 AM PDT
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I have no idea what they are but your description "spiny puffy balls" seems quite accurate. I hope the event was as lovely as the flowers.
- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 3:41:00 AM PDT
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as always you get the most gorgeous flowers ! and you know how to show them off !
I wondered if the ladies that lunch would continue.. I'm glad it is going on. we still need to appreciate and love those we still have in our lives. Hugs to you and all the ladies!!!- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 4:42:00 AM PDT
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Absolutely gorgeous flowers!! and unique "addition"!! glad you had lunch with the ladies.
- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 5:55:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Flowers are beautiful at a distance, of course, but macro close-up photography really shows you how intricate they are. And to to think, each of those structures has a specific role.
I'm sure your lunch without Betty was bittersweet, but I'm sure she'd want you and your friends to continue. She's there in spirit no doubt.
Cheers.- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 6:12:00 AM PDT
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Naomi, I have seen them before, but I can't remember the name. I will try to find out for you. I think they are seed pods, not flowers.
- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 6:53:00 AM PDT
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Wow, that last shot really is gorgeous! As for the other-worldly flowers, they do remind me of alien pods. Though with my allergies, I would be worried what was going to come out of those pods.
- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 8:19:00 AM PDT
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Wow!!!! Your flowers are glorious!!!!
- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 11:05:00 AM PDT
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Hi Naomi,
What a fantastic arrangement, so bright and cheerful, although I am afraid that I am unable to throw any light on the riddle of the unamed flower.
Did the roses have any scent? I find that the cut roses we can buy here in the UK are seldom scented these days, which is a great shame.
The last picture is indeed worthy of being made into a card, however, I like the shot just above that, of the single rose in a vase, taken from a distance. It shows the beautifully delicate colouring and the near perfect shape, to the best advantage.
A happy post to lift the spirits.
Yvonne- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 3:07:00 PM PDT
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Hi Gorgeous Naomi, I am visiting finally. your photos of your flower arrangments lift me up too. I lvoed the colours and the poofy balls, wow they are gorgeous. I have never seen them before either.
Pretty colour with the purples in the arrangement. wish I lived near Van as I would have to go there and buy myself some flowers. The arrangements are always so gorgeous arent they?- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 4:41:00 PM PDT
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Van always come up with the most beautiful arrangements for you...as he should!! LOL You are that special, mi amiga, and I'm glad he always suprises you with a little something different, and that flower is certainly different...like something from outer space, I agree. I clicked on the link so now I know what they are; even if I can't pronounce Asclepias physocarpa, they have a name!
The roses are beautiful as well, so vibrant and full of life. I don't get enough fresh flowers in my life. I think I might buy myself some mañana at a nearby flower shop. Why not, it's my 20-year anniversary! Yes, I've been married to the same man for 20 years. God help me (or him, as the case may be!!)!!! :)
Have a beautiful evening, Naomi, and once again, thanks for sharing these wonderful photos of your amazing arrangement! Way to go, Van!!- Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 7:11:00 PM PDT
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The poofy balls are similar to like immature loofa pods- except the shape is more like something that comes up wild in our canyon.
Now I know what to do with them other than yank them away. THANK you and your incomparable florist for the inspiration!- Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 8:28:00 AM PDT
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nothing can work quite the magic that flowers do - on any day - seems no matter what else is going on, the beauty of flowers makes all the difference and brighten any day - and yours are especially beautiful, naomi - it's been a while since i had fresh cut flowers so it may be just the right time now that i've been reminded of their magnificent magic - thanks so much for sharing yours, dear lady! have a glorious remainder of the day there!
- Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 12:20:00 PM PDT
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Dear Naomi,
when seeing all this flowers and your magnificiant, detailled photos I come to think:
Have I ever seen flowers and photos like this before?
Have I ever seen flowers presented in such a wonderful way before and
on top of that:
With words that matters...
btw. Hope my post about the sculpture "The American Horse" will inspire you - we loved it- Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 1:17:00 PM PDT
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They're indeed other worldly because they're ethereal to behold. Just beautiful!
- Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 3:43:00 PM PDT
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Thanks for the beautiful photos, Naomi. I love the macro shots.
- Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 6:38:00 PM PDT
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Naomi, what a gorgeous flowers from "The Conservatory". Yes, Van is really fantastically talented!
Me too, I have never seen before in my life this amazing green poofy ball.
Thanks Kenju, I follow the link and now I know that the name of this amazing plant is Asclepias physocarpa. Just stunning!
I am glad you had lunch with your dear friends and I am looking forward to see the photos.
Have a pleasant day, my dear!- Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 1:43:00 PM PDT
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Well, that is one I have never seen before, and reading the link you gave it says it can cost up to $30 a stem at a florist! Yikes!!! It's a lovely arrangement as usual! I am so glad the hairs on our heads are not like those!! LOL I actually enlarged the up close photo of it and it was quite frightening looking!!
Can't wait to read more about the ladies who lunch!!
This time I don't see a comment that I didn't make! I don't understand how that happened on the previous post. I know I'm forgetful, but I honestly had not seen that post before and didn't make that comment.
I too, am behind in my blogging. Hugs Naomi!!- Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 8:34:00 PM PDT
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Fascinating plant! I see it's a Plant of Hawaii. Reminds me of a couple similar flowers I received at my hairdressers -- that one of the customers had grown. They lasted a really long time. Still have one, but it's no longer in prime condition. Just dawned on me that I should have taken a picture. I can't recall what name for it that I was given.
- Friday, September 9, 2011 at 1:34:00 AM PDT
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Oh, meant to add I was glad you were able to have a gathering of the Ladies Who Lunch. Expect BG was with you in spirit.
- Friday, September 9, 2011 at 1:36:00 AM PDT
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Trust Judy. If she doesn't know she will find out. I thought it had a cactussy look but seed pod it is.
Now I know the name I won't be able to remember it and if I did wouldn't know how to pronounce it but it's good to know.
The flowers are exquisite as usual and must have been a marvellous accessory to your last 'ladies who lunch.'
Not your last - your most recent I mean.- Friday, September 9, 2011 at 8:19:00 AM PDT
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Those flowers are so beautiful... and different too! How lovely :)
- Friday, September 9, 2011 at 10:14:00 AM PDT
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I was going to say that they looked more like seed pods rather than flowers, and then I looked at your link and I found I was right. A very attractive addition to your lovely flower arrangement. Your friend Van does supply you with the most beautiful displays. I love having fresh flowers in the house. At the moment I have a $10 bunch of pink carnations on my table by the window. Not quite a dramatic as your flowers, but sweet smelling and lovely all the same!
- Friday, September 9, 2011 at 5:29:00 PM PDT
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HeeeHeee Naomi I was so curious I followed your link. Cute to find out a common name for that plant is "family jewels tree". A fitting name. But, they do look lovely in your arrangement. xoxo
- Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 8:05:00 AM PDT
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they made me think of little bald heads now trying to sprout new hair :)
they're wonderful- Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 7:57:00 PM PDT
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I've seen those spiny things in fields. I think they were datura but other plants might go to seed like that too. I love how you love flowers! Me too! I took some photos of some at our county fair this weekend, some blue ribbon winners.
- Monday, September 12, 2011 at 6:14:00 AM PDT
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I would have been compelled to stab at least one of those poofball pods to see what was inside!
- Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 1:04:00 PM PDT
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Always look forward to the floral arrangements. The close-ups this time around are fabulous, especially the "pale green poofy ball like flowers." My father and I discovered a similar pod in the woods surrounding our farm in Michigan shortly before he death in 1990. We were fascinated with them and learned that they were called "wild cucumber." They are not quite like those in your arrangement, but very close. We used them in one of my Dad's floral arrangements for his funeral.
- Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 8:58:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Those pale green poofy-like ball flowers are known as Asclepias fruticosa L. They are actually a species of milkweed that is native to South Africa. This plant with showy fruit is mainly grown to harvest the fruiting branches and dry them for use in arrangements and decorations. The plant grows 3-5 feet tall by 3 feet wide. In early summer, cymes of the tiny, 1/4 inch, creamy white flowers appear. They are followed in late summer by the 3 inch, round to egg-shaped, softly spiny, silver-green fruit. The leaves are lance shaped and 5 inches long..
- Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 3:44:00 AM PDT
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