Blog | Rose Red & Lavender

2012 was the year that Boho Chic hit its stride with weddings and when we were asked by a BIG NAME WEDDING MAGAZINE to design some Bohemian inspired bouquets and floral headpieces, I smiled. Ok, I smiled for like 5 minutes and then I panicked.

I love putting together wildflower bouquets and creating that “just gathered” look. Truth of the matter is that it takes a lot of time to put together the controlled chaos without it looking like the Bride’s cousin, who “really loves flowers” put it together and I need to be in the right mood to do it.

We were given the job to do in January, and in January, I am not feeling all warm and sun shiney I can’t sit on the roof of the studio with my bees and flowers and relax and get that bohemian feeling, I am not wearing a sundress, I don’t have sandals on. I am wearing sweater dresses, thick tights, and Sorel boots, I am cold! Not to mention that there aren’t many wild flowers are around.

To get that wildflower look in the middle of Winter, I reached for anenomies (a favorite) scabiosa, lilacs, parrot tulips, garden roses, amaranths,  tuberose and scotch broom to create the looks.  I also added some berries and little bips and bobs to give them those special touches.

To get in the mood, I put on some Coachella inspired music, and took a look at some pictures from weddings past, thought warm thoughts and put on my favorite perfume. Here are the results.

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I love Liberty Warehouse and I was so upset when the Hurricane hit, I was afraid that Sandy would destroy one of my favorite venues.

Liberty Warehouse is in Redhook and has one of the most amazing vues of the Statue of Liberty. It is in an old warehouse that is also home to Steves Key Lime Pie, and Perch.

January weddings are always special. What a great time of year to get friends and family together to celebrate. Liberty Warehouse has a few fire places that can make it cozy and warm on the coldest days.

We used a lot of light to create a warm mood for this wedding. Tables were set with white flowers in birch containers with mercury glass votive. We also used quince branches with hanging lanterns on some of the tables and candle holders on pedestals.

Amber lights were  used on the perimeter and on the dance floor to create a warm, glowing light.

We trimmed a birch chuppah with quince and curly willow with dendrobium orchids and lit them with amber lights.  The room was filled with pillar candles, what a beautiful setting.

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We deliver and install Pre-Lit Christmas Trees, all you have to do is decorate.

About our Trees.

Fraser Firs are the best quality tree you can find. They are prized for their longevity and needle retention.

They have lush, sturdy blue-green limbs that are strong and can support heavy ornaments.

Each tree is delivered and installed using tip-resistant, leak proof stands.

Trees include a free bottle of tree preservative and a tree bag for removal

Delivery is Free in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Please call for delivery to other locations.

Tips!

Make sure to check your water level daily, do not let water go below the base of the trunk
If your tree was delivered pre-lit, make sure you connect all the plugs. No more than 3 light strands can be connected together.
Each tree has about 100 lights per 1.5′ of height
Following is a guide to how many lights your tree will have.

6′ tree, 1 plug
7-8′ trees, 2-3 plugs
9-10′ trees 3-4 plugs
11-12′ trees, 4-5 plugs

Never leave the lights on when you are sleeping or when you are not at home.

When decorating, make sure you balance the ornaments throughout the tree. Unbalanced trees can fall unexpectedly.

Make sure your ornaments are secured to each limb with a proper ornament hanger.
Do not let children climb or pull on trees.

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Kale, kale, kale, kale, kale.

Growing up, I remember always having greens for dinner, every night my the question that my mother would ask me was not what type of vegetable I would like but what type of greens I would like, mustard greens, collard greens, spinach and kale were on the table every night.

I love kale and I am so happy to see that it is so popular. Its easy to grow and comes in all shapes and sizes. Tuscan kale is regal and looks great in formal planters, the same shape and form as ostrich plums, Russian kale has a cool oak leaf shape with red vanes, and then there is curly decorative kale which looks like a huge flower and white crane kale which we use in flower arrangements and even wedding bouquets.

Kale with Ginger and Garlic

Kale to fill a large pot

1/2 cup of chicken broth

2 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, shreaded

2 tablespoons of bacon fat

2 tablespoons of apple cider vineagar

1 teaspoon of sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Wash kale and rip leaves away from the stem, chop the stem into 1/2″ pieces.

cover steam in the pot with the chicken broth until wilted, but not cooked.

Heat a large cast iron skillet and add the bacon fat and sautee the garlic and ginger until soft.

Add kale, (be careful) and sautee for a few minutes.

Add vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper, toss and serve.

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I love laid back Brooklyn Weddings and having your wedding at your favorite restaurant is a way to celebrate and be comfortable and have some amazing food. Brooklyn has some great spots for weddings including Frankies on Court Street, Cafe Ici, My Moon and the Brooklyn Winery.

Today we have the pleasure of putting together some flowers for a celebration at Il Passatore.

Deanna wore a vintage inspired gold dress that was gorgeous and a floral headpiece that was made of wildflowers and inspired by a 1920′s bridal hairpiece.  I was lucky enough to see the ceremony, it was so sweet. I love weddings.

Here are some pictures of the fun, laid back wildflower arrangements that we put together for this very special celebration.

So pretty. I love summer and all the flowers it brings. Congratulations Deanna and Andrew!

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Sunflowers are in season and they are looking very beautiful this year.

Sunflowers always remind me of growing up in the country and the arrangements that we would put on our tables using goldenrod, laceflower, blackeyed susans and sunflowers.

Those were always pretty, happy bouquets that looked best in an old metal pitcher or a mason jar.

Here are a few of my favorites from over the past few weeks.

This is a container that I love using, it is a boat shape and is made of cement that is dipped in metal for a shiny, mirror like finish. I love the juxtaposition of the sleek metal with the cement. I think it is perfect for flowers that one would find growing in random places, like these sunflowers, pennycress, and millet.

Wouldn’t it be nice though if these gorgeous lilies and tuberose popped up everywhere? Alas, they come from costa rica, but are pretty just the same.

Here is a chocolate sunflower. The color is amazing and the leaves look like velvet. I like to mix this with wax flower and other types of botanical s that have some hints of burgundy, it really creates a lot of movement and rhythmic patterns.

I am loving how it looks next to the scabosia though with those sagy greens and whites. I think I will try that combination, it seems that those sages would soften the burgandy/chocolate hues a bit so that you can appreciate them more and it would also make the whole piece a little more understated.

Some days I just can’t resist making something that is high contrast. I really love how the chocolate sunflowers look with milky white casa blanca lilies. The lilies have such a long vase life that it makes up for the very short life that some sunflowers can have. Sometimes I pull the leaves off and just keep the centers. I love how the big, dark circles look with just a crown of spiky green leaves around them.

This Arrangement reminds me of a hot summer day, bees buzzing and long, lazy afternoons spent on the porch. I love these black eyed susans, the little cousins of sunflowers. This arrangement could have been picked from a roadside field with this collection of milkweed, laceflower and feverfew.

The birch container is a perfect vessel for this happy arrangement and is a little more updated than a mason jar or a pitcher.

Here is a more modern take on sunflowers, taking them to another place. I don’t often do arrangements like this so it was fun for me to step out a little and create something outside of my comfort zone. The request was modern, tall and dramatic. Ok. so we will use some sunflowers and see what happens.

These monstrea leaves combined with cobra lilies, milkweed and celosia makes a great combination with the chocolate sunflowers, making them look almost exotic.

Here are some more sunflower arrangements.

Enjoy.

Happy Summer!

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We had the pleasure of putting together a wedding at the Metropolitan Building in Queens last Week.

I love the Metropolitan Building, it is an old factory building that is filled with lots of props and gorgeous antiques.  In my dream life, I would be able to prowl around for props and stage a magnificent dinner party with all my friends. Costume some sort would be required.

In my real life though, I get the honor of  setting the stage for weddings, and what a fun place to work.

This wedding was inspired by the blending of old and new worlds for Brian and Ariana. My favorite chicken joint Pies and Thighs was the catering company and Spanish Tapas was served as appetizers.

We created centerpieces using birch branches, air plants, garden roses and wildflowers. I loved how the birch stands turned out and took a lot of pictures. Here is a sneak peek. Can’t wait to see the professional Photography.

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I don't know if you have been in the shop lately but a lot has changed and thanks to all your support, we have grown.

Our retail space has expanded and now we can offer some more cool products that I have always wanted to have and that you have been asking for like Fragrance, Canning Supplies, and Water Gardening Supplies.

I am super excited about the Tokyo Milk Perfume and lotions and I still can't decide if I like Dead Sexy or Honey and the Moon the best.

Talking about smelling good, we just harvested our First Lavender of the Season and it smells terrific. I can't wait to get busy and make some something special. Here is our recipe for Lavender Sorbet.

New Design Studio and Classroom!

In addition to our shop getting a wee bit bigger, we have also added a new Design Studio and Classroom. Watch out for our new classes in Canning, Ice Cream Making and of Course, Floral Design and Terrariums.

Rooftop Garden and Apiary

We have installed a rooftop garden and apiary where we are growing our Dwarf Fruit Trees, Herb and Veggie Starts and bees for our Honey which will be available this Fall. One of our Italian neighbors came to visit and told me (with the help of her daughter translating) that she raised bees and chickens back in Italy and she was so happy to see them here.
Do you think we should add some chickens? Let us know on Facebook.

Help Us Help Schools

We are trying to win a small business grant and plan on using the funds to put together a program that teaches  teachers and school children how to raise plants for food and for fund-raising.   We only need 250 votes to be eligible, please show your support! https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com/

Water Gardening without the Pond

You can turn any Container into a little Pond for you to enjoy. The sound of trickling water is so soothing and makes any space feel like a Zen Garden. Perfect for small spaces and balconies, We have all the kits you need to make your own fountains and water loving plants like Water Lilies and water hycanthe to make it complete. Click here to see this Bad Dog in action.

Yank Out those Lettuce Plants!

Veggies You Can Plant in July

Who says that Spring is only the time to garden? I don't get it, so much is happening at once, it is a hectic time of year.  Our spring veggies are maxed out by by now and if you havn't started, your garden, now is the time to get going.

When September rolls around you will be dining on Lettuce, Beans, Carrots, Peas and Beets. October, some Kale, Scallions, Peas and Chard along with your Tomatoes and Peppers. So many of us are so busy in the summer, we don't get to enjoy our gardens. Plant Now and you will have lots to Eat and preserve In the Fall when things Slow Down a Little.

Yank out those Nasty Plants!  Did your Lettuce suddenly get Tall and Bitter? Peas Crispy on the Vine? Hot, isn't it? Lettuce bolts in the heat so now is the time to yank it out, toss it on the compost pile and add some fresh organic nutrients, Happy Frog, Chicken Poo, Compost, whatever you prefer. Give the soil a little dig and start with some Fresh Seeds. Lettuce, Peas, Beans, Kale and Chard are great things to Plant Now.

Water is Key. The trick is to Keep the Soil Moist until the seeds sprout. I like to plant in a space that gets a little shade (not hard to find in our back gardens) or cover the ground with some cheese cloth to add a little protection. Make sure you water every morning for about 3 weeks.

Fall Gardens are Wonderful. There is a chill in the air and the madness of spring is long gone, so are the bugs that bug us in the summer. You get to enjoy fresh veggies and have delicious food to enjoy up until Thanksgiving. Last year my Kale and Spinach lasted through the winter without any help at all.

You can Can

Yes you can Can and we have all the Supplies you need to create your own little Canning Factory and the know-how to get you started.

Some times I feel like the Appalachian Laura Ingalls. When I was little, we lived down a dirt road on top of a mountain in the house where my mother grew up. Our closest neighbor was an 80 year old Mennonite lady named Van who had a small farm and still used the hand pump and wooden sink in her kitchen. She made jellies, jams and pickles all summer long. I loved to run down the hill and sit in her kitchen to watch her. I helped shell peas and snap beans in exchange for some fresh jam on home made bread. Wonderful.

I learned to can from my Mother and she learned from her Mother and all of her Mennonite and Amish Friends. They still grow their own food and  make their own Pickles, Jellies and Chutneys. Nothing feels better than pulling out something you made during the summer in the middle of winter, its like opening a jar of sunshine.
Holiday gifts of something you made using your most precious resource, time, are always appreciated and loved. With all the bounty available to us at the farmers market, its awfully tempting. Who knows, you could be starting you own Pickle Empire! Watch out  Brooklyn Brine!

Is it safe? Yes like putting together Ikea Furniture, you just need to follow the directions,  The Ball Blue Book is the one I always turn to when I am double checking a recipe or times for processing. It has the most up to date and safe information. Here is a little video I made about making Jelly.

You don't need a lot of equipment to start, the big pot you make spaghetti in will be just fine. When you are ready to graduate, we have the big, Old Fashioned Enamel Canner that my Amish friends used, and still do. They work and make excellent Ice Buckets at parties too (they use them for lemon aide). The canners come with jar lifters and everything you need to get going. We also have jars in all sorts of sizes and the IMPOSSIBLE to find PECTIN. Pectin made from Citrus Rinds makes the brightest, clearest jelly and it is the only thing I use to make my Lavender and Hot Pepper Jellies.
 

Did Someone ask for Citrus Plants?

We have a fresh shipment of Citrus Plants. Citrus trees like Meyer Lemons, Limes and Oranges make excellent house plants. They love to be outside in the summer and inside in the winter and can produce flowers and fruits year round.

We have a fresh shipment of fruiting plants from 1 gallon (tabletop) to 75 gallon (loft) our 75 gallon tree has five (5) types of citrus grafted onto the branches. Wow.

Here is my recipe for making Meyer Lemon Marmalade. It is so so delicious and would make your mamma proud.

Hope to see you in the Shop Soon!

Cheers!

Kimberly Sevilla

Rose Red & Lavender

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Its Summer!! I haven’t kept my promise to write, we have been so busy with weddings.

Peonies are abound. I love peonies and this year has been an especially good season.  These are for a wedding at the Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, I love using creams and whites and yellows with dusky greens, so lemony and creamy don’t you think? Makes me want some Lemon Tarts or some Key Lime Pie.

Summer is also a time for Lavender and Lemons.

I love Meyer lemons and have a hard time finding them. Luckily, they grow great in containers and make perfect house plants. They like bright light and not so much water. If you have an outdoor space they you can put them outside in the summer, and inside in the winter.We have a full selection in our shop in sizes from one gallon to 45 gallons. We even have a 5 in one tree that has Meyer Lemons, Oranges, and Grapefruit, all on the same tree (I am secretly hoping it doesn’t sell)

Here is our recipe for Meyer Lemon Marmalade, Delicious.

Meyer Lemon Marmalade
Makes about 12 jars

Warning: This recipe takes three days.

14 to 15 Meyer Lemons
1 sweet orange
Enough water to cover the fruit, about
4 1/2 to 8 lb of sugar, depending on the size of your lemons

Slice the  in half lengthwise, then into thin horizontal slices, removing the pips as you slice and placing them in a bowl.

Place the lemon slices in the biggest bowl you can find (or two bowls) and cover them with water (I use filtered water). Cover with a plate and set aside in a cool place overnight. Cover the pips with water and set aside, covered, in the refrigerator.

The next day, pour the fruit and its water (not the pip water) into a large saucepan or copper jam basin. Bring to a boil and let the mixture bubble at a steady boil for 40 mins, stirring occasionally. Let this mixture cool, then weigh it and return it to a cool place to rest overnight.

The next day, place the fruit with its water, the strained pip water and an equal weight of sugar in a large saucepan or jam basin. Bring to a boil, then let it boil steadily for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly. To test the marmalade, pour a little onto a small plate that you have chilled in the freezer, then wait a minute. Tilt the plate and if the syrup wrinkles, it’s time to transfer the marmalade to jars.

Use 3 part canning jars, Wash jars with hot soapy water and rinse.

Fill the jars nearly to the top and close the lids as soon as you can (make sure the rims are clean). Invert the jars onto a towel and let rest until cool. Make sure that you have a seal on the lid by taking off the ring and seeing if the lid is depressed and makes a bright tinny noise when you flick it with your finger. If not, replace the lid, cleaning the edge of the jar and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

The marmalade could keep for years or perhaps days, depending on how many marmalade-lovers you know.

As far as lavender goes, we just got in our first harvest of Munstead and Hidcote. Oh the smell is heavenly.

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So much has been happening, I don’t know where to begin. I always promise myself that I will blog once a week. I don’t Its terrible.

We have been busy beavers over at the shop and have been making all sorts of mischief. Over the past coupla weeks we have totally transformed out outside space into a big, luscious garden. We have also planted a few thousand herbs, veggies and fruits just for you. We like to grow our own so we know its all good and organic, and we can grow all sorts of cool varieties that I never see on the market.

Mother’s Day is around the corner, I peeked in my back yard and saw the first roses. They always bloom around Mother’s Day. The market has been full of GEORGOUS! Peonies and I can’t get enough of them, Lilacs have also been coming around….but this year I have been mad about Hyacinths. Hyacinths have the sweetest scent and I have noticed an incredibly long vase life. We take a lot of care when processing them to make sure that they last extra long. Click here to place your order, we sell out.

Wedding season has begun and we are in full force production. I was excited to see that we where one of the few people selected to be in New York Magazine’s Summer 2012 issue. This beautiful headpiece is made of Wax Flower and Anenomies. I was inspired by some vintage headpieces that I had collected. These can be made and shipped overnight all over the country.

Press!! In addition, we were named as one of the top 10 garden centers in New York City by Time Out New York. I was shocked and incredibly honored to be on the same list as Jamali and the Garden center at New York Botanical Garden. Even happier because we didn’t need to have a mascot or some trendy gimmick to get there, just great plants, cool gifts, and sound advice.

Martha!! I was so excited to be on the Martha Stewart Show. OK, in the audience on the Martha Stewart Show. It was a special about Etsy and the great sellers there they featured a terrarium class that I taught at Etsy Labs. My mom was excited to see me on National Television but didn’t understand why I wasn’t interviewed and on the show more, thanks Mom.

Speaking of Mascots though…I love bees and our birds. Yesterday I had the pleasure of installing not one, but two packages of Bees. These are Italian honey bees shipped up from Georgia and they are chemical free. I am proud of my organic bees. We put a hive on the roof of our studio along side our Fruit trees that we just planted. Ok. Yes I hauled a few dozen fruit trees onto a

roof, but what the hell. A little exercise won’t kill me. I hope the bees will feel at home. I also put in an observation hive so that everyone can come and see the bees in action.

Tara, is my bee keeper partner. She grew up in Queens and has been keeping bees since she was a little girl, before it became all kinds of cool and trendy and she got me hooked on bees. Last year she got stung and discovered that she is allergic, after all, but was still a trooper and put on the white suite and ventured forward. I can’t wait for the honey and bees wax.

Moss Graffiti. We love moss and taught a fun class on how to paint with plants.

Robb put together a nice presentation and even played MC Hammer to get people inspired to make some graffiti.

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