A week with several funeral orders this past week. This design was requested to be green and white (always a favorite of mine too), and to honor the gardener. This style of design is 100% inspired by my first floral mentor and employer, Robert Kopecky. Bob and his wife Kay always had a classic & timeless style. Bob would construct large-scale designs with a garden style and an illusion of a basket handle one might have seen in vintage white woven reed and willow structures. This design has an implied handle of blooming mock orange, white and green hydrangeas, clusters of white spray roses, peonies, and stock. Unseen in this image are a mounded grouping of 15 white hyacinths and Dutch tulips on the back. This design was approx. 48” tall and wide and presented in a large Italian ceramic vessel. #sympathyflowers #gardenflorals #finefloraldesigns #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil
This composition contains several of my favorite flowers. The vivid banksia, celosia cristata, pincushion proteas, clusters of miniature cattleya orchids, Dutch hydrangeas, ‘kiwi mellow’ dianthus, several types of scented geranium, heavy stems of pomegranate etc. The bronze urn lifts it off the table while accentuating the contrasts in color, texture, and form. Much like a luxury chef seeks out the best ingredients to combine into culinary experiences, I am always on the hunt for exceptional blooms that will inspire my designs. #fineflowers #floralsculpture #modernflemish #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil
Organic vs. Manufactured is the floral design equivalent of Push vs. Pull in Fine Art. Setting up scenarios of tension to engage the viewer. Which commands while the other recedes? #floralart #floraldesign #dynamictension #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil @goldleafdesigngroup
This designs brings me back to my childhood watching Family Classics present “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” hosted by Frasier Thomas. All the mystery of living on the ocean floor. This charcoal background reinforces the mood. #viburnumberries #octopus @ephraimpottery #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil
This is sadly the last week for lilac. Combined with other lovely stems it always is a thriller. #lilac #vanda #veronica #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil @goldleafdesigngroup
Dennis Moore, Dennis Moore, riding through the night,
Soon every lupin in the land will be in his mighty hand.
He steals them from the rich and gives them to the poor,
Mr. Moore, Mr. Moore, Mr. Moore.
The first lupine of the season always has me singing this song from #montypython #dennismooredennismooreridingthroughtheglenn #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil
Spring Splendor is the mission this week. Over 80 different types of blooms have arrived. Let the celebrations of Mom commence! #fineflowers #floristsofinstagram #finefloraldesigns #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil
Mother’s Day is a mere week away. Celebrate all that the “mom” in your life does for you by gifting her beautiful flowers. #mothersday2026 #springflowers #floristsofinstagram #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil
