Patti Friday: Flowerland

Showing posts with label Flowerland. Show all posts

Monday, December 1, 2025

Vase: A Poetry Collection: A Body Filled With Memory, Desire, and Decades of Womanhood

Vase: Bold, sensual, unflinching. Poems of desire, love, heartbreak, and the fierce power of the female body—celebrating what it holds, creates, and gives.

Suddenly, when faced with endometrial cancer, (Sept. 2025), it was as if the archive of my life insisted on being seen. The female vessel—the vase that holds so much, creates so much, carries so much—was under threat, and with that came an urgent, electric clarity. My body spoke. My memory stirred. My heart answered.

Vase , by Author Patti Friday, is a daring, intimate collection of poems spanning decades, exploring desire, love, loss, and the fierce, tender power of the female body. Written in a raw, sensual, and sometimes abstract voice, these poems honor the body as vessel, memory, and source of creation, while tracing the joys, heartbreaks, and revelations that shape a woman’s life. From clandestine youthful encounters to mythic reflections on intimacy, Vase celebrates the fullness of living, loving, and being entirely seen.

Monday, June 2, 2025

Flower Stylist Playbook: Flower Stylist Career Description

A Flower Stylist is a creative professional who designs and arranges flowers in a visually striking, often editorial or event-focused way. Unlike a traditional florist who may focus on retail sales or standard bouquets, a flower stylist works more like a visual artist or set designer, using flowers as their medium.

Key Aspects of a Flower Stylist's Role:

1. Design-Oriented Approach

Creates unique, often avant-garde or on-trend floral designs
Focuses on color theory, balance, movement, and mood
Works with textures, unusual blooms, and props for high-impact visuals

2. Editorial & Visual Projects

Collaborates with photographers, fashion stylists, brands, or magazines
Designs flowers for photo shoots, commercials, window displays, or branding campaigns

3. Event Styling

Specializes in weddings, galas, and installations
Integrates florals into tablescapes, backdrops, arches, and immersive environments

4. Custom, Curated Aesthetic

Often has a distinct signature style (minimalist, wild garden, maximalist, etc.)
Works closely with clients or art directors to convey a vision or story

Differences from a Traditional Florist:

Florist	Flower Stylist
Sells bouquets and arrangements daily	Designs for shoots, events, or art
Retail-based	Project- or brand-based
Focus on utility/gifting	Focus on visual impact/style

Summary:

A Flower Stylist is to flowers what a fashion stylist is to clothes—focused on artistic vision, storytelling, and aesthetics, rather than just functionality.

Flower Stylist Playbook: Ideal Height for a Florist's Worktable

The ideal height for a florist's worktable is typically 36 to 38 inches (91 to 97 cm). This is about counter-height, which allows most people to work comfortably while standing.

Why This Height?

Ergonomics: Prevents back and neck strain from bending over for long periods.
Efficiency: Makes it easier to cut stems, arrange flowers, and access tools.
Flexibility: Works well for most tasks, whether prepping, designing, or packaging.

If the florist often sits while working, a table height of 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 cm)—standard desk height—would be more appropriate, paired with a comfortable chair.

For added flexibility, some florists use adjustable-height tables or sturdy worktables with footrests to shift posture throughout the day.

Monday, February 10, 2025

Blessings over Flowers

Each spring it’s customary to recite a prayer the first time we see the new flowering of a fruit tree. Typically recited in the Hebrew month of Nissan (usually March or April), it’s possible to recite this springtime prayer in a different month if you live in a climate where fruit trees don’t flower in Nissan.

On seeing the blossoming, say:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has made nothing lacking in His world, and created in it goodly creatures and goodly trees to give mankind pleasure.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Why are Colombian Flowers the Best in the World?

Colombia is famous for many things; coffee, gold, landscapes and the charm of its people but few things create as much awe and affection as the quality and variety of its flowers.

Millions of plants blooming across the country in every color of the rainbow, are one of the many reasons why Colombian flowers are so special.

Which Colombian flowers are the most loved?

There are thousands of flowers in Colombia but three stand out: roses, carnations and orchids. Roses are by far the country’s most popular and on one farm alone, you’ll find 30 different colors (and Colombians are sensitive to the color of their roses handing red ones to lovers, white ones to brides-to-be and placing yellow roses on the graves of loved ones) Colombian carnations are considered the best in the world for their quality, beauty and longevity. If you live in the US and have worn a carnation in your buttonhole, the chances are it came from Colombia. Orchids, of course, are a far more specialist flower, desired by collectors and enthusiasts across the globe. Colombia has the largest number of orchids in the world, with more than 4,000 different species and 1,543 that are only found in Colombia. Besides the big three, Colombia is also beloved for blooms including chrysanthemums, lilies and Michaelmas daisies.

Approximately 78% of the fresh flowers imported into the United States come from Colombia, according to recent industry data. Colombia is the largest supplier of fresh flowers to the U.S., benefiting from favorable trade agreements (like the Andean Trade Preference Act) and an ideal climate for flower cultivation. Other major suppliers include Ecuador, with around 15% of U.S. flower imports, followed by smaller contributions from countries like the Netherlands and Mexico.

In 2023, Canada imported fresh cut flowers and buds valued at approximately $151.8 million USD, totaling around 19.2 million kilograms.The primary countries supplying these imports and their respective shares of the total import value are:

Colombia: $86.97 million USD (57.3%)
Ecuador: $38.96 million USD (25.7%)
Netherlands: $11.53 million USD (7.6%)
United States: $4.08 million USD (2.7%)
Mexico: $2.19 million USD (1.4%)

These five countries collectively account for approximately 94.7% of Canada's fresh cut flower imports.

Why are Colombian flowers so famous?

First, there’s the incredible biodiversity. Colombia has more than 130,000 different plant species on its soil thanks to its range of climates and eco-systems. There’s a place for every plant. Secondly, Colombia has near-perfect conditions for commercial flower production, which is why its flowers are so famous. The country’s main flower-growing area is on the savannah around Bogota, because it has consistent temperatures all year round and the same amount of light every day (around 12 hours) Best of all, some 100,000 years ago the savannah was actually a lake and even though it’s dry now, it still has dense, clay-rich soil and a massive network of wetlands, tributaries and waterfalls, perfect for flower-growing. Still, the capital doesn’t retain all the glory. You’ll find species like heliconia and bird of paradise flowers (strelitzia) growing happily on the coast.

Who buys Colombian flowers?

Millions of people. Colombia is one of the world’s top flower producers, exporting flowers worth more than USD$1 billion every year and the industry is growing. In 2003, 55% of all cut flowers imported into the United States came from Colombia. Ten years later that figure was up to 65% and it now exceeds 70%. One reason Colombia exports so many flowers to the US is because it’s so close, just a couple of hours from Miami International Airport, which processes 187,000 tons of fresh-picked flowers every year. That’s a lot of blooms and there’s always a surge before Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day too.

Source: Columbia

Friday, February 2, 2024

The Meaning of Purple Roses

Purple roses symbolize enchantment, mystery, and admiration. Their deep, regal hue conveys a sense of royalty and elegance, making them a perfect choice for expressing admiration and appreciation. Associated with enchantment and love at first sight, purple roses communicate a message of fascination and captivation in romantic relationships.

Cultivated in the fertile soils of Ecuador, these roses carry a distinct allure, making them a perfect choice for expressing deep admiration and conveying a touch of regal charm.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

When the Tulips Open for a Still Life Photographer

Tulips have always been my favorite flower. In recent years I've fallen for others. Carnations, Irises, Snapdragons, Roses, Lily of the Valley, Daisy (Do) of course and Hollyhocks. Truthfully, I love all flowers. Tulips however hold great meaning to me. I was born in Ottawa where the annual tulip festival takes place. The memory of seeing these as a toddler is imprinted on my heart.

Tulips are beautiful flowers that have various meanings and symbolism throughout history and cultures. They are often associated with love, joy, rebirth, and hope. They also have different meanings depending on their colors, such as orange for 'I'm fascinated by you', white for forgiveness, yellow for cheerful thoughts, and purple for royalty.

While the flower is closely associated with Holland, it was first cultivated in Turkey, and eventually introduced to Europe after 1550. By the 17th century, the flower became a collector’s item and an exotic luxury sold for hundreds of dollars each. The story goes that many Dutch families mortgaged their houses and estates in hopes of investing in tulips and reselling them at higher prices, hence, the tulip mania. Tulips were also often chosen in European paintings, especially those from the Dutch Golden Age.

Red tulips can be the best flowers to express your undying love, since the color itself evokes passion and romance. Also, the bloom says, “trust me or believe me.” In some contexts, it may also mean charity or fame.

These beautiful flowers have inspired love and passion, and they can be used for any occasion. Since tulips are a declaration of love, it’s the best flower of choice for your first bouquet to give to someone you admire. They’re regarded as the 11th wedding anniversary flower too.

I hope you find joy looking at my still life photographs of these red tulips.

Patti xo

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Tulip Symbolism. How Tulips Beckon the Arrival of Spring with Vibrant Colors and Graceful Elegance

Tulips, with their vibrant hues and graceful appearance, carry rich symbolism that transcends cultural boundaries. Here are some common interpretations of the symbolism associated with tulips:

1. Love and Romance:

Tulips are often associated with love and romance. Red tulips, in particular, symbolize deep and passionate love. Giving someone a bouquet of red tulips is a gesture that expresses intense emotions and affection.

2. Perfect Love:

White tulips represent purity and innocence, making them a symbol of perfect and pure love. They are often used in weddings and other ceremonies to convey the idea of a perfect union.

3. Declaration of Love:

The red tulip, in addition to representing deep love, is also seen as a declaration of love. It's a bold and straightforward way to express romantic feelings towards someone.

4. Elegance and Grace:

Tulips are admired for their elegant and graceful appearance. As a symbol of elegance, they are often used in floral arrangements to add a touch of sophistication and beauty.

5. Passion and Desire

Apart from love, tulips can also symbolize passion and desire. Their intense colors and striking appearance evoke a sense of longing and desire, making them a meaningful gift in romantic relationships.

6. Endless Happiness:

Yellow tulips are associated with happiness and cheerfulness. They symbolize the bright and sunny aspects of life, making them a perfect gift to convey joy and positive energy.

7. New Beginnings:

In many cultures, tulips are considered a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. Their vibrant colors and the way they emerge from the ground in the spring signify the start of a new season and new opportunities.

8. Varied Meanings:

Different colors of tulips can convey different meanings. For example, pink tulips are often associated with affection and caring, while purple tulips symbolize royalty and abundance.

9. Symbol of the Netherlands:

Tulips hold a special place in Dutch culture and are often seen as a symbol of the Netherlands. The annual Keukenhof Gardens showcase millions of tulips, attracting visitors from around the world.

In summary, tulips are versatile flowers that carry a range of symbolic meanings, from love and romance to new beginnings and happiness. The specific interpretation may vary based on the color of the tulip and the cultural context in which it is given or displayed.

Hurry up Spring!

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Floral Design Trend: 10 Reasons Why Carnation Flowers Are Back

1. Everything old is new again

2. The colour choices and combinations are endless

3. They are affordable

4. They last up to 3 weeks (refresh water!)

5. You can grow them

6. Pink ones are symbols of a 'Mother's Love'

7. Bouffant & voluminous they add bulk to your design

8. They look beautiful alone or with other flowers

9. Excellent for Weddings on a tight budget

10. Botanical name, dianthus, means 'flower of the gods'

Friday, September 24, 2021

Sunflower Still Life Photograph

Most often a photograph takes milliseconds, but this one was born out of 'slow photography' = Painting the abstract, growing the sunflowers, picking the flowers, styling the still life and editing the image. Lesson:  'The day you plant the seed is NOT the day you harvest. Be patient. Be humble. Keep moving forward and know that all this hard work you're putting in day in and day out WILL produce the results you've been looking for. Your time is coming. Do not give up.'

Patti xo

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COPYRIGHT 2007-2021 Patti Friday All photographs, works of art and words are original content, unless specified otherwise. All rights reserved. Patti Friday: Reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas' I am an Artist who carries a paintbrush, camera and notebook. Instagram: @pattifriday

Monday, September 20, 2021

Fun facts about sunflowers!

The tallest recorded sunflower was a ginormous 9.17m (30ft 1inch)!

The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine.

Sunflower seeds are packed full of calcium

so they're perfect for a little mid-afternoon healthy snack.

Sunflowers are usually given on a third wedding anniversary.

*****

"I am working with the enthusiasm of a man from

Marseilles eating bouillabaisse,

which shouldn't come as a surprise to you because

I am busy painting huge sunflowers."

- Vincent Van Gogh

Each sunflower can produce between 1000-2000 seeds!

Sunflowers first originated around 1000 BC in the Americas.

Sunflower oil is perfect for cooking, skin and hair!

You can probably guess how sunflowers got their name.

It’s simply because young sunflowers move to face the sun!

In Greek mythology, the story goes that a nymph named Clytie was in love with Apollo, the God of Sun. In the beginning, he loved her too, but then his head was turned toward another nymph. In a fit of jealous rage, Clytie told the other nymphs father, who then buried his daughter alive as punishment. Pretty brutal! Apollo was so angry that he then turned Clytie into a sunflower. But, as her love for him was so strong, she watched him move across the sky every day, just how sunflowers follow the sun.

- Bloom and Wild

Brides love to grow their own bouquets!

A sunflower has an official name: Helianthus

It is Greek = Sun + Flower

With bright blooms that go from mid-summer to early fall,

sunflowers say “summer” like no other plant.

Plus, 2021 has been designated the “Year of the Sunflower”!

What better way to celebrate than growing some yourself?

LEARN how to plant grow and care for sunflowers

HERE

Monday, June 11, 2018

Botanical Photographic Art

There are so many photographs

to take of plants.

You might think it's all been done before...

all done.

But I see so much more to document.

Patti Friday 'Everyday Happy Goods': Reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Climbing Rose and The Moon Wall Decor

'Live Long and Prosper 1'

'Climbing'

'Live Long and Prosper II'

Capturing the essence of life, documenting as I go; the quiet beautiful moments or hurried, cinematic scenes of the 'everyday'. Often poetic, sometimes irreverent. I am endlessly inspired by fond memories, lakeside summers, cozy winters, and daydreaming ideas. I play with many mediums and subject matters.

Although I personally live a casual, laid-back lifestyle, I am a Fine Artist who creates modern, works that add beauty and style to any space. Be it minimalist, eclectic, country or traditional.

I love fresh, quirky, graphic imagery mixed with colourful, folkloric elements, symbolic layers + typography. I digitally blend some of my collected images with my own photography + paintings. They are modern and decorative; perfect for today's contemporary interiors.

Thank You for decorating your spaces with my art!

Peace Love Create Art,

Patti

Patti Friday: Reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'

Saturday, March 24, 2018

White Peony

My newest fine art print.

Photographed with instinctive, intuitive feeling
and a specific creative vision.
Edited with intentional elements of unexpected, enhancing details.

'White Peony'
Mischievous nymphs were said to hide
in the petals of the Peony,
giving it the meaning of shame or bashfulness.

Hope you love it as much as I do.

Let's decorate!

Peace Love Create Art