Random Thoughts

This collection is not a museum. It's a museum in one sense, but it's also a well-used, vitally important collection that's equivalent to a database of plant information. Plants are not just beautiful and decorative; without them we simply couldn't survive. From the sheets we sleep on, the clothes we wear for warmth and the food and medicine we depend on, plants are invaluable to humanity; their diversity sustains us now, and in the future it will enable us to adapt, innovate and ultimately to survive.

- David Simpson
http://www.kew.org

Spot on.

Shakespeare's Gardens

A theatrical flourish welcomes visitors to 2010 Hampton Court Palace Flower Show - as the Royal Horticultural Society celebrates the life and work of the famous bard. Don't miss. http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/Hampton-Court-Palace-Flower-Show/2010

Ace Of Diamonds

David Domoney is designing the Ace of Diamonds display for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. This garden will celebrate links between plants and precious stones since many of the plants used will either have gemstones in their names or have flowers reminiscent of precious stones such as the hosta diamond tiara. Don't miss.

Useful links:
www.domoney.tv
www.rhs.org.uk

Raina Kelley Viewpoint

Spot on. Why everything you think about Valentine's Day is wrong. My view is just do the right thing. Period.

Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.
- John Lennon

Love And Lies

I was really intrigued by the clever deceits of orchids and their reproductive strategy. Michael Pollan's article in the National Geographic on orchids was brilliant. I have learned a lot.

Useful link:

www.michaelpollan.com

Multicoloured Chrysanthemum

I have never seen one flower head that is split exactly down the middle, but this flower is very impressive. They looked like bi-colored tourmalines. Stunningly beautiful, really.

Useful link:

www.rhs.org.uk

Power Plant

Go to the Royal Botanic Gardens for an immersive experience.

Useful links:
www.powerplant.org.uk
www.rbge.org.uk

Book Plant Pot

Old books into plant pots. Look what Tokyo Pistol design agency did with theirs. I loved it. http://www.tokyopistol.com/goods/honbachi

Tatton Park Flower Show

Tatton Park is the place to spot up-and-coming garden designers and innovative new ideas. Check out the link www.rhs.org.uk

How Flowers Conquered The World

I have always wondered about flowering plants dominating the landscape. How did this happen? Have you ever stopped to think just how important they are? I love flowers. What would this world be like without flowers?

Useful links:
www.ncp.wur.nl/UK/Staff/Berendse
www.aew.wur.nl/uk/staff/MS

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Yard Party
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/06/fashion/20090607-street-feature/index.html#

It was glorious. Thanks Bill. I loved it.

Rose Story Farm

The more roses in this world, the better. There's no flower in the world that does what a rose does for us. The fragrances, the colors, the nine or 10 months of bloom. They're incredible. We are so lucky to have this flower.

- Danielle Hahn, Rose Story Farm
www.rosestoryfarm.com

Rose Story Farm is a must visit.

Jonathan Singer

There are no words to describe the magnificance of the many photographs of flowers Jonathan has shot + the colors and details are so real you can almost touch them. Check out the link www.botanicamagnifica.com

Chelsea Flower Show 2009

Chelsea Flower Show 2009: the highlights
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow/5360913/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2009-the-highlights.html

Useful link:
www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/shows/chelsea2009

It is a beauty, really.

Botanical Paradise

Kew Gardens: 250 years of the botanical paradise
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2009/may/04/kew-gardens-queen-visit?picture=346843397

Useful link:
www.kew.org

Ramakrishna Karuturi

Coming Up Roses
http://www.forbes.com/global/2009/0427/018-business-karuturi-global-coming-up-roses.html

Useful links:
www.karuturi.com
www.floraholland.com

Inspiring story.

The Orchid King

In the Concrete Jungle The Orchid King
http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/in-the-concrete-jungle-the-orchid-king

Useful links:
www.raymondjungles.com
www.nybg.org
www.burlemarx.com.br

Don't miss the Orchid show. It's open until April 12, 2009.

Orchids As Art

Orchids as Art, With a Nod to Brazil
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/garden/26garden.html

Useful links:
www.raymondjungles.com
www.burlemarx.com.br
www.nybg.org
www.ecostudies.org
www.aia.org

Plants = Art = Museum of living things. The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern. February 28 – April 12, 2009. A must visit.

Jim McCann/Flower Power

Flower Power in a Recession
http://feedroom.businessweek.com/?fr_story=cfe18d7ccb5c4967720a5effe360ee97d5c21a1f

Useful link:
http://ww11.1800flowers.com

Interesting business model.

Flowers 2009

Audio slideshow: Behind the scenes at Kew
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7884523.stm

Useful link:
www.kew.org

Stunningly beautiful!