Bel Fiore

The name of my blog is My Favorite Things, so indeed I am here to share with you my favorite flowers. Though I have neither in my very limited garden, I have big dreams of one day having several of each. First up is of course the Peony. I have missed the planting season until next fall, but when it comes I will be ready this time. I have high hopes of going to the Peony nursery in San Jose this spring to see all the peonies in their beautiful glory. I am going, even if I must go alone, but I am sure that I can drag someone with me. My poor little plants will simply have to wait in their containers until it is time to plant. There is no flower more beautiful than a peony. It is the perfect mix of simplicity and fantasy. with usually simple and subdued colors, they are not going to be the brightest color in the garden although there is the occasional red. However, you can't help but notice their enormity. Some of the 'bomb' style flowers can reach 9 inches in depth and the same or more in diameter. It may take a couple of years to get the perfect blooms you dream of, but to me it will be worth the wait.

After looking at hundreds of pictures of peonies I also came to the realization that they are the perfect wedding flower. My cake, bouquet and for that matter any boquet in my wedding officially needs peonies. I have found the perfect wedding cake, which I have pictured below, as well as some beautiful boquets. Although I must admit that when using such a large and heavy flower in a boquet you must use some moderation. There were some arrangements that were absolutely enormous, they must have weighed like 20 lbs. Even though I tend to go over the top, not even I am that bad. I guess the feathers are a little much, but I really love feathers.

Ahhh...I could post even more pictures, but I tried to stick to the best.

On to the next...

Number two is the Helleborus or Lenten Rose as it is called sometimes. Definitely not a plant that you would notice right away with it's downward facing flowers, but it is none the less very intriguing. With nice evergreen foliage that will quite like my shady backyard, I could not ask for more. Oh wait, did I mention that they bloom in late winter into spring, at a time when little else will show it's colors. The flowers are intricately beautiful, you only have to turn their faces upward to see.

All I can think of is that I can't wait to be able to take my own pictures of my own beautiful flowers. One day I will have a beautiful garden. One day these will be only two of the dozens of beautiful flowers that I will be surrounded by. One day my yard will the the envy of my neighbors instead of the disgrace. One day...