While the last few jobs have been a wonderful and uplifting way to wrap up a successful first year (we turned one on August 28) and a great wedding season, it has been with a heavy heart and the temporary absence of my dear sidekick Jenny.

On August 24th, Verbena’s better half Jenny Dagg lost her eldest son Tyler James O’Farrell in a tragic workplace accident. Tyler was working in the tree’s near Blind Channel outside of Campbell River BC, and he slipped and fell. Tyler was 28 years old and wrapped in the sunlight of the spirit and the many gifts the universe offers those who never give up in life and put their best foot forward everyday.

I know one thing for sure and that is the power of creativity and artistry and their ability to heal the heart, and so I know that there will be healing all around us as we create and play in our flower studio in the coming months.

The family gave out small cedar seedlings to plant in memory of Tyler at his memorial. I chose to plant mine in a small pot, and it still sits in my kitchen. I keep it close until the perfect spot is found. I have named my seedling Tyler, and so as I went off to arrange the flowers for an event a few weeks ago I brought him with me, for inspiration and strength. Below is Tyler with one of my creations.

We are looking forward to a fabulous year full of interesting people, wonderful celebrations, and an abundance of creativity and love.

An amazing opportunity came our way today. A few weeks ago we were approached by Elizabeth Levinson and her sister Caroline of Cafe Mela and Mela’s Tearoom in The Winchester Galleries, to create a larger then average boutenierre for the incomprable Justin of “Colin and Justin ofof HGTV’s Home Heist. They are in town this weekend for the Home Show at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre.
We created an oversized arrangment to pin on Justin using hot pink phalenopsis orchids and an abundance of local foliage celebrating BC, Canada and wee bit of their Scottish heritage. We used, salal, cedar, and swordtip ferns, maple leaves and pink heather. All was bound by a brilliant hot pink chiffon ribbon. We then deocrated the tables and cake stands with more of the same and a fabulous afternoon was had by all. What a wonderful pair they are so fun and down to earth.
Thank you amazing Elaine, Jenny’s saviour of a sister who helped me out with all this! Elaine’s calm presence and brilliance with ribbon was much appreciated and the next best thing to having Jenny there!

We were happy to be asked by Island Bridal Guide to provide the florals for their gala reception to launch their new high end Bridal Guide. We decided to follow in the footsteps of one of our favorite weddings from the summer, especially given that it was at the lovely Villa Marco Polo.