‘Tis official flower folks, Christmas countdown is making December days disappear as fast as our Advent calendars treats. So, here’s some solace filled seasonal reading where we throw it back to one of our favourite ever days filling a currach with flowers for our book ‘Bláthanna’. It’s what we call ‘Wreath Week’ in the trade so we have put in our ‘How to make your own Wreath’ video and lessons to help you make your door the best dressed in the street. And then, feel inspired when reading all about Irenie Cossey of Irenie Studio - Irenie’s creative joy for every project she presents is palpable in her love of flowers, design and life. Siopa Stories, our favourite Grás this week and some Desiderata thoughts just about sum up where we are at this week as we dive headlong into the festive tunnel for this year’s festivities.
FLOWERS WE LOVED TO MAKE :
‘BLÁTHANNA’ & OUR GLENDALOUGH CURRACH BOTANICA
Bláthanna means flowers in the Irish language. Four years ago, (how fast did that go?) we published our Blathanna: Irish Spaces in Flower, a curation of floral short stories in Irish spaces. We showed a selection box of our playing with flowers. We chose spaces, some well known, some we just loved ourselves, some we found along the way, but all of them inspired our imaginings of what flowers would work when made in those places.
Each blooming chapter showcases our flower styling and chats about the histories, mythologies, legends and flower meanings that led us to being in each one for a day. We had drawn from Irish countryside textures, native gardens and flowers from around the globe too, and then responded with flowers to suit each surrounding they sit in. Each dedicated chapter was an end of a journey where we often had a finished result so different than what we had planned on sketched paper. But that is the joy of working with flowers because it is the process and working with such wonderful ingredients, that often leads us to produce unintentional work that is meant to be.
A December gift of the week is to give you our Glendalough flower story to bring you back to our Currach Botanica and to simply say that we have our book instore and we can also post it out to you, and of course you can find it for sale with our shop friends Nordic Elements & Havana too. Enjoy this read as much as we did going back to flower filled memory lane.
‘‘A decision to create a currach botanica on Glendalough Upper lake was decided without us knowing how we would achieve any part of this floral story but it was one we wanted to make.Currach owners we knew had theirs off being fixed and we had to really convince the lovely folk in the Wicklow National Park Office that we merely wished to float a boat on the water for flower reasons not boating at all. And everyone who worked in the park that day had a wonderful personal story to tell about their lake they loved and what it meant to them. These life stories made the day we have to say. Luckily we found Ross of Boyne Boats who kindly brought his favourite currach so beloved of John Snow in ‘Game of Thrones’ all the way down to this glacial valley.
Between finding and foraging ourselves and then asking our friend Ulli to come up from Clare, we brought a full van of branches, birches, country lane stems and lots of colour into this heritage park. We layered the beautifully carved inside of the currach with covering so that not even a berry could leave its dyed juice stain there that night. Almost as if constructing a pyre, hornbeam, larch, ash and beech were woven to form an interlocked base for us then to build our bounty of wildflower beauty upon.The flora composition of the currach included ferns, deciduous branches, crocosmias,hydrangea, rosehips, viburnums, dahlias, delphiniums, acacia,heathers, berries and more.
This park of 20,000 hectare has so many plant varieties some from Ice Age times, most from natural migration to this country as attractive garden specimens or as seed in cereal & food. Our Connemara boat could only hold so many but we wanted to make the fall season colourways look marvellous reflecting in the dark lake waters. Although we started in blue skies that morning, the day hours cycled through our climate as if it was trying to play with the dark and light constantly. The mountain hills stretched down to the lake in mists, in clouds, in sunlight, in rain. The water constantly shifting from mossy greens and browns to light sky blue in shade moved from being reflective calm to finding white horses to turning into ripples as if the sea. A perfect cloud formation finally appeared and our water boat flower mirror began to appear.
And then, as we watched Sean taking shots of the boat, standing ladder-high above the surface, we pondered how the maidens made their way to see St. Kevin of Glendalough, as he lived much of his 120 years in a tiny hermit hut on the steep hillside just above us. He had died 1,400 years ago on the 3rd of June 618. The poor man, tormented by lady suitors and followers eventually had to abandon his ascetic life to form the monastic village and church that nearly every tourist and child in Ireland visits.“
And just a note : It is not often that you get to work with two of your favourite friends in the world. One being Kasia Skopinska, who originally from Poland has made our island her fond home and who worked alongside me for over 13 years. Our symbiotic relationship is so that we came up with the same ideas for each spot and laughed so hard each time something went wrong. And then Ultan, my husband in life and in flowers whose practical head and physically strong body meant that we could make the ideas myself and Kasia drew on a page. Whether it was holding a currach for 5 hours in Glendalough or suspending Tetris flowers on the RHA, each shoot for him was a cross training workshop.And then we had the joy of working alongside Yvette my sister and her husband Sean whose craft as photographers already so strongly recognised, made this book what it is. Yes, we brought the flowers,the ideas and we organised them to come to everywhere we organised. But it is their vision, their capture, their advice that has brought all of our inside the head ideas into the beautiful life the reality each flower chapter became.
A million thanks Kasia, Ultan, Yvette & Seán & to all of our Appassionata crew X
-’Bláthanna : Irish Spaces in Flower’ by Ruth Monahan, Kasia Skopinska, Ultan Devaney
FIND OUR LOVELY BOOK HERE :
FROM US - FROM NORDIC ELEMENTS - FROM HAVANA DONNYBROOK
FLOWERY NOTIONS & HOW TO MAKE & DO :
It’s Wreath Week, the week to make Wreaths, It’s Wreath Week …
Here’s the How:
Wreath/ An Fleasc Nollag : The word "wreath" comes from the Old English "writhan," meaning "to twist," and over the centuries, wreaths have been associated with a variety of cultures. It's believed that wreaths date back to the Persian Empire, ancient Egypt, Greece & Rome where they were believed to be signs of victory
Christmas wreaths are also connected with the pagan holiday of Yule, marking the winter solstice, which was celebrated by ancient Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This 12-day festival, also called midwinter, was held to honor the returning of the sun & the seasonal cycle. The wreaths used during Yule symbolized nature and the promise of spring. They held candles that were lit in hopes of the return of the warmth and the sunlight.
But perhaps the most widespread and well-known use of wreaths comes in connection with Christmas and with Christianity, as their circular shape is said to symbolize eternal life and the unending love of God. In the 16th century, the use of wreaths during Yule was adopted by Christians and became a custom in the form of Advent wreaths. These wreaths were traditionally made of evergreens, which also symbolize eternal life, holly, oak, and red berries…
However nowadays a Christmas wreath symbolises an invite to the spirit of Christmas to enter one’s home & it is supposed to bring good luck. December the 8th has always traditionally marked the day to decorate your home in Ireland and then you are supposed to keep your wreath until Nollaig na MBan on the 6th of January.
Why not watch this ‘How to make your own Wreath’ film below, download our tutorial PDF, set yourself a free evening this week and hey presto, you will have the best dressed door on your street this Christmas.
AND HERE’S A PDF SO YOU CAN PRINT THE BEST WREATH MAKING INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE FOREVER :
NATURE STUDIES : Irenie Cossey, : Irenie Studio
What is your favourite flower & what does it evoke for you?
My favourite flowers are dreamy Icelandic poppies – They are super delicate and unwrap so beautifully. Delicate, Light and unobtrusive. Watching the feathery foliage drop around the vase naturally. A winner for me.
How do you like to display flowers at home and what is your favourite vessel?
Low, informal and a mix of small vintage and interesting vases, vessels and jars. One specific favourite is a smoky brown glass low vase ‘La Soufflerie – Pot a cornichin. I love having numerous vases dotted around the house including the bathrooms. Using Faceted ceramic vessels is a favourite alongside an old chemistry flask!
What is the most important element to you in having flowers at home?
Ceremony, gathering, marking an occasion or changing the speed of life. Introduction to the weekend. I often have 3 modes of flowers at home; The gifted, The carefully selected on a Saturday afternoon and the surprise of the results of a brief for a shoot I am doing at home / work. Flowers are the extension of our self-expression and bringing the calmness of nature inside.
When setting a winter/Christmas table, what would best describe your style?
Creative, Pops of colour, layering and delicate inserts. Always a vintage piece along with an object of curiosity!
What elements of nature would make up a perfect dining table for you?
Anemona Da Caen group white for winter. 4 / 5 of the same low level arrangements in a mix of different vases
Which florists & garden designers do you love most around the world?
Appassionata for very obvious reasons. If only you delivered to London! ‘That’s flower shop’ (Hattie Fox) and ‘Untitled flowers’ (Alisa Lambina)
Do you have any favourite flower/garden design books?
Flower Colour Guide – Taylor and Michael Putman. I see the world in colour and this is a lovely cross over into nature and flowers. I quite often reference it when thinking of new colour ways and project narratives blending the secret lives of colour.
What would be in your ultimate favourite bouquet?
Seasonal Autumn bouquet of muted colours and tones - wrapped in thick white plain paper along with a miniature bunches in small vases (very specific!) I can visualise the delight!
Find Irenie HERE & watch this gorgeous Vitra story too where Irenie discusses her creative approach to work and life … WATCH HERE
SIOPA STORIES
Yep, folks, the sign declares it…our Christmas flower elf time has officially started…And we would so love if you could pre-order all you need this week so we can make sure you have it all sorted for a stupendously stress free Christmas….19 days to go!
BLÁTHANNA GRÁ - a gathering of all we loved this week
IN MUSIC
‘The Little Drummer Boy’ - Conor O’Brien & Lisa Hannigan
Listening to this exquisite rendering of this quaint Christmas classic is like taking a step into a mindful set of sounds. An exquisite rendering of the Christmas classic, Conor O‘Brien of Villagers and Lisa Hannigan’s vocals beautifully complement each other against a serene and atmospheric setting as they cover“The Little Drummer Boy”.
IN WORDS
What Makes A Garden - A considered approach to garden design - Jinny Blom
Jinny Blom, one of the worlds leading garden designers has created a reflective second book which gives a broader idea about her work. This fascinating and insightful book shows her multi-disciplinary approach, which embraces architecture, conservation and art, coupled with a strong holistic thread.
We love the warmth and character throughout the book. Each page reflects Blom’s individual approach to garden design & marries artistry with functionality in a beautiful way.
IN LIFE
Sorcha Richardson in The National Concert Hall
Wow is our review of this so gorgeous gig in the NCH last week. Sorcha Richardson is a firm florist favourite so it was wonderful to see her live in Dublin. Every track simply orchestrated with twinkling lights to match and Sorcha’s personality shone through as she bantered with her band & audience alike. An enchanted evening & her voice sounded as we cycled home with her singing in our heads.
IN LOVE
It is always a joy when flower friends forward on videos they think you would like (A million thanks Sally) but this piece by The National Trust just gave a winter glow. The combination of Christmas, creativity, community and sustainability produces a brilliantly constructed garland we can only dream to make.
Cothele is an atmospheric Tudor house in Cornwall, England with medieval roots. It has a mill on a historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore.
They have traditionally made a flower garland for their Great Hall each Christmas since 1956 with all elements grown in their estate garden.
Here’s a list of all that it took to make such magic this year.
🌱10 months of hard work from planting seeds to drying flowers
🌸 30,000 flowers picked
👩🌾60 volunteer gardeners
😳60 feet of garland erected
⚖️19 stone in weight
💐12 days to assemble the flowers
🗓️2 months to view and celebrate 2023
For anyone venturing to Cornwall soon, you can see the 60-foot garland in all its glory daily until January 7th 2024
FIND COTHELE HERE & ON INSTAGRAM
WALKS WITH ELLA
(Our beagle Ella loves a walk and noses herself around anywhere we bring her. I love the space and time as she trundles along attempting to chase squirrels to take in podcasts by brilliant folk.)
Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin - A Conversation with Nick Cave
As a Rick Rubin & Nick Cave superfan, this interview conducted after Cave finished his tour with Radio bassist Colin Greenwood in Los Angeles. This interview so filled with poignancy and reflection remained in my head for a while.
What Makes a Garden with Jinny Blom - Episode 6 - Brian Eno - Art & Ligh
Jinny Blom, the landscape gardener and writer, speaks to guests including Brian Eno and Tim Walker to uncover what inspires us to work with plants, what connects us to the land, and the complex constellation of ideas, experiences, thoughts and senses that make a garden.
UNTIL NEXT WEEK FRIENDS - A THOUGHT :
Desiderata - Words for Life
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
— Max Ehrmann, 1927