Exotic Flowers in Boston

Saint Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching and my son is already becoming excited with the hope that he might be able to catch a Leprechaun, a tradition which he attempts every year.   The fascinations surrounding these miniature faeries of Irish folklore have been cultivated and celebrated for generations.  Due to the magical and mysterious nature of these tiny spirits, they have become the most honored icons for the luckiest holiday of the year!  Children everywhere are plotting their contraptions to snare these mischievous imps in order to find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.   But is that all to really know about Leprechauns?  This Saint Patrick’s Day, why not give our kids a little history lesson about these mythical men and pass along the fun and fantasy that this Irish folklore celebrates. 

                                         Lucky the Leprechaun

Leprechauns are one of the oldest faeries depicted in Irish literature and date back even before the Celts were introduced between 800 and 400 BC.  They are the direct relatives of the Clurichauns, specifically cousins who although are similar in nature, are known less for mischief and more for destruction that they cause through the night after heavily drinking.  Leprechauns are very small in size and can be compared in height to a matchbox car or child’s action figure.  Attire consists only of a hat, green suit and buckled shoes with the occasional pipe as an accessory.  They are unique in their profession because unlike other Irish faeries, they are the only mythological creatures that are shoemakers.  The reason for this is known through their love of dance and music.  Legend says that the little men are quite talented in the musical realm having been able to master authentic Irish instruments such as the harp, whistle and fiddle.  After enjoying a social gathering of moonshine with friends, Leprechauns would religiously break out into song, playing music and dancing into the wee hours of the night.  Because of this passion, the faeries found it imperative to always have proper shoe ware thus bringing about their analogous trade of cobbles men. 

                                      Boston's Most Famous Leprechaun 

Now here’s the part that your kids are going to want to hear about…

Leprechauns are the trickiest and sneakiest figures of any folklore in the world and have to this day, never been caught by any human.  Each sprite has gathered an opulent assortment of riches that are said to be valued so precious, that the gods have granted them powers to protect it.  Commonly hidden in the countryside of Ireland, a Leprechaun has the capability if trapped to grant his captor three wishes although more of the time he will vanish before your eyes into thin air.  Places to be careful to look are underneath hollowed logs or trees where they have made their home.  If you do happen to catch yourself a Leprechaun, be weary when he begins to scream, tantrum and cry.  You might think its because you have found his gold but really, he’s thankful that you haven’t found the other squandered treasures that are hidden close by! 

Saint Patrick’s Day is almost here and Bostonians are getting ready to celebrate by taking time to partake in some of the traditional activities associated with the holiday.  Sure we all will be wearing green and cooking our corn beef and cabbage meals but how about finding a little luck to go along with our plans this year?  One of the greatest customs associated with March 17^th is the possibility of discovering your dreams and wishes through a little luck!  For some it is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow or catching a sneaky Leprechaun but for many, these tasks seem a bit too trying.  So how about something a bit more simple like finding a four-leaf clover?  Many believe that this is an impossible chore but in reality, four-leaf clovers are produced 1 in every 10,000 clovers.  The fourth leaf stems from a mutation of the plant where it is actually the first clover of a whole other specimen.  Now those odds don’t seem so bad do they?  You will also be surprised as to the number of suggestions experts have made to pin point probable locations that will help your search be more successful.  These are a few tips to get your investigations started and hears to finding a little bit of luck this Saint Patrick’s Day!

Hot Tips

1. Once the snow melts and the spring warms the earth once again, find a patch of lawn or visit a local park where there is an abundance of greenery in the area.  Seasonally, clove hunting extends through March all the way to August.  Great spots include baseball fields, backyards and even rocky topography, which ironically produces healthy clover. 

2. Stand upright over a large mass of clover and scan the area.  Do not bend down to look.  You will have a better chance from viewing and locating while standing erect and not crouched down.  Lightly brush your foot across the patch, gently separating the clumps so that the plants are flat.

3. Peer down to the clover and look for the patterns in the leaves and you will begin to notice how fast sets of threes will stand out from any sets of fours. 

4. Do not get discouraged if you have trouble at the start, your eyes will eventually adjust and pretty soon you will be picking your four-leaf clovers.  Be mindful that there may be several in one area because commonly, they grow efficiently with one another.  You should also know that there is accounts of five to eighteen clover samples in the wild so don’t limit yourself to only finding four! 

Saint Patrick’s Day is known for more than just wearing green-it’s one of the best holidays to feast on delicious traditional dishes from Ireland!  It happens to be a common misconception that meals served in honor of this celebration are, in general, bland with little to no flavor.   That is simply not true!  Over hundreds of generations, mouthwatering entrees have been developed by Europe’s finest cooks and passed down to their ancestors who have migrated to Boston.  Having their own adaptations and special ingredients, authentic Saint Patrick’s Day cuisine has become a true celebration unto itself being served not only in Bostonian homes but also in restaurants and hotels all over the city.  Another bonus for these recipes is that they are easy to make and considerably less expensive than other holiday spreads such as Thanksgiving or Easter.  Once you’ve found the meal that is perfect for you, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things by adding spices and other vegetables preferable to you.  These are my favorites that I will be cooking this Saint Patrick’s Day that you just might find the urge to whip up yourself.

                                 photo credit: epicurious.com

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons baking soda     3 tablespoons of caraway seed         2 cups raisins

1 cup sugar                            ¾ cups butter                                                3 eggs

6 teaspoons baking powder            2½ cups buttermilk                          1 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons sour cream   3 tablespoons milk                            5 cups flour

Preheat oven at 375 degrees.                     

Mix together the baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt until the batter is dry.  Slice the butter into pads to make it easier to combine with the mixture, making a crust like consistency.  Then add the raisins and caraway seed to make the bread flavorful and interesting to the taste.  Add a dash of milk slowly until the bread doe can be formed into loaves.  Place into bread oven dishes and bake for 55 minutes.  Serve with another slab of butter and eat immediately!

                                             photo credit: truefoodsmarket.com

Corn O’Brien

Ingredients:

½ cup chopped onion          4 tablespoons green bell pepper

3 cups yellow corn kernels   2 tablespoons diced pimento

3 strips bacon                        1 tablespoon salt and pepper

Heat a skillet with a dash of olive oil and cook bacon until the pork is nice and crispy.  Set it aside while keeping the juices in the pan to flavor the next steps of cooking.  Add the pepper and onion and sauté until well cooked and softened.  Put the bacon back into the skillet as well as the pimento and corn kernels.  Cook until all of the ingredients have blended well and then season with salt and pepper.  Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA

So you might think that Saint Patrick’s Day is all about the corn beef cabbage, beer and wearing the color green but Bostonians are learning that the upcoming holiday has much more to offer in celebratory terms!  Historically, this date marks several themes including religious and regional pride for the Irish culture.  But did you know that March 17^th also holds tremendous significance with the celebration of seasonal changes placing importance on the new growth that arrives with warmer weather?  It’s true and the proof dates back to centuries ago when part of the celebration included planting the first seedlings of spring.  Because of this, there is an increase of attention building on the agricultural industry for Saint Patrick’s Day and lucky for us, the heightened demand for fresh cut flowers.  Of course, the flowers that are requested aren’t just any spring blooms that we might be carrying in our coolers this month but ones of course that emulate the theme, tradition and of course, colors of Saint Patrick’s Day.  Now I can tell, you are rolling your eyes and thinking, “Not another year of dyed green carnations” although we are all knowledgeable of the fact that they are one of the biggest sellers in March.  No, you’ll be surprised that there is a greater opportunity for florists to widen their selection of flowers for holiday bouquets and centerpieces that are both creatively designed and contemporary.  Take a look at these popular blossoms and see if they fit your bill for a flower infused Saint Patrick’s Day.

Bells of Ireland

I love Bells of Ireland because of their dynamic shade of brilliant green and the name, which couldn’t get any better, for March 17^th orders.  Appearing with a long spike with follicles resembling bells, these stems make design easy because of their durability, low cost and longevity when used in both fresh water vases and oasis.  Having the Latin name, Moluccella laevis, customers will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful fragrance, which emanates the theme of freshness and springtime.  Bells of Ireland also hold multipurpose because they can be dried by hanging upside down or replanted in gardens once there is no danger of frost or frigid cold weather. 

            photo credit: instagram.com/jeffleatham

Green Calla Lilies

These have got to be the most stunning presentation a Boston florist can display within their shops for this Irish holiday.  Green calla lilies are both structurally interesting yet unique to most other varieties seen in our coolers during the month of March and require little fuss to design a fabulous floral piece.  My favorite species is the Green Goddess that towers majestically and is easily interwoven with other flowers or perfect all by itself for a profound impression.  They are available almost year round from farms in Ecuador and have become more and more affordable since growers production levels have increased.  You will love how easy these beauties will make your designing efforts as well as the silk smooth texture of their gorgeous petals. 

Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA

The tables weren’t the only place flowers were inspired at this year’s 87^th Oscar Night festivities! Infamous costume and wardrobe designers were also utilizing the gift of floral themed patterns, which even made their way to the red carpet.  Keira Knightley was one of the actresses who was not only praised for her performance in “Begin Again” that hit box offices over the summer but also wowed onlookers in her stunning gown that received quite a reaction.  Although Knightly was in attendance to support the film’s nomination for Best Song, the actress found an overwhelming standing ovation for her dress choice, which is quickly urging tailors to continue this trend.  Why was this frock so special?  Not only did the cut and shape accentuate and flatter Knightley’s very pregnant belly, but also perpetuated a softer, womanly style that many say Hollywood has been waiting to return to.  Too often, starlets shed their clothes for a sexy, sleek appearance instead of selecting designs that present the classic beauty that the silver screen began with. Here are the details of the ingenious creation by Valentino.

                                                 photo credit: NY Times

For starters, the dress couldn’t have been made in any more of a romantic color that was sewn with blush pink and peach silk toile.  Embroidered delicately up and down the front and back were stitched flowers of posies, a favorite of many flower lovers.  The stems were woven in forest and mint green while the heads and petals were designed in silver, red and pastel pink.  The pretty floral touches weren’t the only beautiful detail either.  Written in black script, French wording was also added, striking across the sheath and diagonally.  Flowing freely around the actress’s feet as she walked the red carpet, the simple yet stunning natural fall of the gown did wonders for Knightley’s glamorous entrance.  Originally the pattern had been constructed to hide the upcoming birth of her first child with husband, James Righton.  The illusion was successful although photographs shooting the side of the 29-year-old brunette gave her condition away. 

                                               photo credit: www.ok.co.uk

If the dress isn’t enough to impress you, how about the floral crown that Knightley brilliantly accessorized with?  Setting perfectly on her head of long brown locks, the headband encircled her hairstyle, which was also gentle in appearance being only primped with soft spiral curls that hung past her shoulders.  The band of buds matched the petals that were featured on her dress and accentuated the natural beauty that Keira Knightly has impressed the movie world with.  The actress has ignited a huge flower fad in the fashion world and has also successfully shown Hollywood that her classic face, image and wardrobe choice is still the glamorous way to go!

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA

Once again, Oscar night managed to dazzle millions as we all tuned in to watch our favorite stars receive their awards of recognition.  An evening filled with fabulous costumes, glamorous hairstyles and exquisite décor, this beloved movie tradition has maintained its reputation of being one of the most anticipated events of the year.  One of the reasons is because of the sheer creativity that goes into planning the party including the jobs of the sound technicians, lighting experts and most importantly, the floral experts.  Once again, Mark’s Gardens of Sherman Oaks, California, managed to steal the post celebration party scene for flowers incorporating spectacular pieces throughout the location inspiring new styles that left many in awe.  Diverging from last year’s presentation of mixed bouquets, the clever florist decided to add a chic and bold theme to the 78^th annual Oscar festivities. 

                                photo credit: Mark's Garden Facebook Page

The vases that were made for the guest’s dining tables were truly a site to behold due to their electric color and soothing shape.  Utilizing orchids, roses and ranunculus, the team manifested both high and low mounds of single variety blossoms in a rounded design.  The color scheme was both attractive and sophisticated ranging from vibrant red and yellow to electric green and pink.  The mix and -match combinations worked well in the dimly lit room and added a pop of drama that complicated the linens, wall color and wardrobes of the actors.  Retro lighting goblets with raised emblems that were tucked in between the arrangements also completed the look by casting a glowing light on the settings.  This old Hollywood style came off as a hit where the room also featured antique portraits of famous movie stars, reminding all in attendance of the honor to be present for such a treasured event. 

                                            photo credit: Mark's Garden Los Angeles, CA

Another fabulous floral creation that was erected was a bed of ruby red roses that served as a stage for the Oscar statue mounted outside of the Dolby Theater.  The breathtaking display greeted the red carpet parade and inspired others who waited outside anxiously.  The statue was flattered by the mess free design and benefited from the particular shade of the blooms.  Differing from the burgundy roses used within the table centerpieces, this variety reflected a perky pink, which was a perfect accessory for the high standing luminous gold Oscar as well as kicking off the celebrations with a magnificent bang.

                                            photo credit: Mark's Garden, Los Angeles CA

This year, Mark’s Garden’s did not disappoint and held worth of the glamour and glitz Oscar night always promises to deliver.  We can’t wait to see what he creates next year! 

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA

Suzie's favorite night for TV is Oscar night. Like some celebrate the Oscars, Suzie celebrates the Oscars.

We are midway through the winter season and some of us are starting to get a little stir crazy from being house bound but did you know that Boston has some terrific ways to beat the blues?  No, it’s not a cake recipe or a yet another Netflix movie but a way to get up and start utilizing Mother Nature’s seasonal attributes!  Finding a winter activity is one of the most important tasks to complete if you’re planning on calling New England your home year round.  For some it can be gliding across a frozen pond or for others, a powder-covered hill to ski down is what keeps a happy smile across their face in February.  For others selecting a sport complimentary of the season can prove to be quite difficult.  What can we do that requires little investment for equipment, low maintenance for planning at the last minute and doesn’t insist speeding down a mountain or sheet of ice at 80 miles per hour?  Well, I might just have the answer for you-snowshoeing!

                                             photo credit llbean.com

Yes, snowshoeing is making a giant comeback for many New England outdoor enthusiasts because it doesn’t cost a lot and almost anyone in variation of physical fitness can do it!  The beauty of the sport allows participants to hike through some of Boston’s most stunning forestry while burning calories and heightening their endorphin levels, thus increasing a person’s mood.  Crystal lakes, pine matted paths and fragrant evergreen foliage are only a few of the many breathtaking scenic features that one will see when fastening a pair of snowshoes to their feet.  The winter environment also may surprise you with interesting animals and birdlife that stick around our area during even the coldest weather.  LL Bean carries a variety of sizes and styles and can easily be shipped to you before the springtime rolls around to warm things up.  Not sure where to go once you’ve bought your gear?  Check out these spectacular spots to enjoy your first snowshoeing experience in Boston.

                                         photo credit: llbean.com

Blue Hills Reservation

695 Hillside St, Milton

MA 02186

This is a great place to visit particularly if you are a beginner and want to try somewhere close to home for the first time.  Conveniently located near both highways 93 and 95, you’ll have no problem finding parking or a beautiful scenery as you track through the Blue Hills snow paths.

Harold Parker State Forest

305 Middleton Road

North Andover, MA 01810

This is one of my favorite places to see a picturesque view of a winterized New England.  The forest contains several trails with majestic trees as well as a pond that ice fishermen enjoy during the winter months.  There is no fee for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and the park does host small parking lots around the nature area.  If you like this location, you might want to check out the summer camp offered in July and August. 

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA 

So we’re on our third blizzard of the season and things are starting to get a tad bit boring being stuck in the house yet again.  One of the hardest things to do during New England snowstorms is finding something to do so it’s no wonder why most Bostonians are going stir crazy.  The regular list of to-do’s include baking cookies, playing board games, watching movies, popping popcorn, drink hot chocolate and engaging in an arts and crafts project.  But what if we’ve already implemented these activities with our families in the past few weeks?  What else can we find to entertain ourselves until the spring arrives to warm things up?  How about putting an “artsy” spin on things by using the winter wonderland that is blossoming outside our windows to create décor for our homes?  Famous artists have used this chilly season to inspire imperial pieces including Ansel Adams who focused his camera lens on breathtaking scenery.   You don’t have to be an expert to take great shots of a New England snowstorm.   You just have to use your imagination and follow a few easy tips to snap stunning photos of your winterized backyard.

First of all, you’re going to be outside in some seriously frosty conditions so bundle up with multiple layers.  Once you’re sure that you can bare the outdoor elements, grab a camera that you feel comfortable with and make sure there is a neck strap secured in order to make gripping and carrying the piece easier if you fall down in the snow.  Before leaving your house, also make sure that the glass eye and focus lens are clean and have no smudges that might blur an otherwise perfect shot. 

Now that you’re ready to venture outside, locate a few of your favorite spots around your front, back and side yards.  Successful places include areas with bushes, trees and other natural, physical features that nature has provided that would make an interesting composition.  Stay away from complicated scenes that are messy when seen through the lens.  Focus on simple yet stunning views that will transfer beautifully to black and white printing.  Excellent examples, which become beautiful photographs can be branches swelled with layers of snow and icicles that are dropping from ledges.  Please keep in mind that when you are taking pictures from below of something potentially dangerous (like a sharp icicle) stay several yards away and use your zoom feature to take a close up.  Several people have been harmed by trying to snap wintery features unsafely so utilize the assets of your hardware that will allow you to capture the essence without putting yourself in harm’s way. 

Another facet that you want to be weary of is the light factor.  Stunning images of light beams can be taken by paying attention to the time of day when you decide to take pictures and the direction of the sun’s rising and setting that will effect the outcome of your photographic efforts.  Light streaming though branches or ray bans casting shadows over fields make beautiful prints.  If you’re in the middle of a storm producing little light, make sure you have your flash activated on your camera that will allow you to manufacture the appearance of sunlight within your pictures

 Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA Snowpocalypse 2015

The snow blitz of 2015 hit New England hard, covering our cars, houses and well, everything in site up to eighty-eight inches of snow in the Boston area.  We survived Juno but if you’re like me, you might need a little pick me up to help shoo away the winter blues.  One way to accomplish this is to fill our living space with as much inspired growth as possible, namely flowers.  I know I use flowers as a natural remedy for most woes but there is no denying the power of beauty and fragrance to boost our lowered moods and dispositions.  Although we are experiencing the bitterness of the cold, there’s a sort of beauty that emanates from the sparkles of white enwrapped around everything we see.  Tiny crystals of light reflected in the sunlight and the impression of blanketed softness expels itself from the perfectly mounded bands of puffed snow.  For me, it’s a tough time of year too (I’m really a summer girl at heart) but even I can’t deny the sheer magnificence of newly fallen flakes.  The way I see it, if I can see impressive color, texture and design outdoors, why can’t I copy that same feeling within designing winter inspired arrangements for my own home?  After a few trial and errors, this was what I found to be the most successful combinations for this theme.

White hydrangea is the perfect variety for this type of floral display because it carries all of the appropriate characteristics to what we see happening outside.  Besides toned in pure shades of white, the soft-pedaled head also comes close in proximately to the way snow impacts itself on the ground.  By tucking in a few stems within a bubble bowl, we really don’t need to add too much more than perhaps a sprig or two of lady’s mantle or octoberweed.  Not only will you love the presentation of simplicity but you’ll also be pleasantly surprised as to how long this piece will last.  Let’s just hope the same doesn’t hold true for all of that white stuff outside our windows!

There’s a new trend rearing its head around Boston flower shops and I’ve actually tried this on my own so I assure you-I’m just as impressed with it as they are.  Bulbs are making a screaming comeback but are being grown and displayed in new ways.  For instance, white daffodils or paper whites can be used indoors by placing them on the tops of narrowed bud vases.  Fill the container with water high enough to reach the bottom of the bulb and watch the roots start to grow before your eyes.  Place in a well-lit area and pretty soon a shoot will begin to extend upwards.  I love using this as a bedside arrangement and adore how inexpensive yet fabulous this method is.  Before you go out and buy bulbs, check your cellars for previously unused packages of grape hyacinth, tulips or any other springtime favorite. Situating the vessel near a warm heater also helps to surge a speedy flower creation.

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA

Suzie created the above arrangement of bulbs and hyacinth.