THE HERALDS OF SPRING COLLECTION
of Hand-tied Bouquets

Celebrate Passover, Easter, Administrative Professional’s Day, or any day with one of our beautiful hand-tied bouquets.

PRE-BOOK BY APRIL 15TH
and receive our special pricing inclusive of delivery and taxes.

Regard $80 (Reg. $100)

Friendship $85 (Reg. $105)

Affection  $90 (Reg. $115)

Desire   $100 (Reg. $125)

“ECHO AND NARCISSUS” by John William Waterhouse

The Latin name for the daffodil is narcissus, but the name’s  origin actually has it’s roots in ancient Greek mythology. It is said that the Greek God Narcissus was so self-absorbed as he gazed at his image in a stream, that he fell in and drowned. The other Gods placed narcissus flowers on the bank in remembrance of him, causing the plant to first spring from where he died. The ancient Greeks also called the flower narkisso because of it’s overpowering narcotic like properties (narkao, “to grow numb” in greek).  Victorians who sent bouquets including daffodils, were telling the recipient of their regard, or a more serious bouquet of jonquills to say “I desire a return of affection”.

The daffodil was also used as a ritualistic flower of death by the Egyptians, who placed the skins of the bulbs over the eyes, nose, and mouth, of a Pharaoh’s mummy before burial, as a symbol of resurrection and rebirth.

In  kampo, ancient traditional Japanese medicine, wounds were treated with narcissus root and wheat flour paste.

Victorians who sent bouquets including daffodils were telling the recipient of their regard, or a more serious bouquet of jonquills  to say “I desirea return of affection”.

In China the Narcissus flower is seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, especially if it blooms on  Chinese New Year.

Many cancer organizations around the world use the daffodil as a fundraising symbol, but it was The Canadian Cancer Society who first
instituted “Daffodil Days” in Toronto 1957.

The Frampton Flora by Richard Mabey

There may be some confusion between  “daffodil”, and “narcissus”….to explain, every flower has a common name and a botanic name (latin).  Daffodil is the common English name used for all varieties of the mainly hardy, mostly spring flowering bulb, belonging to the Amaryllis family native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Narcissus is the botanic name. There are 13 different species  or varieties of daffodils / narcissus, based on both the flower and genetic background. ie Jonquils only belong to the rush leaved species of Narcissus jonquilla, the flowers of the tazetta group, Narcissus papyraceus are commonly known as paperwhites, and blooms of the Narcissus poeticus are known as The Poet’s Daffodil.  All of varieties contain the poison lycorine in the bulb and leaves. Florists and people who frequently handle daffodils  are often affected by dermatitus, or “daffodil itch”. Daffodils are not often mixed with other flowers in a vase or arrangement because this poison will kill the other flowers. But it is possible,  if the daffs are handled properly.

Daffodil Quotes

“I wandered lonely as a cloud……………” William Wordsworth.

“A house with daffodils in it is a house lit up whether or no the sun be shining outside. Daffodils in a green bowl-and let it snow if it will.” A.A. Milne.

Daffodils are the birthflower for the month of March.

The daffodil is the national flower of Wales. It is traditional to wear a daffodil, on St David’s Day, (March 1) to honour the Patron Saint of Wales.

“March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.” proverb.

“March comes in like a lion….”. ancient.

“March Madness” sports.

“March Hare”, Alice In Wonderland by  Lewis Carroll.

March Hare by Tim Burton

March Hare by John Tenniel

March Hare by Arthur Rackham

Wonderland by The Royal Winnipeg Ballet

The Celebration of Saint Valentine

In the 3rd century AD, Emperor Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military campaigns.Roman men did not want to leave their loves and families to go to war. So Claudius banned all marriages. A goodly priest named Saint Valentine defied Claudius and conducted the ceremonies in secret. For this kind deed,he was condemned to death  on the 14th of February, 269 AD. Legend says that the priest left a farewell note to the daughter of his jailer (with whom he had become friends), and signed it “From your Valentine”. Since then, February 14th has been set aside to honour Saint Valentine, the Patron Saint of Lovers, and has became known for exchanging love messages,sending poems, and gifts such as flowers to loved ones and secret lovers.

Birks Jewellers Entertains at their exclusive invitation only
“Something Blue” Bridal Party

Photos: Red Photo Co.

Imperial Asian Wedding Theme
Avant Garde Wedding Theme

Romantic Wedding Theme

Vintage Glam Wedding Theme

Modern Sexy Wedding Theme

Eco Chic Wedding Theme

Classic Wedding Theme

Weddings and The Power of Flowers

One of the things that makes a wedding such a special celebration is the use of flowers. They are a glorious finishing touch, a way of lifting the day out of the ordinary and into the realms of fantasy. Their natural beauty being  transient, designed to last for just one day also adds to their allure. Appealing to our sight, touch, and smell, flowers have been valued for these qualities for thousands of years. Flowers have been endowed with powerful symbolism, linking them with fertility and spiritualism. In ancient Greece brides wore wreaths of flowers, leaves, and grains. The Romans regarded roses as sacred to Venus, the goddess of love, and sprinkled their fragrant petals upon the marriage bed. In the early 18th century, the Turkish custom of assigning  sentiments to flowers was introduced to England. This so called “language of flowers” was made popular by the  Victorians, who used this romantic code to convey messages of love and affection that decorum demanded should not be voiced openly.

The overall mood of the wedding will help to determine the flowers you choose, so before you start to think seriously about your flowers, consider whether your wedding will be Imperial Asian, Avant Garde, Romantic, Vintage Glam, Modern Sexy, Eco Chic,  or Traditional. Whatever the style, coordinate the important details such as dress, wedding party attire, cake, linens, stationery, budget, etc. with the flowers. Choosing the correct floral designer is paramount. If you are planning a wedding for 2011, you should have a florist hired, 4-6 months prior to the wedding date.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING WITH MY SECRET GARDEN FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN

BY MARCH 1, 2011

AND RECEIVE

10% OFF

YOUR FLOWER ORDER

Plum Berry Fuscia
Hydrangea, m. calla, spray rose, dianthus, & aspidestra. Also available in Snowberry White.
$150 includes tax & delivery

Traditional Red Apple
Roses, apples, hypericum berries seeded eucalyptus & evergreens. Also available in Traditional Green Apple.
$100 includes tax & delivery

The Fruitful Bounty Wreath
Fruits, nuts and berries combined with fragrant evergreens & eucalyptyus. Also available in Orange Spice.
$125 includes tax & delivery

A Very Berry Special Offer Available for My Secret Garden Clients

For a very special treat,  add to any of the above florals, a selection of  elegant  artisan chocolates by
Chocolatier Constance Popp
or
Fit For Royalty Imperial Cookies by
High Tea Bakery
$15.00

Christmas, is almost upon us! It seems no matter how much time we spend planning for it, it always comes as a surprise. So if you haven’t even started your decorating, it’s time to decide which colours, decorations and florals will adorn the tree, the dinner table, and the house. We can help you! Your personal and corporate gifts can be easily ordered and crossed off your list! Just check out The Seasonal Specials below! And check our blog for more information!

May all your dreams come true, from My Secret Garden!

Christmas Colour Trends

Whether traditional or modern, whimsical or natural, there is something to suit everyone’s taste this year. Trend-setting mauve, aubergine, plum, and berry colours are an ongoing theme for 2010, with the addition of blue.  The blue colour palette extends from ice and glacial, to dark midnight. Combine blue  with white, pewter, and silver for an elegant contrast. The “White Christmas” theme is always romantic. For those who prefer warmer colours,  pale green/orange and lemon/gold are very popular combinations. Natural raffia, moss covered balls, pine cones and twigs are an easy eco option. The trusted and traditional gold, silver, and red colours, combined with vintage decorations fulfills the dreams of those seeking nostalgic childhood memories. Red shines especially brightly in 2010.

Christmas Flowers

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), remain one of the most popular Christmas flowers. Most familiar in red, new varieties are available in creme, pink, salmon, burgundy and variegated. For those of you who are undaunted, the process of saving your poinsettia and getting it to re-bloom next year is actually possible. Although, it is a fussy exacting process, and since the plants are fairly inexpensive, you may wish to start fresh each year. Whether the plants will be tended to, or end up in your compost heap, the care you give your plant, when you first bring it home is very important. Poinsettias are tropical and will enjoy as much direct sunlight as possible. Temperatures under 60 degrees F, cold drafts, or allowing the plant to touch a cold window, may injure the plant. Water the plant when the surface soil is dry, let it drain. Do not let it sit in water. Remove the tacky cellophane or metallic wrapping and ensure there is a drainage hole. If your house is extremely dry, you may have to water often.

Despite persistent rumours to the contrary, poinsettia plants are not poisonous, and munching on the occasional leaf won’t kill you or your pets. According to the ASPCA poison control web page, eating poinsettias may cause gi tract irritation, but no serious symptoms. If your pet is very young, very old, or ill, you may want to take extra precautions when placing the plants in your house.
To use as a cut flower, burn the ends of the stems to stop the flow of milky substance, before placing in water.

Paper whites(Narcissus papyraceus) are another popular indoor plant “forced” for the holiday season. Plant in pots, dishes, or vases with no drainage hole. Spread an inch or two of stone, marbles, or gravel in bottom. Tightly position the bulbs, pointed end up. Add more stones to fill in gaps, above the bulbs. Bulb tips should be visible. Add water to the base of the bulb only. Keep the bulbs in a cool dark place. (65 degrees F/18 degrees C) Continue to water when needed. When you see roots developing, move bulbs to a sunny window. Once they start to bloom, move bulbs out of direct sunlight. You can start pots every few weeks to have a continuous display through the winter. Although I find the fragrance heavenly, some  people do not!

Amaryllis is a huge bulb that is also easy to “force”. They take a bit longer than paper whites, but timed correctly, will also bloom for Christmas.

Cyclamen persicum is often grown as a houseplant, and is popular, at this time of year,  as it tends to bloom around Christmas. They will survive outdoors in warmer climates like Britain and BC.

Yule Love Making Your Own Wreath Contest Winner

Congrats to Kylah Wood…

who attended The Wreaths, Swags, and More Workshop at The Assiniboine Park Conservatory, November 18. Well done! She will be receiving a coordinating swag from My Secret Garden.

Throughout the world in every culture, circles, rings, wreaths, garlands, and swags of fresh and dried plant material, have always been steeped in symbolism and meaning. The wreath in particular, has come to signify eternal love, friendship, and remembrance. Floral headdresses were worn by brides and grooms as a symbol of purity. Flower garlands were, and still are, offered as a greeting in many countries. Although the craft of wreath and garland making dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, it is still popular today. Festoons of flowers, foliage, herbs, and fruit were first brought into the home to celebrate the harvest, and are one of the first forms of floral display. Later swags of decorative fruit and flowers carved from stone, wood, or molded from plaster became popular architectural details. Contemporary wreaths are designed to be displayed on or around doors, walls, or worn as headdresses. Garlands are draped around architectural or garden features. Swags are typically vertical hanging decorations, and are often bunches of hand-tied branches, flowers, or foliage.

Today, the round wreath of red poppies is easily associated with Remembrance Day, the heart shaped floral wreath with Valentines Day, and the embellished wreaths of evergreens with Christmas.

Evergreens have been used since early times to make Christmas wreaths, garlands and swags. The Victorians introduced  wreaths of holly, ivy, pinecones, and ribbon which were hung on the front door to welcome visitors. The tradition began in Scandinavia and quickly spread to Britain, and North America.

But the custom of decorating the house with evergreens actually dates back to pagan times, when they were offered in homage to woodland spirits and gods as symbols of everlasting life. The holly with it’s shining green leaves and red berries signified male sexuality. In combination with the female ivy, it promised new life and fertility to the household. The pagan festivals of Saturnalia, which honoured the god Saturn, on December 17 and celebrated the winter solstice, and  The Festival of Yule, and are most closely associated with our modern day Christmas.

The Gift Yule Love To Give Or Receive

Extend a warm welcome to your guests during the festive season by decorating the front door with our beautiful wreath. Evergreen, foliage, and eucalyptus, entwined with ribbon, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, pomegranates, and dried orange slices release a blend of spicy and pine scented aromas. The perfect gift for corporate clients, friends, family, or treat yourself. Other styles and prices available.

Available November 24 to December 24
Must be pre-book 5 days in advance.

$125 ~ Includes tax & delivery

Let us coordinate all of your  Christmas decorations from wreaths to garlands to arrangements. Or order a festive gift basket, personally designed for your clients or friends. Call or email us for details.

Yule Love Making Your Own Wreath Contest!
Deadline December 15

Use this as a base to create your own design. Have the confidence to express your style, even if you don’t think of yourself as artistic. Email us a photo of your creation, and you could win a coordinating swag.

Materials and equipment:
12″ circular wire frame (or grape vine, or oasis wreath)
6 branches pine or mixed evergreens
9 dried orange slices (3 groups of 3)
9 pine cones (3 groups of 3)
12 cinnamon sticks ( 3 groups of 4)
1′  ribbon  (1/2″ wide)
10′ wired ribbon (1″ wide)
paddle of florist’s wire (fine-med gauge)
16 x 12″ lengths of wire
florist’s or garden cutters

1-cut the evergreen into 6″ and 9″ pieces.
2-using your roll of wire, attach 9″ pieces of evergreen around the outer rim of frame, winding the paddle of wire around, and overlapping branches.
3-using same technique, attach 6″ pieces around the inner edge, continuing to work around the frame, overlapping on the inner and outer
branches until the wreath is completely covered.
4-wire your decorations, 3 groups of 3 orange slices,  thread wire through 3 slices, bend it into a hairpin shape, twist the wire together.
3 groups of 3 pine cones, thread wire through the scales of base of each pine cone bend into hairpin, twist wire together, then twist 3 pine cones together. 3 groups of 4 cinnamon sticks  bind each together with 4″ of 1/2″ ribbon, thread wire through ribbon knot and twist wires together.
5-place  orange slices at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock, cinnamon sticks at 1, 4, and 10 o’clock, and pine cones at 2,  8, and 11 o’clock.
6-thread the wires through to the back of the frame and twist wire on each decoration securely, trim any excess wire.
7-cut 5′ wired ribbon and weave through wreath.
8-cut 2 x 2′ pieces of wired ribbon to make the bow, fold 1 piece into 2 loops and pinch together, take the second piece and tie in a single knot around the loops.
9- thread wire through ribbon knot. twist wire, and secure at bottom of wreath.
10-you can also add any of your own decorations, such as balls, angels, or other fruit, and a ribbon for hanging, if you like.

To make an eco-friendly wreath, use foliage, branches, seed pods, and objects collected on lake and forest walks. Reuse ornaments and ribbons. The true craft of wreath-making takes whatever is plentiful and inexpensive in nature and makes into something beautiful.

Learn how to create a variety of seasonal arrangements by attending “The Wreaths, Swags, and More Workshop”, at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, November 18, 7-9 pm. Offered by My Secret Garden. Fee $50. For booking details contact The Winnipeg Leisure Guide.

Enjoy Every Bite!

On Thursday, September 23, 2010, My Secret Garden decorated the lair of Dracula at The Round Table Restaurant.

Guests were seduced by the original vampire and his first lady, Lucy, at the Champagne Reception. Upon arrival, Dracula presented his chosen ladies with a special gift (red roses growing from Dracula’s coffin).

For more information on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Dinner with Dracula, visit http://www.rwb.org/dracula

Photos: Michelle Blais

transplant
verb - to relocate,move, transfer, uproot

When a plant dies in your garden, how do you cope? Do you re-enact one of the tragic Shakespearean roles? Do you settle in for a well deserved bout of depression? Do you reach out using your inexpensive long distance calling plan to  your best friend in New Zealand, and confess your guilt and remorse? Do you, with a glazed, passionless expression, sigh and say that everything dies in the end? Or… do you gleefully rub your hands together and say “Good, now I have room for that Hydrangea Paniculata ‘limelight’ I’ve wanted for years!”? I have experienced all of the above, and more or less am at the last state – although, I do very much dislike a plant dying, without knowing the cause.

There should be abundant circumstantial evidence to guide you to a diagnosis, and perhaps a way to prevent it from striking again. The site, soil, sun, and those nasty landlords – oops, I mean garden pests and diseases are usually to blame. If the right plant is in the right place it will flourish and flower. If not, it should be “lifted” and moved to a location where it will be allowed to do so. This is what we refer to-in gardening- as “transplanting”. The term seems to suit the situation in which we find ourselves at My Secret Garden.

Since our unexpected departure from 84 1/2 Albert Street on August 1st, we are indeed gleefully rubbing our hands together at the prospect of a new location. A little inconvenience and hard work now will soon be rewarded by expanded and improved products and services, and a healthy flourishing business.

In the mean time, we are carrying on as usual. Our clients’ daily flower requirements are being filled, including telephone and email orders and deliveries, weddings and corporate functions are unfolding. Business hours remain 12:00 – 6:00, Tuesday – Saturday, and our contact information remains unchanged. Flowers can be ordered at any time, however there is a discount for pre-ordering, and consultations are, as previously, booked by appointment.

And don’t forget,  since launching Ecoluxe Event Design Group in 2008, with Pulp and Circumstance, Sweet Impressions, and Off the Page Photography, we were the first to
offer Eco Chic Options for your events, flowers, rentals, packaging, recycling, and disposal of biodegradable materials. And now, My Secret Garden is proud to support the first-in-Canada, flower re-purposing program, Floral Philanthropy. Ask us how flowers from your event can be recycled as gifts to those in hospitals and personal care homes.

As the the owner and lead designer, I will continue to oversee every aspect of the business. I would like to thank our loyal customers, for their continuing support during this transitional period, and take this opportunity to tell you about how MY SECRET GARDEN IS TRANSPLANTING AND GROWING!

Cheers!

Bonny

OUR NEW EXPANDED PRODUCTS & SERVICES

‘My Secret Garden Delivered’

As mentioned in our July E-Blast, we have launched a new service where clients can order flowers for themselves, their friends and loved ones, their business colleagues etc., on a regular basis.

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Bouquet of the Month!

CELEBRATE AUTUMN WITH OUR ‘FALLING FOR FALL BOUQUET’

Available October 1-31
Perfectly timed for Thanksgiving, October 11

Prebook our hand-tied bouquet of  roses, sunflowers, lilies,
alstroemeria, solidago, and fall foliage.

Flowers and table decor by My Secret Garden.

Photo by Red Photo Co. www.redphotoco.com

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The More You Prebook, The More You Save

Pre-book orders of:

$50-75 per month (before delivery & taxes),  receive a $5 discount
$76-100 per month (before delivery & taxes), receive a $10 discount
over $100 per month (before delivery & taxes), receive a $15 discount
*same day city wide delivery $15, next day $10

_____________________

A Year of Unique Designer Bouquets

A unique seasonal hand tied bouquet delivered the 1st or 3rd week of the month

For 12 months ~ $1000 plus  taxes
For 6 consecutive, odd or even numbered months ~ $550 plus taxes
For 3 consecutive months ~ $300 plus  taxes

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A Year of  Decadent Roses

A hand tied bouquet,  1 dozen English Garden Roses or 2 dozen Hybrid Roses, a different colour every month

For 12 months ~ $1000 plus  taxes
For 6 months ~ $550 plus taxes
For 3 months ~ $300 plus taxes

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A Year of  Fragrant  Lilies

A hand tied bouquet,  Oriental Lilies, in shades of white, pink, and magenta

For 12 months ~$900 plus  taxes
For 6 months ~ $500 plus taxes
For 3 months ~ $275 plus taxes

_____________________

An  Year of  Exotic Orchids

A hand tied bouquet,  a different variety of Dendrobiums, Mokaras, Vandas, Cimbidiums, Phalionopsis Orchids

For 12 months ~ $1000 plus  taxes
For 6 months ~ $550 plus taxes
For 3 months ~ $300 plus  taxes

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A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

100 Romantic Roses for that very special occasion ~ $400 plus  taxes
1000 Romantic Roses ~ $4000 plus taxes

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Special Flowers, Special Occasions

Join our service, and you will never be disappointed or forget an important date again!

Step 1 – Supply the lucky recipient’s name, address, telephone, favourite colours, flowers, dislikes, special remarks
Step 2 – Supply the delivery date(s), occasion(s) i.e. birthday, anniversary, holiday, get well, thank you, corporporate recognition, and  a special message to be included
Step 3 – Supply the sender’s credit card details and budget

The perfect bouquet(s) will arrive miraculously on the date(s) specified, and you will be the star!

_____________________

AND, COMING SOON…

Our Exclusive Event Rental Items
6 Fabulous Corporate Event & Wedding design themes

Custom & Personalized Greeting Cards
Send a personal message along with your gift

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TRANSPLANTING IN THE AUTUMN GARDEN

I always look forward to early fall especially as it is  the best time to transplant perennials. Take note during summer of, which plants are doing well and are to be left alone,  those that are, unhappy and would benefit by dividing or transplanting, and those, invasive troublemakers which should be evicted altogether. (Note that some perennials do not like to be moved at all such as peonies, baby’s breath, hostas). Most perennials can be transplanted successfully, from mid September, or early enough  to develop roots before the ground freezes and winter, comes. Moving plants in the fall works well in our climate. Snow, comes early, stays late, and creates a continuous protective blanket, for the plants during the cold winter months. To transplant: lift the plants, carefully with a large ball of soil intact around their roots. Set, them in a hole, large enough to accommodate the root ball, and tap, the soil gently, but firmly with a trowel handle, or the heel of your, “welly”. Flood water into the reservoir created to settle the soil, and eliminate air pockets. If the plant does not wilt, it’s a good, sign that it has not been traumatized by the move. The best time is a, cool day, followed by several days of rain, and the newly, transplanted, as well as all of your spring bulbs, will be off to a good start.

Does your “special someone” know what your favourite flower is? Does your spouse still think you love a dozen red roses for every special occasion? Do the flowers arrive late, because someone has forgotten, or is away on business ? Does your boss forget Administrative Professionals Day ?

“Secret Garden Delivered” is a new service being offered to My Secret Garden clients who wish to have all of their special floral details taken care of, effortlessly.

You supply the occasions that you or your “special someone”  wish to celebrate (birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.), likes and dislikes, personal greetings, price range, and your credit card details … and My Secret Garden will do the rest.

Also, My Secret Garden will bring the magic of flowers into your life, on a regular basis, with our Seasonal Bouquets Delivered every 3, 6, or 12 months of the year. Let us design something for your home or office , which complements your decor.

For more information on our SECRET GARDEN DELIVERED service,
contact us at

mysecretgarden@mts.net
or
204.338.7749

Secret gardens appeal to us for different reasons. Perhaps it is the sense  of past experiences, happy, tragic, or romantic, that may have been acted out within the enclosing garden walls that intrigues us. Sometimes The Secret Garden is usually bordered by trellis, fence, or stone walls, or may be  a “garden created within a garden”. These secret places, with fountains, arbours and walks are usually planted with roses, and other fragrant flowers. So true is their design, that even when filled with people, the sense of romantic seclusion in The Secret Garden is evident.

Historically, the Italians had their “giardino secreto”, but these intimate enclosures were not introduced to England until Tudor and Stuart times. Later replaced by landscape gardens and  elaborate parterres, they experienced a revival in the Edwardian area, and are popular still.

The Secret Garden, today, would be invisible to prying eyes, totally unexpected, and only accessible through a door in a wall or fence that would give no clue to the garden which lies beyond. In The  Secret Garden the outside world is to be forgotten, wholly inward looking, having a dream like atmosphere which permits the imagination to take flight.

Fragrance is  a very important component of The Secret Garden. The perfume of scented flowers arouses memories or sweet nostalgia. In the spring the grass, crocus, scilla, muscari, narcissus, and tulips bloom with ornamental plums, cherry,  and apple blossoms. Lily of the valley, violets, iris, lilacs, and peonies follow. Honeysuckle, lilies, sweet geranium, lemon verbena, thyme, and finally the roses bloom. The combination of beauty and fragrance of the rosemacts irresistably upon our senses and is more than any other, the flower of romance.

In the gardens of today The Secret Garden may well have a place, providing a tranquil retreat from the bustle of modern life, or the perfect setting for romance.

Favourite Rose Gardens Visited
Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire
Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, Regents Park, London
Jardin du Bagatelle, Paris
Botanic Garden, Christchurch and Dunedin, NZ
Viceroy’s Palace, New Delhi, India

Favourite Rose Artist
Pierre Joseph Redoute (accent) “Les Roses”

Favourite Rose Quote
“and I shall make thee beds of roses, and a thousand fragrant posies”
~ C. Marlowe ~
*pic WWS Best Booth Award for Bed of Roses

Favourite Rose Fragance
“Evelyn” by Crabtree & Evelyn

Favourite Rose Breeders
David Austin Roses, Wolverhampton,UK 2010
introduced “Susan Williams-Ellis” and “Princess Anne”
www.davidaustenroses.com
and
Peter Beales, Norfolk, UK 2010
introduced “Beatrix Potter”
www.classicroses.co.uk

Favourite Place To See
Chelsea Flower Show, and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, London, UK

Favourite Rose
Abraham Darby, Evelyn, Heritage, Radio Times by D. Austin

Famous Secret Gardens Visited
Hidcote,  and Barnsley House, Gloucestershire. Sissinghurst, Kent
Munstead Wood, Surrey
Great Dixter,Sussex
Museum Of Garden History, London

Favourite Book
The Secret Garden, Francis Hodgson Burnett, garden books by Gertrude Jekyll

Favourite Secret Garden
My Secret Garden

Favourite New Service at My Secret Garden
SECRET GARDEN DELIVERED

MOTHER’S DAY is May 9th!

Celebrate  your mom, the special relationship you share, and the pride in all of those

little things she has done for you, over the years.

“I know of no pleasure that quite matches that of
seeing your youngster proudly flaunting something you have made.”

Enter the “My Mother Made This For Me” contest at MY SECRET GARDEN.

Include a photo (where possible) and brief description of the item your mother made for you,

and tell us why the item is special to you both.

We will make, and deliver a bouquet to the winning Mother, on Mother’s Day.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PRE-BOOK your Mother’s Day arrangement and receive 10% off your order.

Be sure to visit our store at 84 1/2 Albert Street

in Winnipeg’s Exchange District

to check out our collection of giftware, perfect for Mother’s Day.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SPRING FAVOURITES AT MY SECRET GARDEN
“THE TULIP”

Tulips for WINNIPEG WOMEN MAGAZINE by MY SECRET GARDEN

Tulips at the WONDERFUL WEDDING SHOW by MY SECRET GARDEN
Photo: TINHOLT PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

The tulip which pops up in spring gardens in many different colours, has aroused more than it’s fair share of interest. In 14th century Turkey, during the “Tulipomania Era”, bulbs of unusual colour became status symbols for which many a sultan happily went to war. In 17th century Holland, the dutch speculated in tulips, on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. The best and rarest tulips are still hybridized in laboratories, whose experts seek out, and cultivate any new colours, and hope that they will assert
their individuality, among a field of less illustrious varieties.

MY SECRET GARDEN’S FAVOURITE spring time flower:
The Well Bred TulipMY SECRET GARDEN’S FAVOURITE varieties:
Species, Lily-flowered, Parrot, and Doubles

Photos: The Canadian Tulip Festival & The Skagit Tulip Festival

MY SECRET GARDEN’S FAVOURITE Favourite Tulip Book:
The Tulip, by Anna Pavord

MY SECRET GARDEN’S FAVOURITE Tulip Fact:
The tulip is the only flower, which continues to grow, after it has been harvested

MY SECRET GARDEN’S FAVOURITE Places to See New Varieties:
The Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea, London (May)
The Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, Richmond Surrey, and Wisley
The Royal Horticultural Society, Woking, Surrey, G.B.
The Philadelphia Flower Show (Mar)
The Skaggit Valley Tulip Festival, Washington (Apr)
Keukenhof, The Netherlands (Mar-May)
Srinigar, Kashmir (Mar)
The Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa (May).