Roses, Roses, Roses
On the coldest winter days we start to feel a little extra lucky for working among fresh flowers on a daily basis. On afternoons when the inside of our refrigerator feels warmer than the weather outside, I can’t complain about arranging beautiful blooms for hours on end. I always enjoy working with roses -- not only since it’s almost Valentine’s Day -- but also because of their classical beauty and versatility. While some may try to deny their appeal or argue their overuse, I’m feeling assured to see their (quite impressive) presence around the city, especially now on Park Avenue thanks to artist Will Ryman’s new installation.
What has the artist done but brighten another New York winter by planting ten blocks with 38 super-sized rose sculptures? I’ve been more than deligthed to see a resurfacing trend catching on as of late last year with Isa Genzken's Rose II replacing Ugo Rondinone's love-it-or-hate-it “Hell Yes” sculpture on the New Museum’s facade, or even seen at the Golden Globes with the giant, sequence rose blooming on Natalie Portman’s gown by Viktor & Rolf.
Yes, I do adore roses in all their colors, sizes, shapes, and mediums, but I also have a few favorites -- the one at the moment being the “sweetness rose” whose white petals transition into a vibrant pink at the edges.
At the end of January we arranged the centerpieces for a beautiful private party held at the Doubles Club at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel on 5th Ave using this special variety. The design incorporated the sweetness rose along with white garden roses and mix of blush peonies, white hydrangea, white lisianthus, white ranunculus, and dusty miller.
Stunning in their own right, the arrangements beamed in the signature red clubroom with pink linens.
In case you enjoyed these arrangements, you are welcome to participate in our current Valentine’s Day promotion on Gilt City where you may pick up a bunch of classic red roses in a simple ball jar just in time for the holiday: http://www.giltcity.com/newyork/inbloom ...
...Meanwhile, happy V-day and don’t forget to check out the gigantic roses on Park Ave if you’re in New York before May 31!
-Parker Voss
