Bloom is a new company to me and once again it was a reader that was telling me all about it and I’m so pleased she did. But in case you are unaware of them let me share a just a little from their website:
Bloom is the country’s leading silk flower retailer and part of the largest mail order company in the UK. But the ‘seeds’ were planted in California. On a trip to Los Angeles, Tiffany saw a new generation of artificial flowers. A million miles from the crude, mass-produced plastic versions that were generally available, these were beautifully designed, painstakingly made and amazingly realistic. For her it was a ‘wow’ moment. Unlike any faux flowers she’d seen before, they were – quite simply – a revelation, and an inspiration…
At the time, Tiffany was working as a stylist, art directing photographic shoots for a range of clients including The Sunday Times, Simpsons of Piccadilly, The Royal Opera House and Gardens Illustrated. But whether the commission was for Wedgwood or Dulux, Next or Elle Decoration, it was obvious that flowers not only enlivened but really transformed an interior – lifting the mood and creating an atmosphere that was warm, natural and inviting.
I really love green plants about the house but sadly often struggle to keep them alive and I bet I’m not alone on that! So let me explain why I’m so delighted to be now raving about this one, well it’s because it isn’t real. However I’ve bought ‘fakes’ before and once in the house they did look and feel as described – fakes! But this was certainly not the case with this gorgeous Maidenhair Fern, it looked real, quite gorgeous.
I know that Maidenhair Ferns are very popular and I found it frustrating, that despite buying a number over the years, I couldn’t get the care right. I do know they tend to droop, but I didn’t realise that they can be easily damaged by sudden draughts. Well as our old house is still quite draughty, perhaps that is why I lost so many over the years. So to find this one which is identical in appearance to the real thing, soft and floaty, is brilliant. The fern is reassuringly robust and durable and has been designed to maintain its vibrant good looks for years. Perfect. Cleverley potted in earth it comes displayed in a simple glass vase. I’ve already fooled some friends over the weekend with it!!
The fern came very carefully packaged, which I always take as a sign that the company really cares about its products. So all I had to do was wiggle the stems between my fingers to warm them and then tweak the fronds by bending them to achieve the effect I needed as I placed it on our dining room table. That was so easy to do, which made me visit their website again and there are lots of green plants to select from.
Do check out their site for other ideas as there are not only green plants on offer for Mother’s Day, anniversaries or birthday gifts – and remember these gifts will last.
