Bright, bubbling and full of hope, our mixed spring bouquet is a happy handful of glorious new season's colours. In fact it looks so dewy-fresh that it's easy to imagine each delightful flower was picked from a country hedgerow only hours before. The bouquet consists of a stunning combination of springtime blooms- Yellow Trumpet Daffodils, Small Narcissus, Pink Ranunculus, Catkins and Grape Hyacinth. Placed on a low coffee table or as a centrepiece for a casual lunch with friends, this is a bouquet to lighten the room and your spirits in equal measure. Quite simply, it's a reason to be cheerful.
Both flowering together in nature, Tulips and Blossom make great partners together. White double Tulips are mixed with intricately made Cherry Blossom Branches. The Zhi Que Lobed Vase is part of Mandarn Arts' Ashmolean Collection. Traditionally shaped, with lobed opening decorated with a bird perched among blossom laden branches. A perfect addition to a side board or as a dining table centrepiece.
Orchids, roses, dahlias all have their fair share of enthusiasts - as do many other plants. But tulips are in a class of their own, or rather they were - in 17th century Holland. It was discovered that certain tulip bulbs produced striped flowers, and especially striking examples could and did command outrageous prices. In the early 1630s speculation in such bulbs was rife and fortunes were gambled, won and lost as 'Tulip Fever' took on epidemic proportions One bulb of the tulip 'Semper Augustus' is said to have sold for the astonishingly large sum of 5, 000 florins plus a new coach and pair of horses! Happily our tulip stem is appreciably more affordable... and more durable. 'Tulip Fever' lasted less than seven years; our tulip stem will be still giving pleasure for a great deal longer.
Something very strange happened in Holland a little under 400 years ago. Certain tulip bulbs started to produce striped flowers, a condition which we now know was caused by a virus. However the effect on Dutch flower fanciers was astonishing. Tulip bulbs were bought and sold for what quickly became astronomical prices. Fortunes were gambled, won and lost as the nation succumbed to 'Tulip Fever'. Actually, 'Tulip Madness' might have been a better description, as one bulb - a Tulip 'Semper Augustus' - is said to have changed hands for 5, 000 florins, plus a new coach and two horses! What that represents in today's money is difficult to ascertain, but we'd probably be talking several hundred thousand pounds. Happily our tulip bud stem is appreciably more affordable... and more durable. 'Tulip Fever' lasted less than seven years; our tulip bud stem will be giving you pleasure for a great deal longer.
Back in the 1960s Japan led the world in the science of miniaturisation. Radios, TV sets, cameras...all sorts of technical products were made to tiny dimensions hitherto thought impossible. What people didn't realise was that for the Japanese, small has always been beautiful. The ancient art of bonsai is a classic case in point. A triumph of nurture over nature, bonsai trees were living, growing Lilliputian versions of oaks, chestnuts, cherries and pines - perfect in every detail but looking as if they were viewed through the wrong end of a telescope. One of the most popular trees for the bonsai treatment was Acer palmatum, otherwise known as Japanese maple. And that was the model for the painstakingly reproduced replica featured here. Perfect - from the tiny delicate leaves to the micro-texturing on the bark - our maple leaf bonsai makes an enchanting and intriguing addition to any room. Place it on a sideboard, coffee table or in a bay window - because wherever it's displayed (in its black lacquered planter) our mini-maple is sure to be the centre of attention. Proof that you don't have to be big to be noticed.
Stars by candlelight - that was the thinking behind this amaryllis candle holder. The flowers have a charming star-like shape and look particularly enchanting in a candle's soft, golden glow. By place settings or down the centre of a table, they'll bring a touch of star quality to any occasion. Enchant your guests, buy 2 candle holders and get another FREE!
Bring a touch of Mata Hari-style exoticism to your dressing table with this stylishly serpentine trinket box. A femme fatale essential, it's perfect for rings, brooches, chains and bracelets. Elegantly fashioned from polyresin with a hissingly lifelike snakeskin finish.
Give a room, hall or staircase traditional festive appeal with this holly and berry garland. Painstakingly crafted, it's a classic Christmas melange of ivy and variegated holly with large and small scarlet berries.This is then given a sparkly, frosted finish. Drape it, dangle it, arrange and festoon it, but above all...enjoy it!
Always read the small print': that's what they say, and it's a whole lot easier with this attractive desk accessory. Given a touch of Jacobite 'bens and glens' style, thanks to the faux-horn handle, it's nicely balanced, comfortable to hold and is likely to become more and more useful as the years pass.
A single furly moth orchid stem in a slim glass vase looks elegantly sophisticated. En masse these members of the orchidaceae genus give a display that's simply stunning. Alternatively they're perfect for adding textural interest and a touch of exoticism to mixed arrangements.
Of course, straight from the forest, pine trees have a wonderful fresh astringent smell. Nothing like the cloying odour associated with disinfectants, it's light and clean, redolent of cold northern forests. And that's just the fragrance we've bottled. A couple of drops added to real pine cones will give the perfect finishing touch to a natural decoration.
Faux bois - literally 'false wood' in French - is a classic example of art imitating nature. Employing enormous skill and patience, the crafters of faux bois use resin, concrete and cast iron to create artefacts that look for all the world like driftwood, deadwood and fallen branches. The authenticity and realism they achieve is simply amazing. The 'wooden' vase featured here is not only shaped and textured with remarkable accuracy, it's also painted and coloured to be indistinguishable from the real thing. And that's part of the charm. Rugged and rustic, it provides the perfect setting for delicate flowers, ferns and sprays. In addition, our faux bois vase beautifully complements scrubbed pine or polished wooden surfaces, making it completely at home whatever your style of home decor. Silk flowers and resin logs - isn't it fascinating the way things aren't always quite what they seem?