Whenever I have a free moment, I love to flip through the pretty pages of Sally Page's book, The Flower Shop: A Year in the Life of a Country Flower Shop.
Besides the gorgeous flower pix, she also has a series of flower-shop secrets, which always inspire me to get creative with flowers over the weekend. Here's some that might inspire you:
* Before the summer gets away from us and your garden moves indoors, look for fresh ways to spice up your bouquets. If you're a foodie, try using mint, flowering oregano, bay, rosemary or thyme. Mmm. Or sort herbs into bunches, then wire them onto a light circular metal frame. Add a little ribbon and you've just made a kitchen wreath.
* If you're struggling to decide which flowers to choose for a gift, stick to one kind of flower or choose flowers all the same color. One combination that always looks good is to mix white and cream flowers together with interesting foliage.
Don't be afraid to cut your roses short.
* Roses: As a rule of thumb, the longer the stem, the fatter the head of the rose. So when you pay more or a long-stemmed rose, don't be afraid to cut it down if you want to. You're not wasting money by discarding the stem, your money has also been spent on the larger bloom.
* Standing a hurricane lamp in a wreath of flowers is a simple way to create a centerpiece. It looks good outside and doesn't need masses of flowers.
* Want a fragrant bouquet? Try hyacinths, freesia, stock, lilies or tuberose.
