Can you believe I happened upon this huge flower arrangement which had been deserted against a backdrop of greenery during a walk? We were exploring gardens attached to an art gallery the morning after some form of celebration had been held.
I was surprised they had been abandoned, but happy to have a few minutes with such a brilliant floral showpiece. Pink, apricot and cream roses popped out, while lilies, peonies and larkspur provided white highlights. Eustoma, eucalyptus, sprays of azalea, other leafy foliage and (I think) an ornamental cabbage carried the garden flowers theme and helped to pack it out.
I’m repurposing them to celebrate Becky’s Squares Challenge and to thank her for hosting throughout November in very challenging circumstances.
I know she’ll be happy to share with everyone who has posted or supported her challenge by reading or commenting during the month. Given the circumstances, I’m thinking particularly of anyone who is struggling due to the loss of someone they love, including Becky’s husband, Robert, and regular commenters Maureen’s friend, Sandy, and Jill’s husband, Gary.
Their tributes remind me of a line I read yesterday:
“(Everyone felt blessed) that we were able to preserve and capture a little bit of the life force that surrounded this person… that was such a gift.”
Susan Rushton 
This time of the year, we love looking at flowers with a nostalgic feeling for the glorious summer days.
That’s true, Peter.
Thank you so much, Susan. We had a lovely memorial service (with beautiful flowers) at our little church where we live now, and next week we’ll have another in Austin (also with beautiful flowers).
Austin’s a lovely city. I’m glad you’ll be having more flowers. I hope it goes well.
How extraordinary that this was abandoned. But you gave it a new and fine purpose, and made it a lovely message of support to Becky and others in her unwished for shoes.
It had barely reached its peak too. Getting flowers right for an event is all about timing, garden-style arrangements especially.
Well, quite. And they’re not a cheap treat either.
I spent the day in the company of a brave lady who lost her husband to Covid 2 years ago. Today would have been his 69th birthday and we played croquet in his memory.
How sad. I’m glad you were able to join her.
🤗💗
Thank you so much, Susan. I believe Sandy would very much approve of the pinks in this, particularly the dark pink. She would also love the idea of celebrating this abandoned burst of color in just this way. What a great idea.
I’m glad you think Sandy would have approved, Maureen.
oh these are so gorgeous, and how lovely to think that now they will enable so many of us to remember loved ones. Thank you Susan, and hugs to everyone who has lost someone
I had been saving them for a special purpose.
Thank you for posting this Susan even if it did make me cry a little. It’s six years tomorrow since we lost my son’s dad to cancer, my son has flown over to Ireland today for the annual mass held in his dad’s name and also to tend the grave.
I’m so sorry to hear that but glad this post came at just the right time for you.
So glad you were able to give this lovely bouquet a second life as it waned after the festive event.
It had not really started waning which made it even more poignant to see it.
A lovely tribute to those who have passed. But I do wonder why someone put those flowers there.
There had been a structure for an event which was being taken down, but of course I only had eyes for the flowers, so couldn’t give you any more details.
Flowers are the equivalent of floral hugs. It’s why we love giving and getting them.
They do have a way of talking for us.
Generous remembrances
Our loved ones never really leave us, as you know too well.
Thank you so much, Susan
Were you not just a little bit tempted to take them home with you?
Wouldn’t have dared, but of course!