Monday, February 24, 2014

Dreaming of France -- Flowers!

As part of Paulita's "Dreaming of France" challenge, I thought I'd take you to the florist!
Watching the salesperson put together the bouquet was great fun. First, you chose several bundles.
Then she wrapped them in a lovely spiral, combining all the flowers.
Finally, she finished it off with a bow and tissue!
Not all florists are as large as the one in the first photo in the Marais where this bouquet was made. I rather liked the exterior of this one, not far from Musee d'Orsay.''
Of course, you don't need to visit a garden or a florist to find lovely flowers in Paris! They are in the cafes...
...and even the courtyards of the apartment buildings.
For more Parisian fun, check out Paulita's post and related links here.
Meanwhile, it's still winter for many of us. Don't you deserve a stop at the flower shop?

26 comments:

Linda Jo said...

Gorgeous! I love all the petals on the ground in the one shot. I bought some "Stock" today..... I am soooo ready for spring!

Bella Rum said...

Oh, my heart is longing for spring. Just when everyone thinks they can't stand it another minute, you bring us flowers in two posts in a row. I can't get enough.

Paulita said...

I'm just amazed what people with talent can do with flowers. The photos are terrific. Thanks for playing along today.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I love this post, although it makes my heart ache for Paris! I was there during the winter so didn't see many flowers out as decoration, but I did see quite a few bunches being sold on the street and at the market. I used to buy myself flowers around my birthday but did not do that this year! So I might have to during a stretch when I will be in Charlotte for awhile so I can enjoy them. :)

anno said...

Beautiful! Oh yes, I am ready for color, life, and bloom -- thanks for sharing these today!

Mae Travels said...

I think people must give each other flowers quite often there -- even in the Metro and on street corners one often sees stalls or individual vendors selling presentation-ready bouquets. Especially on Sunday morning when people are on the way to the wonderful long lunch parties the French are so wonderful at giving.

Jeanie said...

I bought a small bunch of flowers at a local shop yesterday just to cheer things up a bit....oh, how I would have loved to have been able to buy them on a street in Paris.

must love junk said...

Just gorgeous! I'd love to visit there someday (sigh)
Susan

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I am always dreaming of france and I am lucky enough to teach french!!!!

The Artful Diva said...

yes, yes, I love the flowers in France - never saw one that wasn't glorious!

Arti said...

So beautiful a post, Jeanie! I love the photos, and those petals on the ground. I suppose they were purposefully scattered there? And the window shutters by the beautiful flowers. Thanks for sharing these. And, on another note, do you know Downton Abbey won the Costume Designer Guild Awards a few days ago? Other winners are Blue Jasmine (for contemporary) and 12 Years A Slave (for period). Now that's a surprise since it beat The Great Gatsby. Here's the link.

paris parfait said...

Nothing says spring more than flowers (especially flowers in Paris!). Today I saw glorious lavender and pink tulips. Wish winter would bid adieu, so we can start transforming the garden.

Joanne Huffman said...

I enjoyed the floral respite grom ice and cold. Thank you.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Be still my heart! Oh how I wish I could travel there one day.
Beautiful flowers!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for visiting!
fondly,
Penny

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Glad you're able to comment now and I love all of these beautiful snaps. We're all ready for some lovely blooms and sunshine.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Vagabonde said...

I looked at your past posts I missed. I don’t want to upset you (I am talking as a French citizen now, not as a tourist) but you know I am against leaving those locks on bridges. It started with an Italian book, so it is not a fad that is very old, and I read that now in Rome and some other Italian cities you can get a big fine if caught leaving a lock. They have had century old bridges collapsed. In some other country, cannot recall which now, they have placed a special wall in the middle of town just for people to place their locks. I know most of the Parisians (read in French newspapers) are pretty upset about these locks as they are the ones to pay for cleaning with their taxes, but since it is Paris I can understand people with another viewpoint. For myself I think it is destruction of public property, just like graffiti on statues.
On another note, thanks for your comment on my blog, I am pleased that you liked my little hazy drawings with my cell phone.

Jenny Woolf said...

Ah, thought I recognised the flower shop by the Musee d Orsay. I took some photos there last time I was there.

I am always impressed by how beautifully florists do their job.

I need orange said...

Love your bouquet!

How I need all this color, at this time of year!!!

Thanks! :-)

shoreacres said...

There's a section of Fannin Street in Houston that's called various things - "Flower Row" is one. You can go down there and purchase flowers right on the street for much less money than a florist, and often even less than a grocery store.

I heard via the grapevine a few years ago that the number of dealers had been reduced, because they actually were money-laundering operations for the drug cartels. Not much romance there. But the sellers are still around, presumably legit and with gorgeous flowers.

In the past two days I've seen some wildflowers and even some dandelions already gone to seed. If it's nice this weekend I need to get out and see what I can see. Not today, though. It's cold and wet and not good for work or pleasure!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I LOVE seeing all the pictures from Paris.....Flowers Everywhere!! When I was in the South of France, a million years ago, I went to the Flower Mart right there in Antibes---at 6 in the morning. It was just FABULOUS!!! I really do think Everything is more beautiful and more wonderful in France, including Chocolate!
I hope it starts warming up soon where you are, my dear.

Introverted Art said...

So beautiful. Paris is such a charming place. These flowers are beautiful

Marilyn Miller said...

I stop at the flower section in my markets every time I visit there and often flowers come home with me throughout the winter months. Love, love your photos of flowers in France.

Janet said...

Seeing all the brightly colored flowers is great. I don't want to make you feel bad but all the trees in my yard have blossomed. I think for us winter is pretty much over. I hope yours is over soon.

Relyn Lawson said...

One of the reasons I long to live in a big city is because you can get beautiful flowers on the street. I LOVE flowers! For Valentine's, two of my students bought me flowers. It made me cry.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

How cheery! The French have such flair, don't they? I just love the look of a flower shop store front.

~*~Patty S said...

Oh be still my he♥rt!
Just what I needed this morning!!!
You have captured such beauty and atmosphere in each shot Jeanie...
the strewn flower petals make me want to roll around in them or toss them in the air = SO pretty!
One image of Paris that is burned into my consciousness was a little cafe in Montmatre that had a big vase of pink peonies...I walked outside and up the hill and what to my wondering eyes there was Sacre Coeur which made me blink in disbelief...I know it shouldn't have come as a big surprise but I tended to set out each day (got to spend 9 in Paris) and see where the streets led me...sometimes checking my map...
Thank you for sharing your travels and experiences...you do such a fine job always!
oxo

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