Foxgloves Flowers

A Uniquely Victorian Flower Shop | Florist Victoria BC

Winter 2025 Workshop Lineup

We are so excited to share Foxgloves Flowers’ 2025 Winter Workshop lineup with you—these sessions are truly a must-experience for anyone who loves nature, creativity, and a cozy, festive vibe. Every year, We look forward to this magical time when we gather to craft beautiful, fresh winter wreaths and swags that bring the spirit of the season right into our homes. Whether you’re new to floral design or a seasoned pro, these workshops are designed to be fun, welcoming, and inspiring.

What’s Waiting for You This Winter?

Wildwood Winter Wreath Workshop

Screen Shot 2025 10 14 at 4.15.22 PM 300x257 - Winter 2025 Workshop LineupImagine spending a few hours surrounded by the fresh scent of cedar and pine, working with natural materials that feel like they’ve just been gathered from a quiet forest. This workshop is one of my favorites because it invites you to slow down and create something truly unique—your very own winter wreath inspired by the wild beauty of the West Coast. We keep the groups small so you get plenty of hands-on guidance and a chance to connect with others who share your love of nature and design. I’d love to see you at one of the sessions on November 15th, 22nd, or December 6th!

 

Holiday Door Swag Workshop at The Gorge Pavilion

Screen Shot 2025 10 14 at 3.40.23 PM 220x300 - Winter 2025 Workshop LineupIf you want to add a personal, festive touch to your home or create a thoughtful gift, this workshop is perfect. You’ll get to play with fresh greenery and sparkling accents while soaking up the joyful holiday spirit. It’s relaxed, fun, and a wonderful way to kick off the season with friends or family. Join me on November 29th for one of the two sessions—I promise you’ll leave with a beautiful swag and a smile.

 

 

 

Whimsical Mushroom Wreath Workshop at The Gorge Pavilion

Petite Whimsical Mushroom Wreath Foxgloves Flowers 266x300 - Winter 2025 Workshop LineupFor those who love a little whimsy and woodland charm, this workshop is an absolute delight. You’ll craft a wreath bursting with moss, mushrooms, and fresh greenery—perfect for adding a playful touch to your winter décor. It’s a great way to meet new friends and enjoy a creative afternoon together on November 29th.

 

 

 

Why You’ll Love These Workshops

What I love most about these workshops is the sense of community and connection. We’re not just making decorations; we’re sharing stories, learning new skills, and celebrating the season’s natural beauty. All the materials are sustainably sourced and locally foraged, so each piece you create feels authentic and meaningful. Plus, the cozy atmosphere and seasonal scents make it a truly immersive experience.

I’d be thrilled to welcome you to one of these workshops and help you create something beautiful this winter. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to and join us for a season of creativity, connection, and celebration.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Summer Fresh Herbed Lemonade Recipe

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If you have ever had the pleasure of stopping at Goats on the Roof in Coombs BC, then you have probably taken in the wonder that is the Italian restaurant there called Cuckoo in Coombs.  It is a little piece of Mediterranean paradise right here in the pacific north west.

They have this wonderful little concoction that took me and my son’s summer hearts.  Italian Herbed Lemonade.  One sip…ahhh.

So when we got home from our summer vacation we took a stab at recreating what we could recall and came up with this recipe.

Give it a try and I guarantee you will make it again and again!

 

 

 

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Italian Herbed Lemonade

2 c sugar

2 c water

fresh thyme

fresh basil

fresh mint

fresh rosemary

4 lemons

5 cups of cold water

 

 

We started by picking some herbs out of the garden, thyme, basil, mint and rosemary… and lots of mint!

Then we boiled up 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar with these fragrant herbs to make a simple herb syrup.  Once cooled we strained it to remove the left-over herbs (fresh look so much prettier in the cup!).

We squeezed several fresh lemons and then started mixing.  This is the best part…taste testing!

We had a jug of fresh cold ice water, the lemon juice and the newly made herb syrup and mixed it to our tastes!  He liked it a bit sweeter than I did, go figure, he is six!

We spent a lovely afternoon in the summer sun remembering our holiday and indulging our sweet tooth!

I hope you get a chance to give it a try.  It is definitely worth the effort!

Oh, and a s a side note: it makes a wonderful adult beverage with a little vodka or gin as well…just saying!

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Preserving the Beauty: A Guide to Pressing Flowers and Creative Uses

Flowers, with their fleeting beauty, often leave us wishing we could capture their ephemeral perfection. Pressing flowers is a simple yet rewarding method of preserving these delicate wonders, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for years to come. This guide will walk you through the process of pressing flowers and explore a range of creative projects you can undertake once your blooms are beautifully preserved.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Pressing Flowers:

What you’ll need:

  • Fresh flowers: Choose flowers that are relatively flat and not too thick, and ideally pick them in the morning before the heat of the day. Newly opened blossoms generally work best.
  • Flower press: You can purchase a commercially made flower press, or create your own using heavy books and absorbent paper (blotting paper or newspaper works well).
  • Absorbent paper: Newspaper or blotting paper is ideal for absorbing moisture.
  • Heavy books: These provide the pressure needed to flatten the flowers.
  • Tweezers (optional): Helpful for arranging delicate flowers.

Steps:

1. Prepare your flowers: Gently remove any excess leaves or stems that might interfere with the pressing process. Select flowers that are fresh and relatively dry to hasten the process.

2. Arrange your flowers: Arrange your flowers carefully between sheets of absorbent paper. Ensure the flowers are spread out, not overlapping, and are positioned the way you envision them. Layer additional absorbent paper on top.

3. Apply pressure: Place your prepared flower layers inside your flower press (or between heavy books) to start pressing them. Apply even pressure across the flowers.

4. Check and adjust: After a week, gently check for excess moisture. If present, replace the absorbent paper sheets and press again. The moisture content of the flower and the type of paper used impact the length of time it takes to fully press the flowers.

5. Drying: For flowers that are particularly moisture-rich, it can take 2-3 weeks for them to completely dry. For thinner flowers, a week might suffice. Check regularly (every few days) and replace the absorbent paper to keep the flowers dry and prevent mold.

6. Finishing Touches: Once the flowers are completely dry and brittle, carefully remove them from the press. Handle them gently as they are fragile.

Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers:

Once your flowers are pressed, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas:

  • Picture frames: Create a unique and personalized picture frame by embedding pressed flowers into the frame or beneath the glass.
  • Greeting cards: Decorate homemade greeting cards with pressed flowers, adding a lovely handmade touch.
  • Jewelry: Seal your pressed flowers in resin to create beautiful pendants, earrings, or other jewelry pieces.
  • Scrapbooking: Create stunning and unique scrapbook pages featuring your pressed blooms.
  • Bookmarks: Laminate pressed flowers between pieces of clear contact paper to create beautiful bookmarks.
  • Resin art: Embed pressed flowers into resin to craft unique paperweights, coasters, or other decorative items.
  • Candles: Carefully adhere pressed flowers to the outside of candles for a decorative touch.

Pressing flowers is a fantastic way to preserve nature’s beauty and unleash your creativity. So gather your favorite blooms and embark on this rewarding craft! Remember to experiment and have fun with the process. Let us know in the comments what beautiful creations you make!

Blooming Delicious: Adding Fresh Flowers to Your Salads

Forget the usual lettuce and tomato – let’s talk about elevating your salads to a whole new level of beauty and flavor with edible flowers! Adding fresh flowers to your salads isn’t just a visually stunning trick; it introduces delicate flavors and textures that can completely transform your culinary experience. But not all flowers are created equal; some are delicious and safe to eat, while others are best left for admiring their beauty in a vase.

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Choosing the Right Edible Flowers:

When incorporating flowers into your salad, always prioritize safety. Ensure your flowers are organically grown (pesticides can be harmful) and thoroughly washed before use. Here are some of the best choices for adding a floral touch to your greens:

  • Pansies:These cheerful blooms offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of earthiness. Their vibrant colors add a beautiful pop to your salad.
  • Nasturtiums: These peppery little flowers boast a bright, slightly spicy kick that pairs well with creamy dressings and rich ingredients like avocado or grilled chicken. Both their petals and leaves are edible.
  • Violets: These delicate flowers have a subtle, sweet fragrance and a slightly earthy flavor that complements fruity salads.
  • Squash Blossoms: If you’re lucky enough to have access to squash blossoms, these are a true delicacy. They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your salad. They need to be sautéed or lightly fried before adding.
  • Calendula:These bright orange flowers have a slightly peppery and citrusy flavor that adds a robust but delicate punch.
  • Rose Petals: Only use petals from organically grown roses and ensure you remove the white base of each petal. They have a delicate, fragrant flavor that’s often described as fruity and slightly sweet.

Incorporating Edible Flowers into Your Salad:

There are several ways to use edible flowers to elevate your salad game:

  • Garnish: Simply sprinkle a few edible flower petals on top of your finished salad for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
  • Mix-in: Add a small amount of edible flowers to the salad mix before dressing. This allows for their flavors to better mingle with other ingredients and dressing.
  • Salad Base: For particularly delicate flowers, consider using them as part of your base with other greens and herbs.

Tips for Success:

  • Wash thoroughly: Always wash your edible flowers thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.
  • Use sparingly: Edible flowers are best used sparingly. Their flavors are often subtle and should complement, not overpower, the other ingredients in your salad.
  • Variety: Experiment with different varieties of edible flowers to find your favorites and create unique flavor combinations.
  • Freshness is Key: Use only the freshest flowers for the best flavor and texture.

Adding edible flowers to your salads is a fun and delicious way to elevate your everyday meal. It’s a chance to showcase a beautiful presentation, offer surprising flavors, and showcase a touch of elegance. So, get creative, experiment with different varieties, and enjoy the blooming deliciousness!

 

 

The Sweet Scent of Spring: Making and Using Lilac Sugar

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How to make lilac sugar

Lilacs…

Just the word conjures images of sun-drenched spring days, the intoxicating perfume filling the air. But what if you could capture that magical fragrance and enjoy it long after the blossoms have faded? Introducing lilac sugar – a simple, elegant, and deliciously aromatic addition to your baking and crafting repertoire.

This post will guide you through the process of making lilac sugar, and then explore some of the exciting ways you can use it.

What you’ll need:

  •  1 cup granulated sugar
  •  1 cup loosely packed lilac blossoms (ensure they’re pesticide-free!)
  •  Airtight container

Instructions:

1. Gather your lilacs: Choose fragrant, freshly picked lilac blossoms. Remove any stems or leaves.
2. Combine: Gently layer the sugar and lilac blossoms in your airtight container. Make sure the blossoms are evenly distributed.
3. Let it infuse: Seal the container and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2-3 weeks. Gently shake the container every few days to ensure even infusion. The longer you let it infuse, the stronger the lilac flavor will be. You’ll notice the sugar gradually absorbing the gorgeous lilac fragrance and taking on a subtle lavender hue.
4. Strain (optional): After 2-3 weeks (or longer), you can strain the sugar to remove the blossoms if you prefer a cleaner look. However, leaving the blossoms in adds a beautiful visual element.

Uses for your Lilac Sugar:

Now for the fun part! Your homemade lilac sugar is incredibly versatile:

  • Baking: Add it to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and scones for a subtle floral flavor and beautiful visual appeal. Imagine lilac-sugar-dusted shortbread or a lilac-infused buttercream frosting!
  • Drinks: Stir a teaspoon into your morning coffee or tea for a fragrant twist. It also adds a lovely touch to cocktails or mocktails.
  • Presents: This makes a lovely handmade gift. Package your lilac sugar in a pretty jar with a ribbon and a tag explaining its delicate nature.
  • Other uses: Use it to rim glasses for cocktails or mocktails, sprinkle it over pancakes or waffles for a touch of elegance, or incorporate it into other desserts such as puddings or ice cream.

Important Notes:

  • Pesticide-free lilacs: It’s crucial to use pesticide-free lilacs. If you’re not certain about your source, it’s best to buy organically grown lilacs.
  • Storage: Store your lilac sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its fragrance and prevent moisture absorption.

Making lilac sugar is a delightful way to capture the essence of spring and bring a touch of floral magic to your kitchen. Experiment, get creative, and enjoy the sweet scent of your creation! Let us know in the comments what delicious creations you make with your lilac sugar!

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