Foxgloves Flowers

A Uniquely Victorian Flower Shop | Florist Victoria BC

Slow Down & Create: Introducing Our New Monthly Mini Workshop Series

At Foxgloves Flowers, we believe that life is in the details. Whether it’s the delicate curve of a petal, the earthy scent of fresh cedar, or the way a specific shade of coral dances next to a dusty sage, flowers have a way of speaking a language all their own.

While we love being part of your grandest life moments—from weddings to milestone celebrations—we’ve been dreaming of a way to connect with you more regularly in the studio. We wanted to create a space where you can pause, breathe, and get your hands a little bit dirty (in the best way possible!) without the commitment of a full-day course.

Introducing: The Foxgloves Mini Workshop Series.

Starting this month, we are opening our studio doors once a month for a series of intimate, “make-and-take” floral projects designed to bring a little bit of seasonal magic into your home.

The Details:

  • When: One Saturday every month

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (A perfect one-hour creative escape!)

  • Where: The Foxgloves Studio

  • Cost: $50 (All materials, tools, and botanical treasures included)

  • Book HERE

Why a “Mini” Workshop?

We know how busy life in Victoria can get. These 60-minute sessions are designed to be a “floral snack”—a quick, guided creative burst that leaves you with a finished piece to display on your mantle, bedside table, or front door.

From whimsical moss-based arrangements in the spring to foraged textures in the autumn, each project will be unique to that month’s specific “blooming” mood. You don’t need any previous floral experience—just an open mind and a love for all things botanical.

A New Reason to Visit

Our goal is to keep our community inspired all year long. Because these projects will change every month based on what is freshest at Heath Gardens and our local growers, we’ll be updating our workshop calendar frequently.

Think of it as your monthly floral ritual. Come by the studio at 1:00 PM, spend an hour with us and our favorite blooms, and leave with something beautiful. It’s the perfect excuse to check our website regularly to see what’s coming up next!

What’s On the Workbench this Spring?

Curious about what you’ll be crafting? We’ve curated the next three months to celebrate the awakening of the garden. Each session is a standalone experience, but we have a feeling once you start, you’ll want to collect the whole season.

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March: Botanical Seed Pops

Saturday, March 21st | 1:00 PM Think of these as “nature’s confetti.” We’ll be crafting hand-rolled seed bombs using a blend of compost, clay, and a curated mix of wildflower seeds. They are beautiful to look at and even better to gift (or toss into that bare corner of your garden). It’s the ultimate way to kick off the spring planting season.

Book NOW 

 bunny succulent planter 300x300 - Slow Down & Create: Introducing Our New Monthly Mini Workshop SeriesApril: The Ceramic Succulent Bunny

Saturday, April 4th | 1:00 PM Just in time for Easter styling! We’re tucking hardy, jewel-toned succulents into the most charming ceramic bunny planters. You’ll learn the basics of succulent care and how to top-dress your miniature garden with moss and stone for a professional, “Foxgloves” finish.

Book NOW 

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 May: The Live Violet & Ivy Wreath

Saturday, May 2nd| 1:00 PM A true Victorian classic with a fresh twist. Instead of dried stems, we’re working with living plants. We will guide you through weaving trailing ivy and delicate potted violets into a lush, breathable wreath base. It’s a stunning, fragrant piece of living art that will thrive on a shaded porch or as a centerpiece.

Book NOW

A Note on Availability: Because we source our botanicals locally (and these little bunnies are a limited edition!), space is strictly limited to 8 participants per session.

Ready to get creative?

$50 covers everything—the blooms, the dirt, the vessel, and the expertise. All you need to bring is yourself.

Reserve Your Saturday Spot Here

Other ideas for upcoming classes:  (check back often to see class dates and times!)

Summer of Green: June, July & August

As the Victoria sun warms up, we’re moving our focus to textures that thrive.

  • June | Live Moss Box Wall Hanging: We’re bringing the forest floor indoors. You’ll learn how to “paint” with different varieties of living moss to create a lush, framed piece of vertical art for your home.

  • July | Kokedama (Japanese String Gardens): A Foxgloves favorite! We’ll be geting our hands messy wrapping plant roots in specialized soil and moss, bound with twine. These sculptural floating gardens are the ultimate summer conversation piece.

  • August | Deep Dive on Dahlias: August belongs to the Dahlia. We’ll be sourcing the most spectacular dinner-plate and pompon varieties from our local growers. You’ll learn the secrets to arranging these heavy-headed beauties so they look effortless and architectural in a vase.

The Texture of Autumn: September & October

When the air turns crisp, we turn toward preservation and the harvest.

  • September | Dried Moss Architectural Wall Hanging: A sophisticated, “set-it-and-forget-it” version of our June workshop. We’ll use preserved mosses, lichen, and woody textures to create a permanent piece of botanical decor that requires zero watering.

  • October | Harvest Pumpkin Arrangement: Forget the carvings—we’re using heirloom pumpkins as our vessels! We’ll be overflowing them with autumnal blooms, berries, and foliage for the ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Looking Toward Winter: November

  • November | The Mini Evergreen Wreath: Before the holiday rush truly hits, join us for a focused, one-hour session crafting a 10-inch petite wreath. Think fragrant cedar, fir, and perhaps a touch of eucalyptus to make your entryway smell like a winter wonderland.

The $50 Monthly Ritual

Each of these sessions is designed to be high-impact and low-stress. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or someone who “can’t keep a cactus alive,” we promise you’ll leave the studio with something you’re proud to show off.

Pro Tip: These make incredible experience gifts! If you have a friend who needs a creative break, why not book two spots for a Saturday date?

The Psychology of Giving Flowers

foxgloves flowers victoria bc florist designers choice romantic compact 300x300 - The Psychology of Giving FlowersFlowers have long been woven into the fabric of human expression, carrying meanings that go far beyond their vibrant colors and delicate petals. They speak a silent language—one that conveys emotions, tells stories, and connects us in ways words sometimes cannot. As we approach Valentine’s Day, a time traditionally associated with love and affection, it’s worth reflecting on why flowers hold such a special place in our hearts and minds.

At their core, flowers symbolize much more than beauty. Each bloom carries its own story, shaped by centuries of cultural traditions and personal associations. The Victorian language of flowers, for instance, was a complex system used to send coded messages through floral arrangements, allowing people to express feelings that society often forbade them to say aloud. Take the red rose, for example: it’s become synonymous with passionate love, yet its roots trace back to ancient myths and rituals celebrating desire and devotion. Similarly, lilies often represent purity and renewal, while sunflowers evoke warmth and happiness. This rich tapestry of meanings allows flowers to serve as a nuanced form of communication, capable of expressing feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken. For a detailed exploration of flower meanings, Foxgloves Flowers offers an excellent Meaning of Flowers page that delves into these symbolic traditions.

The emotional power of flowers lies in their ability to evoke memories and feelings instantly. A single bouquet can brighten a room, lift a spirit, or offer comfort during difficult times. Psychologists suggest that flowers have a unique way of triggering positive emotions because they engage multiple senses—their colors catch our eye, their scents stir our memories, and their presence creates a sense of connection. This sensory experience is why receiving flowers often feels like a deeply personal gesture, one that transcends the material and touches the soul.

What makes flowers especially profound is their ephemeral and fleeting beauty. Their delicate blooms remind us that beauty is temporary, urging us to pause and fully embrace the present moment. This transience is what gives flowers their unique power—they encourage mindfulness and appreciation for life’s fleeting joys. In a world that often rushes forward, flowers invite us to slow down, savor the here and now, and find meaning in the brief but beautiful experiences that shape our lives. This awareness of impermanence deepens the emotional impact of gifting and receiving flowers, making each moment shared with them feel all the more precious.

Gifting flowers taps into a universal human desire to connect and to express care. It’s an act that blends thoughtfulness with spontaneity, allowing the giver to communicate empathy, admiration, gratitude, or love without the pressure of finding the “perfect” words. The psychology behind this is fascinating: flowers can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and even strengthen relationships by fostering feelings of appreciation and closeness. This is why, even beyond Valentine’s Day, flowers remain a timeless gift that resonates across cultures and generations.

As Valentine’s Day nears, it’s tempting to see flowers merely as tokens of romance. Yet, their true power lies in their versatility—their ability to express a spectrum of emotions and to celebrate all forms of connection, from friendship to self-love. Whether given in grand bouquets or simple sprigs, flowers remind us of the beauty in expressing what’s in our hearts, often when words fall short.

In a world that moves quickly and often feels disconnected, flowers offer a moment of pause—a chance to slow down, reflect, and share something meaningful. They invite us to appreciate the small wonders around us and to celebrate the bonds that enrich our lives. This Valentine’s Day, and every day, flowers remain a timeless symbol of the human experience, speaking softly but powerfully to the emotions that unite us all.

Day of the Dead

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Did you know that in the Mexican tradition of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), marigolds are a significant symbol. They are believed to guide the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living by their vibrant color and strong scent. Marigolds are used to create paths and adorn altars, inviting loved ones to join in the celebration. On November 1st and 2nd , cemeteries and many homes in Mexico are filled with these flowers and their characteristic aroma.

 

 

I’ve personally had the chance to be a part of that very special day in Patzcuaro, a city located in the state of Michoacan years ago and it is one of the best experiences of my life! To witness so much love, compassion, joy is one I will never forget. From the thousands of beautiful marigolds, candles and people playing music sharing stories about the people they’ve lost and love to anyone who wants to listen overwhelms you with so much gratitude and a new way of looking at death and the afterlife if you believe there is one. It has definitely changed my perspective on it and after  my own experience of losing my beautiful mom 14 years ago,  every year I create a little altar for her and all my lost loved ones to let them know that we are thinking and celebrating them still and hopefully let them smell the marigolds.

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Written by Bella Guyon

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!

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