Whimsical Yard Art by Alikat Embellishments

On a recent Saturday visit to Flower World (more on that in another post.) we were lucky enough to visit the Saturday market on the park-like grounds of the Flower World compound (over 200 acres in all.)  Proceeds from vendor space rental are contributed to the local food bank.  Kat, the organizer of the happening creates unique beaded creations like custom designd tiaras, jewelery, flowers, candle skirts and more.  On this day, we got to see some of the "and more."

Many people make flowers from re purposed dishes and it's interesting how each person comes up with their own unique twist on this idea.  I've started calling my own thrift stores on a stick.

Kat does not limit herself to glass and ceramics.

Her prices are very reasonable.  

Heavy metal?

As if these fun and funky flowers aren't enough, Kat also brough along some of her  lovely (and hungry) ladies.

Thanks, Kat, for your permission to photograph and post your imaginative work and for organizing this weekly fundraiser for such  a good cause!

 Dig those fab pumps and that cute bee!

Tin woodsmen!

No insecticides please!

As if 15 acres of retail plant sales area, the local produce store, (fresh unpasteurized apple cider!) the gardens, the livestock, and the nursery's proximity to the Maltby Cafe weren't enough, now there's yet another reason to visit Flower World on Saturdays! 

A Different Kind of Flower Gardening

On Saturday, it was cold but clear outside, perfect weather to do some odd jobs around the garden.  However, I was teaching a class inside instead. 

This class was a blast,  all of the participants seemed to really enjoy themselves. 

 

 Can you guess what kind of flowers they're growing?

Here are some clues.  See the blue flower behind the fellow on the right and the glass petals that the lady on the left has just cut out?

 What's so great about this class is that each flower turns out looking unique.  No two are ever alike.

Aren't they fun? 

They can be put in the ground outside to hold up stray plants or several of them can be put in a big pot to provide exotic blooms  for plants when they're not creating their own.

Perhaps make a spot for a tea light to fit in the middle and line your sidewalk with glowing poinsettias for the holidays.

So, even though I didn't get to work outside or take any garden pictures on Saturday, I got to be with a fun group of people doing flower gardening of a different kind.