Monday, January 31, 2011

Love affair with Bird of Paradise

I first spotted bird of paradise flowers at a stop & shop supermarket while we were newly married and living in Boston in the mid 80's. I had never seen these flowers before. I fell in love with the flowers instantly. At that time my flower arranging hobby was blossoming. I found out that each flower costs $5.00. They were too expensive for my budget.  One day, I couldn't resist the temptation; I splurged and bought three flowers and brought them home and made an oriental arrangement. For me it was intoxicating to see an arrangement made with bird of paradise in my family room. I still remember how preciously I guarded that arrangement.

Since then, a lot has changed. We made southern California as our home and bought a house with enough planting space. Finally, I was able grow my favorite bird of paradise right in my own garden.  Over 50 bird of paradise bushes found their way into the front yard along with palm trees. Each spring, these beautiful flowers make me feel that I am in paradise. 







I like the contrast of the orange bird of paradise with pink proteas
 


For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including gluten free recipes), please check out my book, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen, at my website komalinunna.com.

I am joining Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life  and Patty's weekend wrap-up , Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, Cindy for Show and Tell and Ms. Beverly's How Sweet the Sound.

16 comments:

  1. Oh my, this is absolutely stunning. Love the arrangement and the vase is lovely also. Beautifully done. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Lovely arrangement Komali. Can never go wrong with bird's of paradise around. I am jealous u have 50 of them in ur front yard. Sounds like a lovely garden too. Try and post some pics when they are all in bloom.

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  3. Tropicals are my absolute favorite blooms to work with, and aren't you lucky to have the birds right in your own yard.

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  4. The flowers are gorgeous! It looks amazing! Have a wonderful day, Kellie xx

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  5. We have 'em here too. In south Texas. And the plant grows like crazy...we have to keep trimming it back each year. I too love the flowers. Your arrangement is spectacular.


    My show n tell link: My latest art sketch

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com/2011/02/hes-there-inside-your-mind.html

    Hope you can find time to stop by. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  6. Beautiful! I love birds of paradise. One of my best friends had them in her wedding. Somehow we carried them in our bouquets. Don't ask me how the flowers didn't swallow us up! lol
    Happy PS!
    Tammy

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  7. oh how lovely...brings back childhood memories for me, as a child I saw these grow wild in South-Africa. Have a great weekend!

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  8. Wow....just wow. I love that they grow profusely in your garden. Thank you for sharing your beautiful designs. Cherry Kay

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  9. Bird of Paradise flowers can really make or break an arrangement. Personally I adore them with red roses. Red and orange is striking. I remember them in Los Angeles, CA where I went to Junior High School. I've liked them ever since. HPS!
    Joyce M

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  10. They really are stunningly beautiful!

    I'm a new follower visiting from Pink Saturday ~ hope you can come see me sometime: http://sallyleebythesea.com

    Thanks & Happy PS!! :O)

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  11. Lucky you to live in a climate that you can grow these beauties!Blessings, and Happy Pink Saturday! Debbie

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  12. oh my!! this is gorgeous!! Thank you for making my day.. by joining the weekend wrap up!! You rock!!
    Have you posted a home tour on any blog?? I so want to see the rest of your gorgeous home!

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  13. These used to be my dad's fav flower......it always reminds me of him. It still blooms majestically in my mother's garden.....I wish I cld grow it but it is just tool cold here for that. Love your arrangement....

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  14. These are quite astonishing, I love them!

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