Just wanted to keep you updated on a few changes here at the shop. You may have recently called the shop to place an order only to learn that we are asking for your patience as we get adjusted to our new computer and phone systems. You may have even received a bill and our monthly statements look different. We have undergone a few  changes with new equipment in the hopes of serving you better in the future. Please know that we appreciate your patience during this brief adjustment period and we look forward to serving you better in the future.

On a high note, we are just as anxious as you may be to for the upcoming spring season! Pansies and spring wreaths are in and we have bulb flowers trickling in here and there, I noted a few hyacinth  plants and tete a tete’s  have made their way into the shop and that my friends are a sure sign that we are gearing up!

If you have come into the shop you will notice that we have once again transformed the shop from Christmas trees to spring offerings, the shop is full of unbelievably real, silk and dried flowers, we also have an Easter selection on display, the only thing we need now is for all the snow  to disappear!

…and for those of you who follow us closely and may be wondering, Bubba has adjusted well to his happy home and new surroundings!

written by Janet Lee Harrold

Over the course of the 13 or 14 years that I have been  working here at Cedar Grove Gardens, I have had many of opportunities to view, design, set up, break down  and post about the hundreds, no  actually  thousands of beautiful wedding flowers that we create for newly married couples on a weekly basis. It’s not everyday that I get the opportunity to be invited and actually see the fruits of our labor throughout the entire day and blog about it on  a personal level. This past fall I was able to attend as a guest- the beautiful bride Arianne is the daughter of one of Cedar Grove Gardens finest. Growing up as a teenager, Arianne also worked here at the shop for a couple of years to earn a bit of spending money so we like to think we watched her grow up. Needless to say I was honored to be invited.

On a typical day Arianne is a beautiful young woman inside and out, but on her wedding day-she was absolutely stunning. Her dress was breathtaking designed by Rosa Clara with lace and  seeded pearls. The beauty that no one could see was the thoughtful sentiment that her mother had sewn in for her, it was to be her something blue.  A remnant of her junior high school uniform where she  met her first crush and now love of her life Mike. The blue plaid swatch  with I love you embroidered in red also held her grandfathers wedding band close to her heart even if just for that afternoon.

Her bouquet was one of my personal favorites.

The Landscape outside of The Red Lion Inn was bursting with rich autumnal hues. Arianne and Mike’s first look photos were taken beneath a gorgeous red Japanese Maple surrounded by a warm golden and neutral backdrop that complimented the colors of the bridesmaids dresses and garnet colored calla lily’s, antique hydrangea , seeded eucalyptus, sweet pea and dusty miller that made up their lovely bouquets.

The Ceremony was to take place at the end of the enchanted  staircase, lined with candle lit antiqued  lanterns and flanked with floral accents that included O’hara garden roses, sprigs of lisianthus  and green moss. The ambiance in the room was incredible. Below the staircase they stood underneath the amazing  crystal chandelier where they recited their wedding vows and brought the entire room to tears. After the ceremony the guests were directed to the upstairs loft to enjoy the cocktail reception while the downstairs was transformed into a stunning ballroom like atmosphere for an evening of dinner and dancing. The table arrangements were quite fitting as garden roses, lisianthus calla lilies. sweet pea and textural greens encompassed a  candle lit lantern, the fragrance of the flowers permeated the room and the guests were anxiously awaiting to see who the lucky person was that would get to take home the centerpiece.

The evening was certainly one to be remembered, but could not have been possible without the hard work of all the qualified vendors.

For starters. the beautiful images that you see above and so many more where taken by the fabulous Ali Rosa Photography, this was not our first experience with Ali, she also did the photos for another one of our co- workers weddings…we love how amazing, thoughtful and in- tune she was to everything important that day.

The D.J. was Nu Image Entertainment

The Cake was from Montilio’s Baking Co.

The venue was the Red Lion Inn in Cohassett 

Flowers of course… who else but Cedar Grove Gardens

Hair  Amanda Crocc AC Styles

Make up Heather Conley Make up Artist 

by Janet Lee Harrold

This time of year your backyard is probably bursting with blooms that are unknowingly treasures that can be gathered together and made into a bouquet that can be gifted to someone who may be in  need of a smile or an unexpected gift of thanks. Perhaps you  may want to drop it off to a nursing home and ask the front desk  to pass it along to someone who doesn’t have any family members or hasn’t had any visitors lately. Your act of kindness is sure to make their day. If you are a bit nervous about  arranging the flowers-don’t be, I’m sure the lucky recipient won’t mind one bit, but just in case, here are a few simple tips. Take the time to add seasonal and whimsicle blooms to any waterproof container. Maybe you have a vintage vessel laying around the house, or a recycled glass vase. (I’ve even used an empty pickle or pepper jar)  Remember to embrace nature by using splashes of texture and color from your garden. Using blooms that  are fragrant are always a welcomed treat.

On a side note don’t forget to be kind to yourself, another pleasant surprise in the garden just may be the fresh basil that you planted to make Grandma Angelina’s  famous tomatoe sauce recipe, alternatively, think  about how  a fresh sprig of herbs can totally transform your next cocktail.  If the thought of a Blueberry Thai Basil Mojito appeals to you, then you will want to try the following recipe:

Blueberry Thai Basil (Serves 1)

• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Thai Basil Leaves
• 1 Tbsp. Agave
• 2 oz. Light Rum
• ¼ C. Fresh Blueberries
• 2 tsp. Lime Juice
• 6 oz. Sparkling Water
• Ice
• Optional: Extra Basil for Garnish
• 1. Place the basil leaves, agave, rum and blueberries into a highball glass and muddle until there are no whole blueberries left.
  2. Add the lime juice and sparkling water into the glass, stir then add the ice. Serve.

All of the gardens are in the Melville Ave. area of Dorchester. This beautiful tree lined street boasts some of Dorchester’s most impressive homes. All of the proceeds from the tour go to benefit Dorchester Park, the 26 acre Olmstead designed gem that runs from Adams St. all the way through to the Carney hospital on Dorchester Avenue. The ticket price includes a wine and cheese reception in one of the gardens after the tour, from about 3 PM to 6PM.  Please spread the word to anyone who may be interested!  Garden clubs, friends, gardeners and anyone who has a love for the park and beautiful flowers are invited.

Tickets can  be purchased on the dotpark.org website.

On the day of the tour you should pick up your ticket and garden location map at the curbside table on Melville Ave at the “Shawmut Station” T sign between Waldeck Street and Wellesley Park.

On the day of the tour tickets are only available curbside on Melville Avenue from 10-2. They will not be available at CGG on the day of tour.

No transportation will be provided. Either arrive via the T or drive and park on Melville Avenue. Everything is an easy walk from the Red Line’s Shawmut Station. Melville Avenue is a short walk north of the station along a pedestrian walkway. A more informative article  was featured in the Dorchester Reporter…to read  more follow the link below.

http://www.dotnews.com/2016/dot-park-benefit-june-19-garden-tour