Canada Blooms is a show for all who appreciate gardens, outdoor design and, of course, flowers. But in reality, it’s where the hardcore Green Thumbs, Nature Lovers, and Floral Snobs flock to scrutinize the hard work of those willing to stage their talent. It’s prestigious to show, and to be seen here. And, there is an area at Blooms where top florists are invited to expose their work. It’s an irresistible magnet for those of us who have any opinions on horticultural design.

Before I began Floral Fetish Design, I used to marvel at the vignettes the florists would erect in this area. To me it was the glamorous Who’s Who of floral artistry in Toronto. I was addicted to inspecting the chosen ones each year- dissecting their work, technique, vision, mechanics and materials. So you can only imagine, I had the biggest, warmest, tears of happiness in my eyes three years ago when I received my formal invitation to design at Canada Blooms. WooHoo!!!

In this year’s invitation, there was no theme to Canada Blooms. Carte Blanche. Which is great… but not so much for a Gemini… so a battle erupts in my head: artiste vs. business owner. Oy! Do I have a dilemma! A friend and colleague shared his advice, “Design to showcase your primary business.” For him (and many of us) it’s wedding work. Smart and practical advice – and you may be surprised, but I really, really like practical. However, I wanted to have some fun here. I love weddings and wedding work, but this was an opportunity to go in a different direction. I slept on it.

Well, needless to say, my inner Floral Diva won over the Business Owner. I indulged myself – I designed a cake for a Fairy Princess. Whimsy has been in the air for me lately: woodsy, mossy, pretty, organic, natural, clean air feeling, fresh and new, undisturbed renewed and innocent. Think the Ring- where Liv Tyler was the Nymph with a dash of the Princess Bride and a splash of Cinderella.

This is my 3-tiered cake. The middle layer is fondant made from beautiful variegated foliage. I also used moss, feathers, grape vine and bark. And my floral material was delphinium, spray and large roses, snowballs, brezillia berries, lysianthus and cymbids. I hope you enjoy!