You may have heard me tell of Benjamin Higgledy, his dog Harry Twelvehats and his astonishing flowery skillz. He is a sort of semi-peripatetic cut flower seed farmerer and grows mahoosive drifts of billowy floral wonder in a Cornish field. What he doesn’t know about Eschscholzia and Bupleurem isn’t worth knowing.
Ben and friend
Recently he posted his top of the pops of cut flowers. Peter Powell was going to read it out only he had a spot of bother with his Victoria sandwich and he bailed at the last minute. Shame. Still, Benjamin’s thorough seedy research showed that the most popular cut flower of the whole of 2013 was
the cornflower (photo by Karen Wells the Higgledy Researcher).
It’s a no brainer really – they evoke the wheatfields of yore, Cider with Rosie, Lucy Honeychurch, are the colour of Steve Carell’s eyes (probably, oof) and have the most exquisite frilly petals that look as though Gran’s been at them with the pinking shears.
In celebration of of this fine and dandy flower I have made a a brand new design* – a silver cornflower necklace. It was rather tricky to make – cornflowers are really quite fancy.
You can win it, which is rather exciting. All you have to do is pop over to Higgledy’s electronic gaff, have a peep at the cut flower seeds and tell me in your comment which one you’d most like to have made into a hat, for Ascot, or simply to make a trip down Aldi slightly more interesting**. In the picture above Mr Higgledy is sporting a spandy titfer made out of borage. Oh yes. This is so S/S ’14.
If you fancy sharing this on your blog/the twit/bookface come back here and let me know and you can have an extra entry. Brill. I’ll be making the draw in a week’s time, Monday 24th March using random.org.
Good luck!
*the cornflower has been made using recyled fine silver, is 2.5 cm across & hangs from a sterling silver minibelcher chain
**actual flower hat not included in the giveaway. Sorry
Bells of Ireland, because that's where my mum and dad are from, and I'm reading this blogpost on the 17th March, St Patrick's day. And because I think they look really magical!
Scabious. I *love* it. Even if the autocorrect turns it into a nasty skin condition.
And yes, Ahahaha, I have retweeted you 😉
Cosmos Sensation. It would be, er, sensational.
And have retweeted 🙂
Definitely Aquilegia because Jacqui Harding designed a beautiful hat with that name for http://www.thecrochetproject.com botanics collection and I made one (in your fave yarn, manos silk blend) and wear it ALL THE TIME (I believe I have worn it to Lidl – does that count?)
As a cut flower then Ben's Cosmos are superb, a constant giver of cut flowers and beautiful to behold. As a wearer of hats then I think the Cosmos would also make for the perfect Top Hat. Indeed the sky's no limit! You could have a hat in space! (Watch out for the ISS!)
It has to be the Aster "Ostrich Plume" as I just feel happy when I see those wonderful blooms & with those fabulous colours it would make such an eye-catching hat 🙂
Oh my stars, how much do I love that necklace!?!
Other than cornflowers, my flower-crown bloom of choice would be Rudbeckia.
Also, I have re-tweeted you, and shared over on Facebook.
Laura x
and tweeted it.
Eschscholzia Ivory Castle would make a fine hat, delicate and classy. Really hope I win the necklace, it's so beautiful.
Helianthus. ‘Red Sun’ (sunflowers)
Something that reminds me of long hot summer days.
The cornflower necklace is exquisite.
Christy
Lilbitbrit
For me it would be the aster ostrich plume – love those colours!
The necklace is beautiful, fingers crossed it will be mine! :o)
Maria x
Hesperis – I love the smell!!
Also mentioned on the blog:
http://nimblefingersandsteadyeyebrows.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/baby-socks.html
(can you tell that I reeeeeeeally want to win that necklace?!)
Laura xx
Tough one … I guess I'd go for Bupleurum Griffithii – love the colour!
Hmmm..look at that hat…a crown of Cosmos 'sensation'. Causing a sensation as you glide around on a cloud of flowery happiness. Bliss.
That would be my choice x
Blogged about it as well 🙂
http://angelsandblossoms.blogspot.com/2014/03/fancy-silver-cornflower.html
Nicotiana – the scent would certainly improve my Aldi trips, and would distract other shoppers from the chaos that Katie creates whenever we step foot in there.
I do absolutely love your new design – it really is stunning. Juliex
I think I'd choose the dark blue Nigella – an old fashioned flower of a gorgeous blue. It reminds me of cornflowers, vines and filigree – classic old English gardens.
Fab necklace too 🙂
It's got to be the Crazy Daisy Chrysanthemum…
And yes I have retweeted…
Did that comment arrive or get eaten by blogger?
I retweeted you Em.
In case my first comment got lost, I chose Zinnia Mammoth.
Cosmos…both Purity and Sensation.
Corncockle for me! Such pretty flowers. 🙂
Oh my, cosmos,nigella,love them both, or perhaps calendula, such a lovely sunny colour.
Love that necklace.
That necklace is stunning. We have planted cornflowers at the allotment to encourage bees to visit.
I would wear a hat made of Helianthus 'Red Sun'
I love the new design – it would be fabulous to win it. (I wear the forget-me-not necklace you made loads.) For my hat it would have to be scabious to remind me of clifftop walks as a child.
Helianthus, sunflowers remind me of my great gran as she always had them in her garden, my favourite flowers
shared on twitter too https://twitter.com/Top_cat81/status/445679482888663040
Amaranthus Caudatus Red. Love Lies Bleeding. would look rather fancy wouldn't it?!
karen s
twannywun at hotmail dot com
Shared on my facebook x
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=638512136219096&id=100001809463620&stream_ref=1
I love the Scabiosa "Crown" although I am not so sure about the name. The lovely Laura encouraged me over (does she get extra points!), thanks! The necklace like all your silver work is gorgeous.
Annie
Spooky timing – I've recently read the latest Higgledy post, and as I result I've resolved to grow my own flowers for cutting this year, so immediately ordered the Cut Flower Patch book.
My hat would have to be pink and purple so I was going to go for Sweet Williams, but at the last minute, I changed my mind and decided to plump for Asters. After all, they look like 'Ascot-y' hats before you even start.
And your cornflower necklaces are beautiful – and a very splendid and generous giveaway. Gutted the hat's not included though.
*Nigella. Love in the mist. ‘Persian Jewels – so lacy and delicate AND in pink, white and blue – I only grow these and blue cornflowers in my small box of a raised bed. They look good by the armful or as single stems for buttonholes and dressing up a straw hat. Never for racing but lovely for shopping as you suggest or dog walking.
*Nigella. Love in the mist. ‘Persian Jewels – so lacy and delicate AND in pink, white and blue – I only grow these and blue cornflowers in my small box of a raised bed. They look good by the armful or as single stems for buttonholes and dressing up a straw hat. Never for racing but lovely for shopping as you suggest or dog walking.
Definitely Nicotiana ‘Lime Green', what an amazing colour! 🙂
V x
I've retweeted! 🙂
V x
Sweet Peas. I want my hat to smell nice too!
Just shared on FB!
That's beautiful Emma! Well done. My choice would be the *Eschscholzia ‘Orange King’, though of course they wouldn't last & then I would like a has been!! x
Aquilegia Nora Barlow every time it is so elegant and old fashioned , it makes me think of elegant long dresses ,parasols and large beautiful hats .Chris .P
Oh what a beautiful necklace – very talented lady 🙂
Flower choice: Cerinthe Major Purpurascens, one of my favourite flowers for attracting bees. And if I had a hat covered in cerinthe I'm sure the bees would love me forever more. And I'd self-seed everywhere.
Have tweeted too 🙂 x
Cosmos 'purity' as its such a beautiful bright flower and would make the trips down Aldi much better 🙂 your new design is gorgeous emma, I love it 🙂 perfect for summer days, love safxxx
Beautiful necklace – I love Rubeckia. What a fantastic giveaway!
Lupin, one spire used in place of a feather…
It's enough to make me wish I had a garden!
And yes – retweeted!
Oh dear … it's awfully difficult to choose just one. If I MUST choose, I guess it would have to be Echinacea‘Primadonna Deep Rose Pink’, but really I'd be happy with most any flower on that page — they're all so beautiful! LOVE LOVE LOVE your new design Miss Emma — you're brilliant!
Aster ostrich plume definitely, made to be a hat!
Aster ostrich plume definitely, made to be a hat!
I would love a hat made from Ostrich Plume Asters. the name sort of lends itself to hat making. they are the biggest blowsiest asters I have ever grown with beautiful deep colours. I think it would make the wearer look like a colourful explosion in a feather factory 🙂 ooh and I gave you a retweet as well .. Lorraine
Either of the "Ammi"s because I love their structural form. Thanks!
I would choose Buplerum, because not only does it look good, but it is a funny word that makes me smile.
The necklace is beautiful so thank you for the opportunity to win one. A x
To make a titfer for me
Then Tithonia Rotundifolia Fiesta Del Sol it would have to be
However you may cast Zinnia Envy my way
or look all Sweet William Auricula-Eyed
as I try to make my hat the best in show
Dill Mammoth is not an option as my head is not that big
Rudbeckia Irish Eyes would allow me to dance a jig
For a touch of regal glory, Salvia viridis Monarch would suffice
Sweet Pea Painted Lady is far too common and seeds are liked by the mice
So on second thoughts, and be worthy of Ascot
Then I would have no choice other than Feverfew Jackpot
Buplurum, delicate, dancing, lace doily of a flower, the colour of a Leprechaun's eyes.
Would have to be Sweet William for me, so many joyous memories go along with them! They'd be perfect for my go to the races hat reminding me of watching it on the tv as a child with my Grandad William a very sweet Grandad. Retweeting!
I love to plait candytuft, blue cornflower and the black (purple) cornflower…into my hair and pretend I'm running through summer cornfields barefoot. In reality I'd probably be pegging out the washing in Manchester. Tee hee. 🙂 Beautiful work both of you.
P.S. Tweeted 🙂
Emma I think this your best work yet! I think nicotiana and cosmos purity would work well together and would look great on a brunette!
cosmos. any colour. any time. because they're happy flowers.
I love the delicate airiness of gysophilia – it would make a lovely summer hat!
And I adore the cornflower pendant…
Shall retweet.
Cosmos Sensation would be my choice, I love the vivid colour but it might need toning down a little with some of the paler Cosmos. I love your beautiful cornflower, it cannot have been easy to make.
Nigella "Persian Jewels" I think. Very me. The cornflowers you've made are absolutely beautiful. A really interesting post, and a lovely giveaway, thank you Emma.
Oooh tough choice. Nearly plumped for the frothy romantic loveliness of Ammi Majus but then decided on the fresh & pretty Feverfew Jackpot. The delicate daisy flowers would look pretty dotted about my curls and the leaves would help with the headache I got from the checkout experience!
Gorgeous necklace Em.
Ps. I have retweeted 🙂
Hi, it would have to be cornflower of course! Possibly with a bit of baby's breath for the ethereal look…
For making into a hat I would of course want the flamboyance of an Ostrich Plume (aster) and hopefully my friends the bees would add themselves as a free adornment wherever I wore it 🙂
A hat of Stargazer lilies would be lovely. I adore your silver pendant!!
((hugs)), Teresa 🙂
Phacelia please, the bees love them and so do I. Your work is beautiful and i've retweeted.
I think I would have to choose Didiscus 'lacy'. The flower head looks as though it could be one of those vintage hats from the 50's, all it needs is a velvet bow on the side.
Scabiosa atropurpurea is my choice I love the purple hue & I would feel like an ethereal flower fairy in a delicate crown of flowers
Wow, I stopped by to leave you a link, and stumbled onto a grand giveaway! What a very beautiful cornflower necklace.
First, the link – thought you might find the flour recipe handy and the data interesting (almost typed "flower" recipe there) 🙂 –
http://www.npr.org/2014/03/20/291873792/test-kitchen-have-your-gluten-free-cake-and-love-eating-it-too
And now the giveaway vote. The Malope Trifida is very tempting, and I am a sucker for Cosmos, but I think I would go with Corncockle, if the dewdrops were included.
Thank you for the giveaway and the fun link.
I think the Aquilegia is beautiful, and the texture and colours would make for a beautiful hat.
The cornflower necklace is so beautiful by the way.
Josie
*Eschscholzia ‘Ivory Castle’ these grow n my sandy soil so easily but have never thought of using them as a cut flower. Just love your necklaces you must have the patience of a saint,
Aquilegia – because it would make the most stunning hat and reminds me of that lovely part of My Fair Lady when they're all at Ascot wearing the most sensational hats.
Adore the necklace by the way, it is beautiful.
I just want to say how I admire the way you have made that flower, it is exquisite.
I would love my hat to be made from the Gertrude Jekyl Nigella flowers, along with their seed pods. So many colours and textures in there. My front garden (more of a patch) has these and cornflowers like your lovely necklace. They go very well together.
I think I like the 'Nigella. Love in the Mist. Miss Jekyll, Dark Blue' the best. Very pretty and unusual 🙂
And I tweeted here https://twitter.com/Sarah_L_N/status/447766089707962368 🙂
I think that Nigella. Love in the mist. ‘Miss Jekyll Dark Blue’ would make a beautiful headpiece. Thank you for linking to the site – I've found many seeds I've been looking for. Your silverwork is exquisite, Emma.
I think that Nigella. Love in the mist. ‘Miss Jekyll Dark Blue’ would make a beautiful headpiece. Thank you for linking to the site – I've found many seeds I've been looking for. Your silverwork is exquisite, Emma.
What a fantastic range to chose from! I think that it would have to be Aster Ostrich Plume for me :O)x
Am I too late? If not… I'd love an otherwise severe-looking black bombazine bonnet trimmed with Cerinthe major, both to indulge my inner goth with a bit of austere glamour, as well as to satisfy my inner child, who so rarely found her own name in any books or songs, or on any 'personalised' baubles in gift shops, that in adulthood she seizes at any opportunity to put it in her hat and flaunt it 🙂 Aherm!
Beautiful pieces – am bookmarking for future birthday present suggestions!
Hello, I like "Bells of Ireland"!
BEAUTIFUL WORK!
Thanks for sharing!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
Your cornflower design is absolutely gorgeous. Happy Easter to you and your family. Hugs Judy
Hello. And Bye.
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