March always feels like the perfect time to start thinking and talking about flowers and nature. As the seasons shift, I also find myself drawn back to designing bold, beautiful earrings for my Lapanda Designs collection. These aren’t the subtle kind—lightweight, yes, but designed to make a statement. I know not everyone is a fan of big earrings, but for those of us who love a splash of colour and a touch of drama, they’re an absolute joy. Maybe it’s because I’ve always had big hair, but I feel like now is the moment to leap off my typing perch and dive straight into my felt stash, ready to create this year’s collection of vibrant, oversized earrings for Lapanda Designs.
The Soft Side of Nature: A Seasonal Shift
I adore nature in all its forms, but March has a way of making me think about the softer, more ‘petally’ aspects of the natural world. The hardy resilience of autumn and winter gives way to an explosion of colour—buds swelling, blossoms unfurling, and delicate floral heads bobbing in the breeze, releasing intoxicating scents into the air. It happens every year, and yet it always feels like a surprise and a special gift.
As I write this, I can’t help but think of those who struggle with allergies, needing antihistamines just to enjoy the season. For me, it’s my eyesight that needs assistance—glasses are my constant companion—but they don’t diminish my enjoyment of the world around me.
My Love Affair with Flowers (Even If I’m Not a Gardener)
I love flowers and plants. I love wandering through beautiful gardens like those at Ashford Castle or Birr Castle—though I haven’t visited either in years. That said, I’m not a gardener by any stretch of the imagination. I wish I could confidently name every plant I admire, but often, it’s a game of guesswork, celebrating when I actually get one right! Still, that doesn’t stop me from having favourites: hydrangea, apple blossom, heather, lily, poppy, sweet pea, gerbera, rose, astilbe, iris, peony, daffodil, and so many more. And when it comes to fragrance, honeysuckle, sweet pea, and lilies are my absolute winners.
The Flowering Island of Mainau
One of the most breathtaking floral experiences I’ve ever had was visiting the island of Mainau, a true paradise for flower lovers. Situated in Lake Constance at the very southern tip of Germany, near the borders of Austria and Switzerland, Mainau is a ‘Flowering Island’ famed for its parks and gardens. Have you ever been there?
The centrepiece of Mainau, apart from its historic buildings, is its fantastic and remarkable arboretum, home to over 500 species of deciduous and coniferous trees, many of them rare and exotic. The island is also home to around 200 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, which I had the pleasure of seeing in full bloom. The sheer explosion of colour and light was unforgettable.
For those who love flowers, Mainau is pure magic. Here’s a little snippet to give you a taste:
“Spring marks the beginning of the 'Blumenjahr' (Flower Year) with an exhibition of orchids. From March to May, you’ll see tulips, daffodils, primroses, forget-me-nots, and hyacinths in full bloom. The ‘Frühlingsallee’ (Spring Avenue) is a pathway across the island lined with dazzling floral displays. From May to June, over 200 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas burst into colour. To the west of the Comturey-Keller, an Italian rose garden commissioned by Friedrich I boasts over 1,200 kinds of roses, complete with pergolas, sculptures, and fountains.”
Doesn’t that sound incredible? If you love flowers, you might want to put Mainau on your list!
A Stunning Collection of Floral Art Cards
If you know someone who loves flowers, why not send them a little floral joy in a beautiful card? At Parade Handmade, we have our own stunning collection of floral art, captured by the incredible talents of Nuala Brett-King, Noreen Sadler, and Jane Dunn. Their art card collections are bursting with colour and beauty—perfect for anyone who finds joy in blooms.
If you haven’t seen them in a while, take a peek below for a flourish of blooming heaven!
Click here for stunning floral art cards to feed your soul!
Creating Fresh Designs for Lapanda Designs
I love to create fresh collections for Lapanda Designs every year. While there are always old favourites that people come back for again and again, I’m always excited to expand my collections with exuberant styles and colours. Inspiration strikes at unexpected moments, and I wait for something to truly grab my attention before I act. That’s when I get out my sketch pad, doodle some ideas, and start experimenting with materials—unless I already have a firm vision in mind. In 2024, a moment at the Knit & Stitch Show sparked an idea that I scribbled down for future reference. That inspiration will shape the style of my upcoming designs, while the colours of spring and summer will guide my choices in hues and embellishments. I’ll be sharing more on this soon!
A Love-Hate Relationship with Cut Flowers
Once, I received a flower press as a gift. I remember pressing beautiful blooms—heather, violets, and delicate petals—using them to decorate letters and notebooks. Yet, despite the beauty, I always felt a twinge of sadness about flattening those flowers, stealing them from their brief moment of vibrant life. I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with cut flowers. Potted plants and garden flowers are my favourite, yet I still buy cut flowers now and then, both for myself and as gifts. They bring joy, even if they are fleeting. If a flower breaks from a plant or falls naturally, I’ll gladly gather it up, placing it in water to admire its last moments of beauty and I never say no to a beautiful posy no matter what.
A Floral Emblem & Artistic Inspiration
Floral motifs have always fascinated me, not just in nature but in art. I’m particularly drawn to the Art Nouveau period, which took deep inspiration from the natural world. Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of my favourite figures from this era. While his architectural work avoided floral ornamentation, his artistic designs—especially his signature rose—are breathtaking in their simplicity. His stained-glass window designs, with their delicate yet structured floral elements, strike the perfect balance between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. I could go on about other artists of that time, like his sister Margaret, but I’ll save that for another day.
Enjoy the Flowers This Year!
As spring unfolds, I hope you take a moment to appreciate the floral wonders around you—whether it’s in a grand garden, a little window box, or even in the artwork you choose to surround yourself with.
Warm wishes,
Amanda
