Celosia - How did I miss you?

Just thought I’d tell you a little more about myself and where Positive Pink Pants actually came from and how it was born.

I’ve always been an extremely positive and enthusiastic person with a zest for life, even when I was a little girl! I think I got my extrovert personality from my gorgeous Grandad, He was positivity personified, even in his latter years when he was bedridden, he was always still super positive, he was my hero!

My mother was a singer (I LOVE singing too, though that’s another story!) my father was a professional darts player (as was my gorgeous grandad) though my childhood was pretty turbulent.

My parents divorced when I was three and we moved in with my new stepfather and was fortunate enough to live on a farm which was amazing. It wasn’t a happy place though I was just super super lucky to be given a gorgeous 12:2 pony, Strawberry 💕💕 I was totally obsessed with horses so having Strawberry was a dream come true!!

Strawberry was only about 4 and newly broken in and it was just so amazing to grow up with her. She helped me through tough times and helped me keep my positive pants on! We had a ball together going to gymkhanas, winning rosettes and generally having a blast! I had to take her off the farm on weekdays and collect her on the weekends and sadly, when she was off the farm and in her field with other ponies, the ponies managed to get onto a railway line and she was killed instantly.. she was only 9 and I was nearly 16. it was a devastating and horrific time, I was utterly heartbroken

Not long after this, I felt there was nothing left to keep me living on the farm so I decided to pull up my positive pants, stop feeling sorry for myself and move out! I got myself onto a YTS scheme (not sure they exist anymore!) got myself an apprenticeship with a local company and moved into my friends flat.

It was honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was young though even at that young age, I knew that to get on in life, you had to be strong and keep positive! #PositivePinkPants

I went to collect them the next morning and was gleefully fascinated by their unusual shape and texture. They have been compared to brains, yes brains because of their voluminous ruffles (certainly the most beautiful brains I have ever laid eyes on) and the smooth velvety feel is like nothing I have experienced before on a flower.

The deep red gives a really luxurious look and they come in other colours too, which bodes well for my future arrangements.

In terms of symbolism, they represent boldness and bravery. In some cultures they represent everlasting love.

Whatever the interpretation, I had discovered the star of my Christmas Bouquet.

There was also a need for more green in the arrangement and then I remembered that Lisianthus is available in green. I’d only ever worked with white and purple. It’s absolutely stunning, almost luminous in colour and seemingly sturdier than it’s sisters and brothers

I wanted my festive offering to be one that will stay in the vase for the duration of the holidays through to 2023 and it seems I have found it.

Sumptuous deep red Celosia, vibrant green Lizzy, snowy Veronica and of course some gorgeous bright red Gerbera (it wouldn’t be a celebration without them) paired with some pet-friendly foliage and we have got ourselves a Christmas party in a vase – AKA my Festive Fiesta.

A final note

Whilst we’re talking Christmas flowers, remember that Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettia are all poisonous to cats and dogs so if any or all of this festive trio finds their way into your home be sure to keep them safely away from your pets.

Much love,