Through the Arbor Collection Introduction with Susan Tierney-Cockburn

Hello Paper Gardeners, I’m Susan Tierney-Cockburn and I’m excited to introduce my latest collection with Spellbinders, Through the Arbor. Since early civilization, gardeners have searched for ways to emphasize and delineate their garden spaces and arbors accomplish this by providing a dreamy entry into the garden. An arbor invites you in to a magical setting of different plants that enhance the senses and brings a relaxing atmosphere our hectic days. These covered shelters that were originally built to provide shade, now offer a way to punctuate the walk way into your garden!

There are five (5) new flowers and shrubs, a 3-dimensional Arbor (of course) and a background embossing folder, highlighting Bees, in addition I have converted my popular Japanese Trellis into a die. Each is designed to work together, as well as with my previous flowers, to create projects for the occasions that highlight your life.

CARNATION

One of the most well-known stories of the carnation flower meaning has to do with the flower’s symbolism of a mother’s love. Early Christians told of carnations springing up from the place where tears fell from the eyes of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as he carried the cross.

These flowers are commonly called Pinks, not because of their coloring, but because their edges resemble being cut by pinking shears. It’s January’s birth flower!

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DELPHINIUM

The ancient Greeks believe that this flower had magical properties that would ward off evil. In Medieval England, the root was used to make Love Potions-something that is not recommended since the plant is poisonous!

In Victorian times, the flower represented swiftness, levity and light and the name is derived from the Greek for “dolphin” because the points and flukes of the flower’s petals reminded them of the fins and nose of this graceful mammal. It’s September’s birth flower!

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MOCK ORANGE

This strong growing, medium sized shrub as long been in cultivation since at least the 16th century. Its scent is reminiscent of the orange fruit trees, but it bears no fruit. It’s an elegant shrub and long been a favorite in gardens for its pure white blooms and relatively deer resistant, but butterflies and other pollinators love it.

My grandmother grew it in her garden and I’ve always had this shrub in mine.

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NASTURTIUM

Seeds of this plant were first brought to Europe from Peru in 1600s by a Dutch monk. They are prized, not only their trailing beauty in your garden, but as both a salad vegetable and medicinal herb, used to treat respiratory infections. This flower stands for “victory in struggle”.

Along with the flower dies, it is accompanied by a vintage wash tub, very similar to the one my grandmothers used before they had washing machines! Have fun filling this tub with these colorful flowers.

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QUEEN ANNE’S LACE

There are many explanations for the origin of this flower; resemblance to the lace that was fashionable around the time is one and since Queen Anne II was know for tatting lace, hence the name. Its delicate flowers are associated with beauty and symbolize sanctuary, safety, and refuge. Considered a wildflower, you are lucky to have it find your garden and be part of it.

For me, each flower I design comes from a story from my gardening, past and present —a memory I hold dear. I love sharing this newest collection, Through the Arbor, with you and can’t wait to see the bouquets you create and the stories you tell with your projects.

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