Twigs & Ivy

Retired after 24 years. We wish to thank Events by Wallace Mariann and Berni and Lynn from the original sales staff at Wente's and all the clients, vendors, club managers and my friends at the SF Flower Mart, who helped our business to grow all those years.
We could not have done it without you!

Are you ready to ring in the New Year?

One of my favorite looks. The twigs are great.

Just gorgeous. 1877 Winslow Homer. The New Novel Watercolor.

How was your Christmas time?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at Twigs & Ivy.

What a beautiful Christmas entrance. What do you think?

An exquisite piece of artwork titled Salle à manger à la campagne, from one of my favorite artists, Pierre Bonnard.

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"Great idea: These symmetrical raised beds create a runway to an arbor and garden shed."

Need some ideas for that winter garden?

Colorful winter gardens Many gardeners think of winter gardens as desolate and bare. With some good plant choices, you can create a garden that is beautiful and colorful even in the dormant season.

Can't wait to get your garden going? Try planting Mums. They make a good fall and winter flower.

Did you Know?

Pansies are beautiful flowers that thrive in the fall and winter months. I guess their tougher than their names suggests ;)

The palette…crimson, ocher, burnt orange, Payne’s grey…natures colors. Echoed with tubes of oil paints and watercolor washes.

How was everyones Thanksgiving? Anyone braving the crowds and taking advantage of Black Friday?

Twigs Tip for a fast and easy Thanksgiving table display.

Thanksgiving is one of most treasured holidays. A time honored tradition to enjoy family, friends and a special shared meal.

To allow more time to cook up storm, pack for grandma’s house, or bake those favorite turkey shaped cookies…here is a simple tip to decorate the dining table, the entry table, the children’s table, or the fireplace mantel.

Look around your yard, balcony, sidewalk…and you will find the makings of a wonderful table décor. All ready there. Small branches, Fall leaves, foliages, placed in row with accents of whole oranges, lemons, pears, and small vegetables…such a miniature gourds, or pumpkins transforms the table setting, to one of color and texture. If time and budgets permit…flowers…such as mums, or roses…woven into the branches adds a touch of unexpected beauty.

Easy, simple…children love helping with this project.

Happy Thanksgiving To You and Your Family!

A time to reflect as the season becomes colder and darker. A different look of beauty …much more quiet. Restful.

Did you know that Twigs and Ivy is also on Pinterest? For more great visuals and conceptions of our work click below and "follow us". ;)

Phyllis Brady (twigsandivy) Phyllis is using Pinterest, an online pinboard to collect and share what inspires you.

Charm and Grandeur…the hallmark of any Diablo CC celebration. A few memoires to share of a classic wedding.

Farewell Fall….thank you for those beautiful colors. Welcome Winter…the event and wedding season ends, as the time to plant and paint begins.

We had the pleasure and joy of working with a couple who had rescued dogs and given them homes. Theirs! Loved the kindness they had shown, and their “pumpkin theme”, wedding. Featured with the deep chocolate brown linens, mahogany brown chivari chairs, the fiery orange flower filled Pumpkins, and the tall showy Manzanita Branch Designs created a warm and inviting reception setting.

This years ”Summer” Wedding had just the right touches of delightful and delectable shades. From the cool minty green Ceremony flowers, to the Reception tables showcasing deep rich chocolate brown table linens, topped with refreshing shades raspberry sorbet shades of flowers. Visually ….a feast for the eyes.

Floral design and Plein air painting.

Different mediums…one with flowers’, and one with oil paint.
Both equally important.

The flower beauties were found at Brannan Street Wholesale at the SF Flower Market, on a cold drizzly early morning, where “Fall” lineup of flowers glowed with vivid colors. The paintings were created on site on a farm in Pleasant Hill near crates of newly picked pumpkin’s, other painting was at the Thomas Coe Winery in Livermore, looking down from the vineyard.

Show stopping Round Hill CC ballroom, and blooms.

The glamorous wedding reception sparkled with tall ornate silver candelabras, glittering strands of ceiling lights, featuring the classic floral combination of white, ivory and soft green flowers and hues.

Upscale, beautifully appointed, charming with the “green pear” accents.

Refined- elegance, at its best!