Journal

Yes, it’s that time of year for everyone’s favorite “IT” girl—no, not Twiggy, but someone just as groovy: Persephone! Hiding in the depths of the earth during winter, she’s returning with a splash this season. She is bound to make us amorous with her warm breath and splashy colours.

Spring awakens the senses naturally, with soft pops of color and the first bulbs peeking through the garden. In design, we're inspired by these early signs of life. As you welcome friends in your space and create tablescapes this spring, we encourage you to explore color and reimagine pattern.

March shall never be taken for face value by this gent, despite those dreary wet days trying so hard to veil the harbingers of spring, the tiniest of hope will burst forth at the woods edge. March, the dual personality month, cannot decide what the barometer will read daily. Fortunately, If one is lucky enough to stumble upon a grand old patch of bloodroot in the wood, one would know that spring is so close at hand.  Like us all, these little gems can hardly wait for the last throws of slushy snowfall to be over to fully welcome the dawn of the new season in Michigan.

The warmer season has begun with much excitement at fleurdetroit. The space is coming to life with color, and new products are beginning to fill the shop. The anticipation of a new season brings the joy of returning to the garden and creating once again.

In design, we often see repeating patterns of familiar characters. At fleurdetroit, as you browse our growing collection, you’ll notice frogs appearing frequently in various motifs. These charming little creatures—found in all shapes, sizes, and shades of green—are frequent visitors to our shoppe.

February not only ushers in Cupidon, but also sparks many design conversations at fleurdetroit as our buying team returns from markets across the East and South. Joe’s pilgrimages to the Southern design meccas always yield many fun, unique, and valuable treasures that integrate effortlessly into our Northern market.

When creating a dish garden, selecting the right plants is key. Consider size, scale, and a color palette that complements both your vessel and the overall space. With spring on the horizon, sunny yellows bring warmth and vibrancy.

Every flower has a story, just like we do—and we love that! That’s what makes them so special. Flowers have a unique way of speaking to our souls, evoking emotions that linger with us. The first sighting of seasonal blooms brings feelings of hope and joy, marking the beauty of nature’s cycles.

This year’s Color of the Year is PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown shade. Pantone describes it as “a warming brown hue imbued with richness, evoking the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, and fulfilling our desire for comfort.”

There is a special kind of calm and beauty found in the January Garden. The crisp silence of the new year air magnifies the bird song and wraps the spirit in the now. Our lungs feel life in the bright air. It is in these moments that we will, in the now, find peace and direction to chart our ways through burgeoning 2025 season. Cheers to charting healthy paths and the follow through for all good intentions set forth.

Let’s take a quick walk through a new project at Stratton House. The plateau is a leveled circle in the central part of our garden and property. This area was leveled to create a flat space for garden parties and other fêtes best enjoyed in the wild.

How fortunate we have been to stave off the Winter Queen for so long! It is quite evident she is here now, as the temperatures have been sliding ever so cold, so suddenly. Her arrival may have been delayed, but her presence is now unmistakable. Hello, December chill and cheer!