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(it wasn't so hot anyway!). ere were thousands of pink fl owers available. ousands! ( Just not her precious roses.) Anyway, I made some off -color remark about at least having fl owers to work with, and I noticed later that she unfriended me on social media. I often get asked where I draw inspiration, and it's such an easy answer : everywhere. See what's going on around you: the cat (or husband) asleep on the chair, birds outside, a pile of paperwork still not done, tulips blooming, a dead leaf—all of which could be inspirational should you allow them to be. Even events and circumstances make great inspiration. e world guides us and our work. Take a walk around outside, watch a video or look at photos online of what others are doing, and get at it! Learning how and where fl owers grow also makes for better design because you learn their likes and dislikes and how they play with others in nature. When I buy product to sell, whether it be containers, accessories or fl owers, I try to think of at least two ways to use them other than the obvious. A low dish can be use for a planter, a centerpiece or a tall design, for example, and a taller glass can be used for a bouquet, a water treatment (like a peace lily and a fi sh, which was big a few years back!) or fi lled with Oasis Midnight Floral Foam for something altogether diff erent like a waterfall design. Never limit yourself with a color, shape or type of product that is too specifi c because who can aff ord to store leftovers anymore, right? And remember, too, that containers can always be tarted up with a bit of decorative wire, beads and/or paint, to create more unique pieces as well as adding value. Mum and I used to go for a walk around the garden every day, year-round, to see what is, what was and what is to come, which was so inspirational. We would look at dead sticks and remember the daisies that bloomed last summer, check the buds on the lilacs and rhododendrons to imagine their beauty to come, and pick bouquets of tulips to enjoy before the deer got them. My dad, although a bit rough around the edges, took us to see and pick wildfl owers, taking time to explain the importance and fragility of all that nature has to off er us. I still go for walks in the garden or stop along the road to see wildfl owers (and run to the woods, if need be!) and, inevitably, I come back more creative than ever after seeing nature's artistry. We all can't go to the forest for a walk, but we all can look at a tree, a clump of dandelions in the crack of the pavement or a fl ock of birds overhead fl ying in unison. When peaches, strawberries, etc. are in season, I tend to stall-feed on those treats! I'm that way with fl owers in season, too. ere's nothing like a lush bouquet of lilacs, a vase of fully opened peonies or an armload of tulips ready to go! Never underestimate the value of opulence and abundance, especially after last year. Show big vases of all one type of fl ower, whether it's Iris, tulips or bells-of-Ireland. People love them (and they're a lot faster to design!). We do this with roses anyway, so why not with other fl owers, too—right? Well, I'm off for a walk (and I always take clippers) to see what sparks my interest. is is the time to try new and exciting things, bend the rules and get folks talking. Stay well, be safe and be kind to one another—and share love through the beauty of fl owers. on e level with Neville Inspire Me. I Dare You! By Neville MacKay, CAFA, PFCI S pring is a time fi lled with hope, warmer weather, new life and a chance of better days ahead! ( e only thing I fear is not covering my rolls of fat anymore with layers of clothing.) With this change of season—and what we've all gone through in past months—comes new and "exciting" challenges with our businesses, designs and projects. Look, we can go one of two ways in life: treat every hiccup and bend in the road as a problem, or treat them as challenges and opportunities. We are blessed that we work with things that are already beautiful—only sometimes not the right size or color (like my pants). Sometimes things just don't work out, and you have to substitute. I did a show once (remember when we used to go to design shows?) and listened to another designer moan that the pink roses were not quite what she wanted, so her design was ruined 64 March | 2021

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