Flower

The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued.—“DUST OF SNOW” BY ROBERT FROST IN WINTER, WE OFTEN DISMISS NATURE and outdoors as a source of wonder while lingering in the indoor cozy with a fire, a cup of tea, and a book (or magazine). But this oh-so-concise poem—eight lines, to be exact—paints the most beautiful and magical picture of the natural world and its playful surprises. Things we might see as bothersome—a crow with its loud, abrasive caw and its association with scavenging; the cold wet surprise of snow dropping on us, or in this case, being shaken on us by said crow—can, upon closer…

First Impressions “Entries serve as the vein of the house, connecting rooms and spaces. They set the tone for what’s to come and provide a great opportunity for bold, visual impact.”—DESIGNER MARK D. SIKES FROM THE FIELD | ENTRYWAYS Mark D. Sikes “I recommend having a surface, like a console or table, for keys and mail. Benches are nice for putting on shoes or for guests to set down their handbags. I also think an entry is the perfect place for a really exceptional light fixture.”—DESIGNER MARK D. SIKES “The entry should be a sensory experience—the aesthetics of the space working together to create a welcoming balance and harmony.”—DESIGNER JAMES FARMER James Farmer FROM THE FIELD | ENTRYWAY FINISHES Strong Finish Designer James Farmer shares how he addresses the walls…

“In the same way that light from a fire offers a variety of warm tones, Fire Light Hydrangea, our Flower of the Year, runs the gamut from tender cream to an arresting pinkish red as she unfolds. This flower—a pleasing, hardy shrub—can function as a hedge, a border, or my personal favorite, a splendid and cooperative cut flower.”—MARGOT SHAW, FLOWER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF What better way to ring in 2026 than with our Flower of the Year? We gathered our team of experts—from floral designers and event planners to stylists and landscape professionals—to help us choose this vibrant bloom. Though many differing opinions swirled, one thing was clear: This panel cared most about selecting a flower they have grown—or could grow—in their own backyards. Accessibility was key, and they zealously clung to…

“I really can’t live without Fire Light Hydrangea, especially in the back of my border where it has great presence as a real star.MARSHALL WATSON, Interior Designer” “This bloom is a surprise garden element that adds drama, drawing attention throughout the season. It’s durable with a colorway that is amazingly rich for a hydrangea.”GAVIN DUKE Landscape Architect, Principal, Duke Design Group “The Fire Light Hydrangea is a strong flower that can stand alone as a focal point, yet when paired with other blooms, it naturally anchors the composition.”RACHEL CHO Founder, Creative Director, and Content Creator of Rachel Cho Floral Design “AS A FLOWER FARMER, I APPRECIATE THAT THE FIRE LIGHT HYDRANGEA IS EASY TO GROW AND IS A GENEROUS PRODUCER. AS A FLORAL DESIGNER, I LOVE THAT IT BRINGS WARMTH…

FLOWER: Who first influenced your creative ethos? Lulie Wallace: My grandmothers, for sure. They did everything with so much care. Whether it was hosting people, planning holidays, or putting together the smallest details, they really took their time and made everything—and everyone—feel special. That thoughtfulness has definitely influenced how I approach my art. While studying art at the College of Charleston, what style or period were you most drawn toward? Abstract Expressionism. Whenever I’m in a museum, that’s where you’ll find me. I love the color combinations and the freedom in how those artists painted. It was such a cool moment in art when things shifted from being super realistic to more about feeling and magical interpretations. When I was first finding my footing as an artist, I thought my goal…

Rising to a challenge is what Craig Reynolds does best. Give him a tight lot with privacy-screening issues, and he’s in his comfort zone. Add in the necessity of accessibility for children, and he finds a matrix of answers in a web of easily traversed pathways while figuring in lounging spaces where adults can keep an eye on kids’ activities. But going above and beyond that brief is what really sparks Craig. In addition to answering the unique specs for site design in this Key West garden, he created a richly complex tropical paradise using a lush palette of palms, bromeliads, ferns, and other tropicals. While the property originally had a few plants in residence, it also had some challenges. “There were piles of stacked limestone rocks—probably added as a…