Why I surround myself with flowers

Since I was little, planting flowers and watching them grow was one of the most joyful aspects of summer. I would shadow my Mom as she chose her favorites at the farmers' market. I'd learn their names and listen carefully as she would tell me which ones liked sun and which ones preferred shade. I'd enthusiastically dig my small fingers into the cool, fresh earth, making a memory of what it felt like when I pressed my palms shut. For a few years, my most prized possession was a tomato plant that I was fully in charge of tending to. I still remember how proud I would feel when I'd place a bowl of cherry tomatoes on the table at supper, contributing to whatever my parents had prepared.

When I moved to Europe, my city balconies and my fast-paced scientific schedule were not very conducive to starting a garden. But, once I returned to Montreal, I was certain that whatever apartment I chose, however small the urban space, I wanted to be surrounded by flowers. My first apartment -- the Pink Palazzo -- had a balcony that could take a maximum of three pots and two people (preferably in alternation). I would cram as many colors and petals as I could into each pot, and I was happy enough. When I eventually outgrew that place, I landed on a beautiful flat to succeed it, with not one but TWO large terraces and the potential of a rooftop terrace (a project on the horizon in the years to come). I couldn't wait to create an urban oasis that would represent me, inspire me and calm me - daily. 

Vibrant colors, unique decor finds and a wild mix of plants with different personalities (some ultra resilient and some more capricious) have made this treetop garden a zone of pure tranquility and joy. 

In decorating the space, I enjoyed playfully blurring the line between inside and outside. The terrace is right off the kitchen, so I worked to enhance the flow between my favorite and most functional space of the house, into a lounging area that rivals the living room during the summer months. The easy-to-clean aluminum floor and the comfy carpet make it possible to run in and out barefoot and carefree. It helps that the terrace is covered and largely undisturbed by rain, so the prints hang safely on the walls, and my grandmother's lace ages gracefully. The herb garden is right outside the kitchen window, making it easy to grab basil, rosemary, oregano, coriander (yes, I'm among those who loooove it), rucola, sage or lemon to throw into my improvised recipes. 

Colors have always had an important place in my life; quite possibly because I am a synesthete, I am drawn to colors and combine them in ways that may defy perceptual preferences.

This little haven has honestly enhanced my way of living. Flowers teach us important lessons, after all. They teach us mindfulness. I wake up every morning and tend to the plants, watering, feeding and noticing them - how they bud and grow. It is nearly impossible to dwell on any other thoughts when tending to the garden. They teach us to lean into our senses - to breathe, to see colors in their fragrance, to hear their stillness. They teach us patience and acceptance, that everything blooms at its own pace, that certain unfavorable conditions will make their mark, despite your heart's wishes and your best efforts, but that there is also gratitude to be found in wind, and rain, and heat, and drought. They teach us nostalgia, with their reminders of my childhood and those precious feelings of curiosity and discovery that I can still feel in my fingertips. They teach us appreciation - for time and creativity and sustenance - and for all the tranquil hours I spend in this lovely space I created, I count my blessings. 

And, speaking of blessings, if you are wondering how I deal with such a garden despite my nomadic lifestyle, I am indebted to my unconditional Mom and my kind neighbors who help keep the garden blooming in my absence (and hopefully don't hate me too much for it!)

Tell me: Did you enjoy this glimpse into my daily space? What is your oasis like? (Tag me on Instagram, I'd love to see).

The sources of some of my favorite finds are listed below, in case something has inspired you for your own space. 

From my heart to yours.

Waterproof carpet: Buk & Nola | Lanterns, colorful tables, hanging pots, watering cans: Canadian Tire | Mosaic bench and galvanized pots: Home Sense Canada | Cushions and pillow: Pier One Imports | Bird hook: Anthropologie | Light fixture: Wayfair | Glass lantern hanging from bird: VdeV Maison | Art prints: The Wheatfield by Katie Daisy | Blue lanterns, mini pots, frames, pizza board, clothespins: Ikea | White colander: Zone Maison | Rolling bases under pots: Dollarama | Hooks for hanging pots: Rona | "On est bien ici" home decor: Chez Farfelu | Mug: Indigo Books & Music | Flowers and strawberries: Marché de l'Ouest, Marché Jean-Talon, Marché Atwater | Pico the Parrot is from the Dominican Republic (sorry).

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