Coriander Holidays!

Well, it’s official – wedding season has come to a close at the Coriander loft.  And as the night frosts have claimed the last of our dahlias, anemone, and roses – not to mention the gorgeous fall leaves that have fallen from our trees – we’ve been left with a rather depressing palette of brown, browner, and brownest outside.  

That’s why we’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to bring a shot of natural energy to our front stoops long after the flowers have disappeared… So without further ado, it brings us great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Coriander Holiday Season!  In grand Coriander tradition, we are determined to combat the usual Christmas clichés; there is absolutely no place for fake poinsettias, stiff red bows, or big metallic balls on our mantle.  From urns to wreaths to swags to garlands, Coriander Girl will be offering full-service winter decorating services for your home or business using only the finest quality winter evergreens and natural elements to bring you beautifully crafted creations in organic shapes and colours that will last right through ‘til springtime.  This includes both on-site assembly services and ready-made drop-ins that will be sold in the shop.  How merry is that?

We were in High Park last weekend setting up our first front porch of the season and damn it looked good if we do say so ourselves.  When the sun went down and the twinkle lights were fired up, we actually found ourselves getting – gasp - excited for winter.  What the heck is that all about? 

If you are interested in having us come by your home or business for a consultation, please feel free e-mail us at hello@coriandergirl.com. And don’t forget to pop into the shop to check out our selection of wreaths, swags, laurels, and drop-ins for your urns.

Happy Holidays!

Amira and the Coriander Team

It's official! The Coriander church house is for sale!

We are selling our beautiful little oasis of love by private sale.
This home has been a true sanctuary for us. We wish we could keep it in the family forever but in order to move forward, sometimes you have to be willing to let things go.  The church house has been a haven, a calm place to land, an inspiring space to dream, to plan and to grow. We are excited (and a little envious) for whomever get's to own it next. We're asking 269,000 or best offer.

Built in the late 1800's, the church sits on about a half acre located on a quiet street, just a half hour drive to Prince Edward County. We've upgraded the kitchen, lighting, water filtration system and electrical. Last year we did a complete perennial garden installation. Everything is up to code and the finishes are of the finest quality. 

The church is the perfect seasonal getaway for the city dweller who wants to dip their toes into country living but is also winterized for those who want to live there year round. With a two bedroom additon off the back of the main church living space, there is enough privacy for a small family. We had a dream to build a loft in the main space which would have been an awesome spot to move the master bedroom. 

If you are interested in seeing the church or have any questions please email me at Alison.westlake@gmail.com. We're having an open house on Sunday, November 16th from 1pm to 4pm and we will be accepting offers at that time.

The church address is
479 Scott's Church Road
Quinte West, Ontario
K0K 2C0
My cell is 416 707 6242

To view some lovely images and read a beautiful write up of our church visit Emma Reddington's The Marion House Book Click here!

Alison xo

New Workshop Dates!

        

February 8th: Yearning For Spring ($100/person)
We know winter is dragging on, and we also know it is time for you to get out of the house and bring home some hope for spring. We will be teaching you how to make spring planters which can later be repurposed as a window box. Gorgeous long wooden planters, spring bulbs, potting material and snacks will be provided.

February 14th: All My Single Ladies ($75/person or $150 for you and your single pal)
Calling all single ladies, we are going to turn up the Beyonce and really get down to some floral design business. There is no point in being down about not receiving flowers on Valentines Day, we will make our own! Nothing says ladies night like sweets and B.Y.O.B. We will be designing in mason jars and all materials will be provided along with floral sheers.

February 21st: Centrepiece 101 ($150/person)
Learn how to design a centrepiece in a beautiful footed glass vase. We will walk you through every step from taping to greening to blooming. The workshop will include all materials, a pair of floral sheers and some tasty treats.

February 28th: Flower Crown Mechanics ($125/person)
We will teach you the mechanics behind making our famous flower crowns. Whether it is a "dainty band with a large floral cluster on the side" or a "full on crown of blooms" we have got you covered. All materials will be provided along with snacks.

Bridal Showers With Coriander Girl

Photo cred: Joseph & Jaime

Email workshops@coriandergirl.com for inquiries

Coriander Wedding Studio Of Love!

So, what the heck is going on these days at Coriander Girl?! If you've visited the shop recently you may have noticed that things are a little different. The first thing we did was open a wedding studio! Not far from the shop near Brock and Queen (77 Florence St. to be exact), this gorgeous loft space allows for the growth of the wedding department. Tellie and the team have the opportunity to take on larger scale weddings and focus their talents solely on making your special day the most beautiful wedding day imaginable. This allows for the shop to focus on you, our lovely and loyal customers! You may already know Chloe and Dianne, but for those of you who don't, please visit the shop and meet these delightful and talented women. And for those of you who miss Harry(the shop bunny) and Olive(the shop pup) they still visit occasionally and we'll Instagram when they do, there is a new little shop pet that you have to come meet. Dianne has a little baby lovebird named Lucy and she is as sweet as peach pie! And of course the newest member of the Coriander fam, little Hattie Hogan has arrived and I'll be sharing that story soon!

Much love! 

Alison

CCCCHANGES!

Lovely folks,

As you may already know, exciting changes are afoot! A Coriander baby joined the family this week and she's cute as a peach. Also, we've got a fancy new wedding studio whose doors are set to open soon.

To keep up with the pace of things - and give us time to move furniture, we've elected to close the shop, temporarily, for two weeks.

Please note:

• From June 30 - July 14, our shop will be closed
• Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate new flower orders that fall during this period.
• On Tuesday, July 15, our shop will reopen and we'll resume regular hours:
• Tuesday through Friday, from 11 am to 6 pm;
• Saturday, from 11 am to 5 pm; and
• Sunday, from noon to 4 pm.

For all wedding inquiries, please connect with our wedding coordinator, Tellie Hunt, via email at tellie@coriandergirl.com.

We look forward to catching up/sharing details about the wee babe and studio with you in two weeks.

Until then,

xo The Coriander Team

Our little lady is due today!

Our little girl is due to arrive today! 40 weeks of baking this little bean and I think I can officially say we're ready....well....sort of. 

How do you prepare for the coming of a human to join your blissful party of 2? You read a couple books, you buy all the necessities, try to prep your business for your absence and you wait. 

It's been an extraordinary nine months. I've watched my skinny little body morph into a voluptuous round curvy ball of bodacious-ness. Of course, I won't mind losing a few pounds but I love my curvy new bits. I think I look healthier than I have in years. And my skin! What the heck?! It's the glowy dewy perfection I always wished for in high school! These hormones have definitely helped me more then they've hurt. I know I'm lucky in that regard, don't hate me ladies, when the clock strikes twelve it's pumpkin time and this luscious mama might just shrivel up like an ol' prune. 

Truly, I have had a pretty awesome pregnancy, aside from the general exhaustion and some gastrointestinal stuff. I was never nauseas and actually at times felt better pregnant then not. However, I haven't LOVED being pregnant. If there was a check box with an alternative option for carrying a human, I might check it. For example check the appropriate box 1. Your husband, 2. A robot 3. A kangaroo  I'm okay with those options. Honestly, Tyler would have been a baby carrying soldier. He's been an absolute dream of a partner these last nine months, far exceeding my already high expectations of him. He's put up with a lot. It's amazing he can still fit in the bed what with all the pillows I've accumulated and demand be placed around me, just so. But if he were carrying our little noodle, I wonder, would he even burden me with his woes? Would he demand late night chocolate runs and abdominal massage at 3am? Probably no. He's a natural born nurturer and I simply cannot wait to see him with our daughter. He will love her fiercely and spend his days living to make her laugh and feel loved just as he has done for me. Man we are lucky ladies!

So, to wrap it up, our babe could arrive tonight, she's feeling low and walking has become a 

challenge. But, I also know that it could be another 2 weeks. What I ask from you dear friends is to wish for me strength and courage during labour and that our baby arrives safely and healthily. Imagine my milk flowing in like the white rushing river rapids of the BC mountains, or don't if that makes you uncomfortable, lol. Send me a speedy, painless recovery and a smooth transition back to our home in Prince Edward County. Our time here together in Toronto as we wait for our little one has been absolutely magical, it's like we've been tourists in our own city, like a honeymoon of sorts. I know I'll look back on this time with such fondness and carry these memories with me like little souvenieres.

The thought of labour actually excites me now, thanks to Ina May Gaskin. I'm going to the mountain, I'm going to bring back our daughter. I'll never be the same again and I'm okay with that.  

Much love.

Alison xo

                   

Mama!!!

Did you know Coriander Girl is going to be a mama in June!!!! So, it's officially Alison's first Mother's Day! 

Why not shower your mama in flowers and love?! After all, she had to go through a lot to bring you in to this world...we need not share the gory details, yeah? ;)

Much love to mamas everywhere! 

Xo

Alison at 33 weeks! 

Pretty seasonal fleurs! Get your orders in now! 

Coriander Girl at The Drake Wedding Co. show this weekend! Saturday April 26th!

This Saturday, April 26th is The Drake Hotel Wedding Co show!! If you love weddings as much as
we do, this is one show you don't want to miss!!
We love doing this show for two main reasons, Catherine Lash the owner/operator of The Wedding Co. is the most awesome lady and every year curates the most amazing group of wedding vendors. You can literally find everything you need to create the most swoon worthy wedding of your dreams.
We also love this particular show at The Drake because it's really friendly, the vendors are not intimidating at all. Everyone is super helpful and excited to be there.
So please come by and say hello to Tellie our wedding co-ordinator extraordinaire!
Much love,
Alison

Easter Weekend!

Hello lovelies!

Coriander Girl will be open regular hours this Friday, April 18th from 11 to 6pm. Pre-Order your centre pieces for your week end dinner table by Thursday and receive 15 percent off!
We'll be open regular hours on Saturday from 11 to 5pm and closed on Easter Sunday.
Hoppy Easter sweet bunnies of love!

M

Antique Jewellery Pop Up with Coriander Girl

Well hello there,
This weekend we will be collaborating with our friends from Thank You to bring you a sweet little pop up shop of antique jewellery, fresh posies and the cutest little gifts which will be hosted at Smash.
If you are hearing wedding bells in the future, you should definitely check out some of there -to die for- wedding rings and gems.

Photo cred Pure Green Magazine

See you soon!
Tellie

Valentine's Day Promo with the amazing Glory Hole Dougnuts!

Well I guess you could say that we go together like peanut butter and jelly.
This Valentine's Day we are putting a twist on your usual Valentine's sweets offering a special promo with our dearest neighbours Glory Hole Doughnuts. For $75 you can get a large, lush mason jar arrangement and a delicious gourmet doughnut. Delivery in Toronto is available. Give us a call to place your order before Thursday and your lady's tastebuds will not be disappointed!
Talk soon dear friends!
P.S We will be open until 8pm on Valentine's Day for the last minute gents. Please call first for pick ups.

Coriander Girl and My Luscious Backyard introduce just a few of our upcoming floral workshops!

Flower Fledglings ~ 101

Our flower fundamentals is for everyone from the 'greenie' to the experienced, because we believe you can never stop learning and every teacher and class provides a different teaching style and floral subject that can only benefit your learning. In this class we will teach you proper flower care, floral arranging techniques to help channel your inner Constance Spry with an emphasis on the importance of buying local Ontario grown flowers whenever possible. You will leave this workshop with a beautiful arrangement, awesome new skills and an even greater passion for the incredible art of floral design.

Dates (choose one of the following) 

March 9th :: 4pm to 6pm

March 23rd :: 4pm to 6pm

April 6th :: 4pm to 6pm

Cost $165 per person

Instructors : Alison Westlake and Sarah Nixon
We will provide snips to take away, a lovely vase and delightful snacks
To register please email workshops@coriandergirl.com, please include your phone number:)

Praise the Peony

May is peony month! If you are a peony lover this class is for you and if you aren't, we 
promise to convert you. 

In this class you will learn all about peonies and their glorious 

varieties, make an arrangement with these magical blooms and fully appreciate what all the darn fuss is about.   

Dates (choose one of the following)

May 4th :: 3 to 5pm (moved to May 25th due to late spring season) 

May 25th :: 3 to 5pm
June 2nd :: 530pm to 730pm 

Cost $185 per person

Instructors : Sarah Nixon and Alison Westlake

Mother's day promotion - you and your mum pay $300. 
We will provide containers, snips and snacks 
Email workshops@coriandergirl.com for inquiries and please provide us your phone number!

From The Ground Up 

A three part series where the garden is the classroom. You will begin this series in the April garden, learning how to grow your very own organic cutting garden from seed, which plants produce the longest lasting cut flowers, the magic of soil preparation, how to care for your plants throughout the summer months and how to avoid unwanted pests and disease. 

Your second class will continue in the garden with August bloom care, more tips and tricks for growing healthy plants and will end with a gorgeous arrangement created from natures 
bounty.

In your final October class all hail the Dahlia. Celebrate the harvest with a floral arranging class working with the prettiest Dahlia varieties you have ever seen. 

*sign up for one or all three. 

Dates to be announced 

Cost for each class separately $275 

Cost for the series $750 = saving $75

Long before they became florists Sarah and Alison began their love affair with flowers as gardeners. It was that love that brought them to their respective businesses. My Luscious Backyard is the brainchild of Sarah Nixon. Her specialty is growing gardens for people all over Parkdale and harvesting the flowers for her florist business. Coriander Girl is Alison Westlake's flower/antique shop in the heart of Parkdale where she found a niche market for garden inspired arrangements. These two became fast friends early in their businesses, about 5 years ago, and always planned to collaborate when the time was right. They've both been so fortunate with numerous magazine articles highlighting their work and recently Coriander Girl was offered a guest spot on the Marilyn Dennis show as their floral expert. After many customer requests, Sarah and Alison feel they've finally reached a point in their careers where they have something to teach and they're so over the moon 

excited to start this journey with you.