Flora Flavor

Gustave Caillebotte

Chrysanthemums in the Garden 

at Petit-Gennevilliers , 1893

 Oil on canvas | The MET 2014.736 

Gustave Caillebotte, a passionate gardener throughout his life, began focusing on floral subjects in his art during the 1880s. His 1893 painting, for example, showcases chrysanthemums he grew at his Petit-Gennevilliers property, a town located northwest of Paris on the Seine. Chrysanthemums were highly fashionable in France, admired for their vibrant hues and their connection to East Asian arts and cultures, which were then very popular in Europe. This particular painting's unique, close-up perspective of the densely clustered blossoms is thought to be connected to Caillebotte's idea of decorating dining room doors with plant imagery—a concept similar to the decorative series his friend Claude Monet created from his own garden at Giverny.

 Invite the vibrant charm of nature into your home with four live Orange Chrysanthemum plants, each between 3 and 5 inches tall. These beautiful chrysanthemum flowers aren't just a feast for the eyes, with their resplendent colors; they also offer a refreshing touch of natural elegance. Symbolizing joy, longevity, and good fortune in many cultures, chrysanthemums are believed to bring positive energy and happiness to a home. Their lush foliage and cheerful blooms create a calming atmosphere, contributing to mental well-being and a sense of tranquility. Easy to care for and wonderfully decorative, these plants are a perfect way to brighten any indoor space and enjoy the simple benefits of living greenery.    

Edgar Degas 

A Woman Seated beside a Vase of Flowers, 1865 

Oil on canvas | The MET 29.100.128

With a prominent bouquet dominating the foreground and an off-center figure gazing distractedly to the right, this painting perfectly captures Edgar Degas's goal of depicting individuals in candid, "slice-of-life" moments. The sitter is likely the wife of Paul Valpinçon, a childhood friend of the artist. Degas frequently enjoyed visits to their country home, Ménil-Hubert, and the dahlias, asters, and gaillardias in the bouquet suggest the scene takes place during a late summer visit. This painting was preceded by a pencil drawing of the woman, also from 1865, now housed at the Fogg Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The FOGG 1965.253

This 2 oz. Save the Monarchs Seed Shaker contains approximately 100,000 pure, non-GMO wildflower seeds, enough to cover about 250 square feet. It features 13 carefully selected varieties, including Butterfly Milkweed, Purple Coneflower, and Marigolds, all chosen to attract and support Monarch Butterflies. Plus, 10% of every purchase goes directly to Monarch Joint Venture, aiding crucial monarch conservation efforts.

These seeds are hardy and easy to grow, making them perfect for gardeners of all skill levels, even kids! The mix includes both annuals for vibrant seasonal blooms and perennials for year-after-year enjoyment, whether you sow in the fall or spring. This premium blend from Mountain Valley Seed Company is designed to thrive across North America, supporting vital pollinators, and comes in a 100% compostable shaker, making it an ideal, eco-friendly gift.

 Thomas Fearnley

Study of Water and Plants, 1837 

Oil on paper, on wood | The Met 2020.84.1 

This substantial painting vividly showcases Fearnley's fascination with capturing the interplay of light and reflections on water, alongside the lush plant life adorning its banks. He created this piece on September 23, 1837, while on an extended stay in Surrey, England. Although Fearnley's teacher, Johan Christian Dahl, taught him to sketch directly from nature, this work also reveals the influence of John Constable's paintings, which he had recently encountered at the Royal Academy in London.

Ferns are natural air purifiers, efficiently removing common indoor toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, leading to fresher, cleaner air. They also boost indoor humidity, which can alleviate issues like dry skin and static electricity, especially in dry environments. Beyond their practical benefits, the lush greenery of ferns creates a calming atmosphere, reducing stress and promoting a sense of tranquility, which can even aid in better sleep. Most ferns are easy to care for and their non-toxic nature makes them a safe and beautiful addition to any home, even those with pets or children.

Moche

Stirrup-spout bottle with fox warrior, 500–800 CE 

Ceramic, slip,  Peru, North Coast | The MET 82.1.29  

For roughly 3,000 years, the stirrup-spout vessel, named for its resemblance to a horse's saddle stirrup, was a prevalent bottle design on Peru's northern coast. While its significance remains a mystery to scholars, it's theorized that this distinctive double-branch/single-spout shape might have prevented liquid evaporation or offered ease of transport.

Around the first millennium CE, the Moche civilization transformed these bottles into remarkably naturalistic sculptures, depicting everything from human figures to animals and plants. Approximately 500 years later, bottle chambers became mostly globular, providing expansive surfaces for intricate, multi-figure painted scenes. This particular bottle showcases two dynamic warriors, their faces concealed by fox masks, wielding round shields and war clubs. They are depicted mid-stride, running across a hilly desert terrain marked by a wavy line and cactus plants, their leaning bodies conveying a powerful sense of forward motion. The warriors are adorned with decorated long skirts, trapezoidal belt ornaments, and conical helmets.

Enhance Your Home & Well-being 

Discover the perfect blend of style and serenity with this Cactus Assortment, a set of three popular cacti in 4-inch pots. These beloved plants offer a dual benefit for your home and your mental wellness. Aesthetically, cacti bring unique decorative accents to any room. Their diverse shapes, textures, and colors effortlessly add natural beauty, whether you prefer a modern minimalist look or a touch of bohemian charm. Thriving in various settings, from sunny windowsills to elegant terrariums, these versatile plants are perfect for enhancing your home's decor.

Beyond their visual appeal, cacti are ideal for mental well-being due to their low-maintenance nature. Their remarkable resilience and minimal watering needs significantly reduce the stress often associated with plant care, making them perfect for busy individuals or beginner gardeners. The simple act of observing their growth and tending to them can be a meditative and calming activity, known to lower stress hormones and promote relaxation. Additionally, cacti improve indoor air quality by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, even at night. This contributes to a healthier indoor environment that can enhance focus and uplift your mood, fostering a more serene and enjoyable living space.