German flower bouquets from friends

I love the artful bouquets of flowers that are typical in Germany. They are usually shorter in height than the bouquets in the US, with creative but simple combinations of the season's most luscious floral offerings. Recently I received this stunning purplish-blue hydrangea and rose bouquet from my friend Simone. It was covered by an almost industrial silver mesh net, which was perfect for my current love of all things dove gray and purple. You can find these bouquets everywhere- at the markets, the flower shops, on many street corners. It is just another way that beauty is celebrated here. Here it is on my desk, inspiring me while I do my writing and consulting work.