This Valentine’s Day, I’m giving my husband something different. It’s a sweet botanical arrangement from Big Red Sun. Isn’t it beautiful?
In January I posted a photo tour of this hip nursery and mentioned, but did not photograph, their to-die-for arrangements of succulents. A few days ago, while shopping for my Valentine, I returned and met Monique Capanelli, the artist who creates those stunning arrangements.

With a background in floral design, the Big Red Sun production manager creates contemporary still-lifes out of succulents, cacti, small decorative objects (pebbles, feathers, painted sticks, spiraled metal), and unusual containers. The one I selected for my husband is a simple one—small enough to fit on a crowded desk, colorful but not outrageous. Had I been buying for a woman—someone like me, just as an example—I would have chosen a more feminine arrangement that included a weathered branch with two redbirds (lovebirds?) wired on. I know, it sounds like something your Aunt Edna might make from craft-store materials, but I promise it wasn’t kitschy or cute, just gorgeous.
Monique’s arrangements have become popular, she told me, with wedding designers, leading to interviews with three different bridal magazines recently.

Because these arrangements contain living plants, with proper care (not overwatering) they will last a lot longer than a traditional cut-floral bouquet. I quizzed Monique about the care requirements, making sure my non-gardening husband would be able to keep his living bouquet alive in his office. Just spritz the succulents with water once a week and give them bright, indirect light, she assured me, and they’ll be fine.
I hope he likes it. One thing’s for sure—if he doesn’t, I’ll be happy to take it off his hands.
Happy Valentine’s Day!