Tfank you very much!

Coming off a season of so much rain and cold, tornadoes ravaging the nation, signs of spring flowers, gardens and fresh blooms have proven especially uplifting. 

In particular, I have been noticing lots of lavender to blue hues, equally eye-catching in the form of a neat bouquet or a gentle spray of wildflowers and not to be overlooked in glassware, dishware or ready to wear!

Here are a few fresh picks from April and May:

In the windows at ABC on Earth Day weekend, color play of violet and green ....

Inside, small bud vases on the tables at ABC Kitchen and printed vintage plates, in grape....

We are all familiar with the box pleat dress worn by Michelle Obama during her visit with the Queen.  California designer Barbara Tfank can take the credit for the fresh floral.

barbara tfank spring 2011 collection

Palest mauve orchids and hydrangea bloom at Kips Bay Show House in a retreat designed by Barbara Ostrom.

photographed at Kips Bay Show House, room by Barbara Ostrom

Outside, softest purple borders the terrace, and gardeners at work in neighboring courtyards can be seen prepping for summer residents.....

Leaving one magical garden, only to be led to marvel at the lush boughs in Central Park -- vast as a Vuillard painting ....

And to step into the Etro townhouse on West 56th and out of the elevator into this iris infused vignette -- sublime! Please peek at the purple and white bouquets dotting the walls!

Etro Men's Spring 2012 collection, West 56th Street showroom

Downtown, at a real flower shop, purple still reigns.

And why not stop to smell the flowers at Marc Jacobs..... the drape back dress is pretty wow, too!

Last, on an escape to the country for Memorial Day in Redding, Connecticut, the wildflowers and sweet bouquets left by the parade of children in honor of our veterans...

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What comes after blue, indigo and violet in the ROYGBIV rainbow equation ??? Can't wait to watch and wonder !!!