August News: Bloom Appetit
Making life’s everyday moments a little more magical with flowers
August is like the Sunday of summer. Gardens are overflowing, farmers' markets are bursting with produce and colour, and flowers seem to find their way into every corner of life.
Over the past year, I've fallen in love with looking at flowers differently - not just as something beautiful to arrange and admire, but as something to cook with, decorate with, gift and celebrate with.
A handful of edible blossoms can transform an ordinary salad into something guests remember. A single stem from the garden beside your morning coffee can make Tuesday feel a little less ordinary. Fresh herbs and flowers tucked into a napkin instantly elevate a table without spending a fortune.
Magic doesn't always come from grand gestures. Sometimes it comes from paying attention to small, beautiful details.
This month, I hope you'll find a few simple ways to bring more blooms into your everyday life.
Here’s to celebrating the everyday,
Dana
Each month, I'll share a few Shortt Cuts—simple ideas, recipes, and inspiration to help you entertain, travel, dine, and savour life a little more beautifully.
Shortt Cuts | Recipes
Middle Eastern Salad with Hummus and Edible Flowers
Prep time – 5 minutes
Serves – 6-8
Spread a large platter with two, 300 gram containers of hummus (my favourite store-bought hummus is Farm Boy’s “Authentic Lebanese”). Top with sliced cucumbers (tiny, Persian cucumbers are best – virtually seedless and crunchier than the English variety), diced bell peppers, sliced grape tomatoes (use multi-colour if you can find them, and leave the teeny tiny ones whole for visual interest), thinly sliced red onion, torn fresh mint (or another fresh leafy herb of your choice) and top with edible flowers such as chive blossoms, calendula, viola or the flowers that have bolted from your herb garden. Serve salad with fresh pita or naan bread, for something crunchy try my favourite “Cedar Valley” pita chips which are available at major grocery stores and specialty stores.
Shortt Cuts | Entertaining
Make beautiful botanical ice cubes
These beautiful botanical ice cubes instantly elevate cocktails, mocktails, sparkling water, or even a simple glass of lemon water.
Fill an ice cube tray halfway with distilled water (using distilled instead of tap water helps keep the cubes crystal clear). Freeze until firm. Place an edible flower or a small herb sprig on top of each cube, fill the tray with more distilled water, and freeze again until solid. Voilà!
Shortt Cuts | Travel
London, England
Heading to London? If you're looking to fill your cup with flowers, beauty, and inspiration, these are two places I never miss.
Petersham Nurseries is a magical blend of garden nursery, home shop, and glasshouse restaurant. The light-filled dining room and teahouse are surrounded by fragrant jasmine and bougainvillea, creating one of the most enchanting places I've ever enjoyed a meal. Their seasonal, Italian-inspired menu celebrates fresh, local ingredients and the beauty of simple, thoughtful dining.
For something delightfully whimsical, visit Peggy Porschen in Belgravia. Often called one of the prettiest bakeries in the world, this iconic pink café is famous for its ever-changing floral displays and installations, beautiful artisan cupcakes, and exquisite layer cakes. It's every bit as charming as the photos suggest - and well worth a visit for coffee, cake, and a little inspiration.
Shortt Cuts | Etiquette
Flowers That Welcome, Not Distract
A beautiful floral arrangement should enhance the table, not compete with it. Here are a few timeless guidelines:
Keep arrangements low. Guests should be able to see and speak comfortably with one another across the table. If you can't make eye contact, the arrangement is too tall.
Choose lightly scented flowers. Strongly fragrant blooms such as lilies, hyacinths, or paperwhites can compete with the aroma of the meal. Save them for an entryway or another room where their scent can be fully appreciated.
Mind the pollen. Flowers like lilies can shed pollen that stains table linens and clothing. If you do use them, gently remove the pollen-bearing anthers before displaying them.
Use the season as your guide. Seasonal flowers often look the most natural and effortless, whether gathered from your own garden or purchased from a local grower.
Fresh is everything. Remove wilted blooms and cloudy water before guests arrive. Fresh flowers instantly make a home feel cared for.
Coming Up
Garden to Gourmet Workshop with Dana Shortt and Lisa Drew
Tour the flower fields, create your own bouquet, learn to cook with edible flowers, enjoy mocktails, recipes and beautiful conversation.
Cherry Hill Blooms Flower Farm, St. Mary’s, Ontario
August 8th 2026, 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
September Date to be announced