Concours d'Elegance

Just a quick note to brag a bit.

Michael's arrangement was awarded an Honorable Mention in the local window display contest - of course the theme was automotive in celebration of the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The cars and celebrities kept us busy as Carmel was packed.

This was our favorite:

Next year's event is scheduled for August 15 - see you there!

The Web Site is Up!!!

Thanks to our good friends Rick and Emily Francona, we have a web site for Twigery!

Add this to your Favorites or Bookmarks: www.twigery.com.

There is a lot of information already on the site, but we'll be adding more as things progress. We've been generating a lot of interest here in Carmel and having a good time returning to the business.

Drop by the shop, or now - visit us online!!

Mike and Cheryl

Twigery and the Cypress Inn

We have been open just a few weeks and are having a wonderful reception by the local community and the tourists du jour. People stop and look at what has transformed in the former interior design studio.



The general manager of the Cypress Inn, Nancy Slade, stopped in and admired the studio. We chatted and Nancy retained us to do weekly arrangements for the Cypress Inn. Also, she has directed her staff to use us exclusively for the hotel and recommendations for their guests. So, I guess, that makes the exclusive florist for the Cypress Inn.


This photo is from the Cypress Inn patio. Walk out, turn left and you're at Twigery!

We are really enjoying ourselves living and working in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just living the dream…………

Twigery - Now Open!

Twigery, Michael Merritt (AIFD) Designs is now open in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Michael's newest floral design studio in the the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea on 7th Avenue between Dolores and Lincoln - right next to the Cypress Inn patio.


We will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and other times by appointment.

Cheryl and I want to share some photos of the studio. We have a fabulous space inside...



...and a wonderful Zen garden outside!


We look forward to hosting floral design classes along with creating wonderful floral designs for weddings, parties and "just because."


We invite all of you to stop by to say hello when you are in Carmel.

Our new venture

Cheryl and I are really excited about our new venture and want to share it with you. We have just leased the space next to the famed Cypress Inn in Carmel.

We will be located on 7th Avenue between Dolores and Lincoln. Our studio is located on the left just past the Cypress Inn patio.

We have a wonderful courtyard and retail space.

We are also just half a block from the Church of the Wayfarer, located at Lincoln and 7th Avenue.

Our new name will be Twigery...Michael Merritt Designs.

We had always planned to do flowers in Carmel, but thought we would do freelance. However, this space became available, and we could not pass it up. We are working on the inside and look forward to opening in July. We will let you know the progress and when the opening date will be.

Off to work…hi, ho, hi, ho…………..

Gardens in Carmel

Taking walks throughout the streets of Carmel is like being a kid in a candy store for someone who loves a gorgeous garden. Cheryl and I walk regularly for exercise and are amazed at the incredibly beautiful gardens that we are privileged to stroll by.

I share with you some of the incredible and outstanding gardens we have seen so far. We wonder if the owners of these gardens realize what treasures they actually possess!(Click on the images for larger views.)

Carmel at its finest!

Another view

Just have to take a whiff!

A close-up of what my nose enjoyed!

One more angle

What color!

Angles of perfection

I just love this tree with its great color!

The side street color - what a treat!

How peaceful....

I love this sign....

Each street offers wonderful color and design. There are no two gardens alike, so each walk becomes an adventure and an escapade.

What is Artistry?

I recently attended the 20th anniversary show in Carmel of internationally acclaimed sculptor Richard McDonald’s recent works including a new series inspired by “O” of Cirque du Soleil. Richard McDonald’s work is extraordinary and exhilarating in the detail he displays in each piece he creates. His artistry is exemplary beyond compare.

Richard and I discussing his new pieces

Recently I had the privilege to visit an exceptional and beautiful garden in Pebble Beach. It is outstanding beyond compare.

In this setting, you ask what is artistry? Or the question may become where is the artistry?

The beauty of the flowers displayed and growing in this setting depicts beautiful color and extraordinary design.

The artistry is in the overall setting and the incredible display of color with the variety of flowers in this environment.


These are two different mediums illustrating artistry.

Standing with my floral art at the MacDonald reception

Whatever medium an artist uses, his love and passion for his work is embroiled in his creation. Both created by “man” using different media. So I ask you, what is artistry?