Soft, billowy clouds of white....

also known as....Baby's Breath

Whilst I can't say that it's one of my favourite flowers, I somehow feel obliged to come to its' defense.

Gypsophila, commonly known as "baby's breath" is typically used as a "filler" in most corner store flower shops. It's the cloud of white that surrounds the red roses or peach carnations to help "fill out" the bouquet. And to add insult to injury, it's usually wrapped in some mass produced cellophane envelope that quite frankly, depresses the hell out of me.

Shame really. As on it's own and used in great abundance, baby's breath can be quite chic and dare I say it, elegant.

A modern young bride with an ethereal mass of gypsophila. I do think you have to be of a certain age to carry this off. The flower itself feels youthful and delicate. And she looks so chic, contemporary and very stylish.

Marcel Wolterinck, the master of modern Dutch flowers. This is a florist at the top of his game using baby's breath in a fresh, modern yet classical manner. Simply beautiful.

Nikki Tibbles, Wild at Heart. Spare loft living is given a jolt of Constance Spry garden flowers meets London cool via organic hand blown glass.

The American in Paris.

Jeff Leatham gives baby's breath his trademark "tilt". Indeed gypsophila is one of his favourite flowers for those on a limited budget.

This is a very pretty use of the flower for a country wedding, especially with the birch bark wrap.

And as always, nature leads the way. Not a rose or carnation in sight.