Canon
Petal's Edge Floral Design
Gerry Rogers
2021 installation
1st Floor - Great Stair Hall
The Inspiration
This bronze, smoothbore six-pounder cannon cast in Philadelphia, is marked on the top with the letters "US" surrounded by a ribbon bearing a mostly obliterated Latin inscription and pierced by a vindicta (a rod symbolizing emancipation from tyranny) surmounted by a liberty cap. The reproduction oak carriage and boxes were made by Champlain Cannon Works of Adirondack Machine Corporation in Glens Falls, NY, ca. 1970s. One of no more than ten marked American-made bronze cannons remaining from the American Revolution, this one survived because it was used as a gatepost in an ornamental fence surrounding the Charleston, South Carolina monument to Revolutionary War hero William Washington. On loan from the Society of the Cincinnati of the State of South Carolina.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: Smoke. Sparks. The blood and mud of the battlefield. Using a blend of painted gypsophila, dried hydrangea, bleached ruscus and painted preserved bunny tails, and pools of fabric in reds and browns we sought to bring the battlefield that might surround the bronze cannon to life. Our interpretation is served as a contrast in textures - the opacity and solidity of the cannon against the ethereal smoky grays and whites and tiny sparks of red.
THE DESIGNER
Gerry Rogers
Petal's Edge Floral Design
Petal’s Edge Floral Design specializes in custom floral design for DC area weddings and events. An Alexandria and DC florist, we operate from our studio in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
With nearly 17 years under our belt, we excel in the planning and creativity necessary to bring style and panache to any event – no matter how big or how small. Under the creative direction of Gerry Rogers and a team of talented designers, Petal’s Edge has created unique designs for events as diverse as our clientele – from fresh and modern designs to classic and traditional events to quirky and unique arrangements. The company supports environmental practices, taking pains to compost and recycle renewable materials. We are an ardent supporter of marriage equality and embrace love in all its diversity.
In 2018, we established our shop, and have continued to expand our offerings for flowers for daily occasions – from birthdays and other celebrations and beyond. Our work has been featured in Washingtonian, Modern Luxury, Brides and many other wedding and event publications.
Photo of Donnamaria by Jonny Edward
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Donnamaria R. Jones
Circa Life Images
Donnamaria is a published, award-winning portrait and event photographer based in the Washington DC-Maryland-Virginia area. She owns and operates Circa Life Images Studio, a 2,500 square foot space located on the north end of Waldorf in Southern Maryland. The spacious facility has a very large bay door entrance and offers a range of professional imaging services to include portrait, lifestyle and automotive photography. The studio is conveniently located off the main thoroughfare, MD Route 301, with ample parking just a few feet from the main entrance. She also travels internationally to provide on location photography services.
