As we settle in to the depths of winter, our talented group of florists and arrangers has risen to our annual challenge; every year we ask for at least one winter time bouquet that will warm the spirit and transport our members to the warm-weathered tropics. As always, they've come through with an ensemble that is as evocative of a tropical landscape as the sun-drenched Hawaiian coastline. An assemblage of graceful Costa Rican Red Torch Parakeet Heliconias, striking large red and supple medium purple anthuriums from the Hawaiian Islands, tri color tropical Hala leaves, animated Song of India and stalwart black tea leaves come together beautifully as a little bastion of the tropics in this, one of our favorite arrangements. With its bold lines and deep tropical colors, the composition of this month's bouquet is simply magnificent.

With an emphasis upon form flow and visual harmony, this collection offers many options for creating your own unique presentation. For example, notice how the Song of India and tri color Hala leaves are of very similar color composition, but their distinct forms provide for a wonderfully subtle diversification of textures and lines. Or the manner in which the slightly wavy pattern of Song of India leaves serves as a unifying influence which brings together the rounded anthuriums and pointed heliconias. This bouquet is guaranteed fun for the individual arranger, not to mention a joy for the privileged onlooker. We invite you to bask in this bit of floral radiance as the temperatures fall this winter, for this gorgeous ensemble will last for up to three weeks when properly cared for.