36. Sphinx
Springvale Floral
Kory Garvis
2025 installation - Back Garden
The Inspiration
This painted lead statue of a reclining sphinx (one of a pair) was made in England in the late nineteenth century specifically for use as a garden ornament.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: Honoring the mystical sphinx as she watches over her garden, I have chosen to adorn her perch by incorporating florals that were significant to Ancient Egyptians, such as Lotus, Jasmine, Papyrus, and Marigolds. Papyrus symbolized fertility and protection and was one of the most valuable and essential plants in ancient Egyptians' lives.
Recipe: Jasmine, Papyrus, Lotus, Hyacinth, and Tuberose
THE DESIGNER
Kory Garvis
Springvale Floral
Kory, the owner of Springvale Floral, is an award-winning floral designer and hosts a team of head-over-heels romantics and sustainability advocates. Her floral artistry is known for being one of a kind, organic, and ethereal, invoking a natural sense of wonder. Purpose, connection, and intention are the driving force behind everything she creates. She is a fervent believer in the impact that flowers and art have on a person’s life and their ability to change one's perspective.
Springvale challenges perceived limits to build imaginative floral installations balancing a classically beautiful elegance with the intrigue of the natural world. They create organic and unstructured designs that are playful and full of movement. Floral installations are Kory's favorite pieces to create because they are so impactful and require more intensive engineering. Springvale was recently featured on the cover of Florist Review and Virginia Living and in Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Carats & Cake, The Knot, Virginia Weddings, etc. Voted “Best Of” by Washingtonian Magazine in 2021 and 2022. Awarded the “Most Innovative Floral Designer 2022” by Global Wedding Awards 2022.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Ayanah George Photography
Ayanah George is a digital and film photographer based in Washington DC. She specializes in female portraiture and uses double exposures to portray the background and subject as one.
Inspired by the work of Kehinde Wiley, Ayanah is passionate about the representation of women as majestic and elevated. Her portraits often use florals and patterns, representing growth and harmony.
She has been featured in Travel & Leisure, American Illustration, as well as by American Photography, the Washington Historical Society and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (FY25 Art Bank Grantee).
