I was thinking of 'bracketing' the appliqué with a thin dark strip so as to frame it off and not detract from Esq's border, otherwise I think it might kind of blend and I think it needs the drama. Maybe what I'll do is appliqué onto a 51/2" strip for one side then 'offer it up' with the dark strips. If it works, I can trim an inch off the appliqué, if not, I can leave it full size. Gai - re the flowers, I thought just green leaves on a brown stem? But if you'd like flowers on it then by all means send some. I thought just leaves would be more dramatical though, but it's your baby so up to you!
:-D