garden & gun: a long lasting relationship

Several years ago Garden & Gun reached out to do a feature on us. We were over the moon that this amazing, Southern magazine would highlight us. I have known about their work and could not believe they knew who we were. They represent the Southern person. Highlighting both masculine and feminine hobbies, this magazine has a little bit for everyone and that is what I loved the most.

Since this feature, that happened several years back, we have maintained a relationship with them. They have reached out for arrangements and as you will see bellow a fun event where we collaborated to make a special evening.

Garden & Gun just recently also launched an event series that host Southern styled events in locations through out the South. Several months ago they chose Houston to highlight some chefs as Houston is known for their amazing food! We are so luck y to be surrounded by some of the most talented chefs in the States.

We used this super traditional and timeless cement colored garden urn for this bar arrangement to create hight and allow the colors to speak for themselves. Garden & Gun asked for a bright Fall color palette and we delivered. These tones are bright and cheerful, yet keeping the Fall palette in mind.

We used dahlias, lisianthus, garden roses, eucalyptus and fall leaves to make an painterly, artistic arrangements.

Adding the pop of blue was the perfect touch to keep that masculine feel that is so well known from Garden & Gun. It was the perfect contrasting tone and believe it really added so much interest. Taper candles has recently made a come back and we love it. This detail is so classic.

we aren't the right fit for everyone, but i hope we are the right fit for you

Our Little Ranch Photography for Garden & Gun’s private event at Hughes Manor

It is such an easy statement to say and I wholeheartedly believe that, we aren’t the right fit for everyone. But the day in and day out of that statement is so much harder than I thought it would be. After I meet with you, I literally started envisioning us creating the flowers for your special day. I day dreamed of the flowers, the textures, the new vases we would source. The excitement to tell my employees that we would be working at the venue you booked, with your photographer, with your family.

My passion is what built this business.

There were no previous owners, current owners who assist, parents money, partners, investors etc. JUST ME.

Yes of course I have some of the most amazing employees that have ever existed. But I still answer every email, every inquiry with the same passion and excitement that I did this first day I started this. And I have been compelled to let everyone know.

I want you to know that your event means so much to me. It means you saw our hard work, all the years, all the passion filled moments. You took the time to reach out and explore the possibility of working together, and that makes my heart explode with joy.

And for that, I thank you.

I wish we were perfect for everyone, that I could drive to your venue that is an hour away, book your Christmas event, or take on another event on an already booked date. But we decided to make this a place of long term passion. Where we create from a place of deep love and understanding of the art of flowers and event design. Of 13 years of perfecting, learning and understanding what elements create a perfect event and to 13 more. We only take on what we are 100% sure we can do, and do correctly.

Thank you for challenging us and making us the designers we are today. Here’s to a fun 2019 season.

the cream of the crop: collaboration with Marie Flanigan & Chritofle

Christofle 2019 gold china. Designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors.

When Marie Flanigan calls, you answer. She is the hardest working mom in her industry. She understands interior design like a ninja and she makes magic with her marketing team to make sure everyone knows.

Small businesses don’t just make it by producing an amazing product. You also have to align your self with ambitious artist that make moves. You can’t sit back and wait for someone to speak your existence into reality. Gosh I wish you could.

Watching the Marie Flanigan team create a lifestyle brand based on their super successful interior design firm has been amazing. They understand what it takes and I am always honored to hear from them. These fierce women have a knack for design and I want my flowers all over it!

Just recently they reached to collaborate with another amazing brand and we couldn’t resist to join along. Christofle was laughing a portion of their 2019 fine china in the Houston Galleria and they requested Marie Flanigan create a memorable tablescape to show off their goodies. Here is what we created.

Christofle flatware, and dinnerware, designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors

Christofle 2019 designed by Marie Flanigan Interior. In collaboration with Maxit Flower Design

Gold place setting with yellow and ivory flowers. Maxit Flower Design for Christofle in collaboration with Marie Flanigan Interior

Blue velvet linen with blush napkin contrasting the garden style arrangements provided by Maxit Flower Design in collaboration with Marie Flanigan and Christofle.

capturing the ones you love: take the time to take those portrait images

Are you wondering if you should book your photographer for the full 8hrs? Are you thinking that all that time would not be necessary. If you are on the fence… know that I full heartedly believe that you should pull the trigger.

It allows your photographer to understand the lighting, the space, the details and your loved ones. It is not every day that we have a photographer in front of us. It feels weird, it takes a while to get used to them in our space. Allow everyone that you love to get used to them too. You know your photographer and that is why you booked them, but your loved ones have yet to interact with them. Allow them some time to get used to them too.

And let’s be real, that are so many things going on that day, makeup, hair, getting dressed, saying hi to your Aunt Sue you only see once every 5 years, etc. All that takes time. Allow your photographer to capture those moments that you will cherish and get the gang together. Allow time for everyone to get in front of the camera.

And let’s not forget the details that you spent all that time on. The invitations, boutonniere’s, bouquets etc. All those items need to be styled and shot and as much as we want to think we are wizards and void of time. Those styling images take time too! Allow time for art to happen.

Bridal bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets created by fine art florist Maria Maxit, of Maxit Flower Design captured by fine art photographer Paige of Awake Photography at The Houston Country Club.

Captured by fine art photographer Paige of Awake Photography at Private Residence.

Bridal bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets created by fine art florist Maria Maxit, of Maxit Flower Design captured by fine art photographer Paige of Awake Photography at The Houston Country Club.

Event Planner: Little Coterie

Venue: The Houston Country Club

Photographer: Awake Photography

walking into the unknown: designing events with intention

The bride asked for a simple and classic design. We incorporated scented garden roses with roses and touches of jasmine vine for that delicate touch or greenery. Calligraphy by Jenny @ A Fine Flourish

Copying what we have done in our daily lives works well for most things. I tend not to reinvent how I take a shower, make my bed or brush my teeth. As we have created efficient methods that have become routine.

Designing weddings and events can fall into the same patterns. I have been guilty of this, as it also can help with efficiency and ease. And shall I say that it allows clients to feel comfortable that we are not taking risks with their special event.

On the other hand, bringing in a couple elements that might have never been introduced before can not only make your client feel special, but create intention with design. New design elements reminds us that each one of our clients is unique and that all our designs have them at the forefront of creation.

To our future clients, allow us to take some risks and meld that into what you feel comfortable with. The combination of both allows for the most beautiful events we have ever created.

fine art flower designer

When establishing what type of designer I would evolve to become I distinctly remember wanting to combine my previous world of fine art with my current work of flowers. I studied various forms of painting while growing up, as my mother was not only very fond of keeping me as busy as possible but she too was an artist. Summer was jammed packed full of art classes and ballet workshops.

I currently still see both of my parents create art. My house has a piece of their work in almost every room.

After working for a fine art gallery in Houston after college, I started to understand the community and their dynamics. It taught me that patience, consistent practice and an undercurrent of maddening passion is required to be successful in art community. Fast forward 10 years and here we are. Never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamt this big.

Owning a business that is solely focused on creating floral art work is exactly where I was meant to be. I now know and fully understand that all those small steps that life gave me lead me here. One day opening a magazine and seeing our work as the advertisement for The Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

For my art to be highlighted by this institution might be one of the highlights of my career. Because saying you’re an artist and being acknowledged by the Fine Arts community are two completely different things. Am I right?

Here is the one page spread and bellow are some images from the gorgeous shoot we designed.

Photography by Marni Wishart Photography

a fall wedding color palette

I have to admit I have not been a huge fan of the traditional Fall color palettes. What comes to mind are the oh so typical orange, yellow and reds that have been combined in the most painful of ways. In 2018 I was determined to change my view and make Fall fun again.

So off I went to explore color tones that were traditionally seen in weddings and combined them with the best of what Fall has to offer. I grabbed some copper tones with some soft mauvey blushes and mixed them with some seasonal textures that when combined made my heart skip a beat.

We just got these images from the super talented Jen Dillenger and could not wait to share them with you. She captured these flowers perfectly and we are so proud of how everything turned out.

Event planner: Jennifer Lawrence of JLow Events

Venue: Chandelier Grove

getting inspired through travel

We had to get away. Going on three months straight with out a day off can have its toll on you. The grind can own you. It’s bizarre, but it can get addicting.

To step away can be scary at times as business ownership is very demanding. And at times we might make it feel more demanding than it is when we are feeling overwhelmed. What I have realized this happens more often when we don’t take time off.

It is so rare that we get weeks without weddings, particularly this past year, that sneaking a last minute trip was the only way we could make it happen.

So why not Paris. It had been on my list for a while and couldn’t believe I had made it this far without going. So Chris, my fiance, surprised me with the idea and 7 days before we jumped on the airplane, we got on our computers and booked the trip.

Spontaneity is one of my love languages. I feel the need to make things happen when they are not planned helps keep me young and excited about the endless possibilities of life.

I brought my camera and only took it out on some adventures. I can get all consumed with taking pics and not living in that particular moment that I need to edit the times I bring her. Here are some of the pics that I had to share with you, and only hope you can enjoy them as much as I did.

The ones posted are some from around Paris, and mostly on a day trip we took to Versailles.

a winter palette revisited: adding blush to the all white table scape

We sure do love an all white event. We are a sucker for a classic look as it allows us to concentrate on details and textures that we love. But there is always room in these classic color palettes to add a little touch of the unexpected.

In the wedding industry we see blush all the time. But have you seen in at an event, private dinner or Holiday party? It’s a rare day. So we though we would bring you inspiration on how to add a small touch that won’t send us to the super feminine side and yet give an all white table scape a bit of a facelift.

Here are three easy ways to add a touch of color to your holiday party.

ONE

Let the textures be in the color scheme you are wanting to highlight

We created these arrangements in all white and green and allowed the accents of berries to be in blush. This snuck in the color with out overwhelming the color palette. We also added an unexpected blush/copper texture that we then used through out the decor. These sprayed fern were such a beautiful touch that we then manicured for the place settings.

TWO

Add a touch of color in your candles

There are so many color palettes that are not able to be created due to availability of flowers, or even quality of the product we receive. Candles are a guaranteed splash a color that can be added with no fuss.

THREE

Add a fabric overlay via a table runner of soft fabric that can be placed over the table.

Adding a layer of fabric on top of the linen helps create an ethereal look that we love. It’s soft and romantic and allows us to add that touch of color. For this specific look we bunched up areas while also allowing the fabric to gently hang of either sides, the front and the back.

film photography: the come back kid

When choosing your wedding & event photography there are so many decisions to make and we are not going to pretend we know a 10th of what is important. But when we see something that we love and is a representation of fine art… we will let you know.

Film photography has made a come back ya’ll, and we love it!

There is something so old world, so ethereal about the softness that is unparalleled to anything else I have seen. And one of our favorites in Houston that rocked this shoot is Chrisitne Gosch.

Yes there are some limitations, so find a photographer that will do both digital and film… and boom no more limitations. You’ve actually added another element of art into your day that you will never regret.

For this design concept we wanted to marry the garden style compote with garlands that have been to popular. We deconstructed some flowers and laid them through out the table to style and create a loose floral garland look.

We’ve created this look for rectangle tables and rounds and think that it truly does adds a luxe element. It’s super unexpected and interactive. I think we are all used to having flowers in a vase or garland, but seeing them placed through out the table keeps your guest wanting more.

Am I the only tactile person here? I have to touch that dress I walk by when shopping, and smell the rose on the side of the street. Adding flowers to a table will no doubt have me touching them or adding them into my hair. Let your guests interact, that’s what life is about.

fall colors: adding unexpected tones to your palette

Exploring color is one of the elements of design that we love the most. As much as I have love for neutrals, exploring with new color palettes that are unexpected is very rewarding.

Fall has a tendency to bring all the oranges and yellows out, but adding to those tones is where the magic happens. When we look at nature, Fall leaves have an insane amount of colors that we tend to overlook. With this particular arrangement we tried to add those tones that can be forgotten.

The soft peaches, rusts, and sages add the perfect hues to soften those harsher yellow tones. We also added textures with those colors that keep it interesting and fun. I played with the idea of designing with these colors in a manner that helps move your eye through out the arrangement. I wanted to see if grouping colors will create what is seen in Fall forests. That you see a grouping of all orange trees, then a grouping of red trees all in one glance. It seems like nature is the leader of design.

We used the following blooms to make this arrangement come together:

1) Fall Eucalyptus

2) Ranunculus

3) Field Grown Garden Roses

4) Lisianthus

5) Butterfly Ranunculus

6) Foraged Privett Berries

7) Jasmine

8) Roses

9) Silver Dollar Eucalyptus

I used this clear urn to keep that element simple. As the colors were going to be on the more fussy side I wanted to see what this one would like if we kept the urn less distracting and keeping the focal point on the flowers. This urn is one of my favorites, it is timeless, simple, clean and brings an element of an old world feel that we always love.

Design, Styling and Photography by: Maxit Flower Design

we can't do it alone: having a in-house team and vendor team that rocks, makes a difference

This past weekend, not different than most, reminded me the value of team work. Not only with my team at the studio but the team at the venue. To feel supported, cared for and thought of during the setup from the venue is something that has been elevated by The Revaire. Their team not only thought about how to make all the vendors have an easy load in and load out, they thought of how to keep them safe.

They supply scissor lifts, ladders, easy load in, overnight storage of supplies, set ups starting days before, and breakdown on Monday mornings. But more importantly you feel like you are part of the team. These items and flexibility is what makes each event go smoothly, and feel less rushed.

Breaking down an event on Monday allows us to stay off the roads in the middle of the night. Breaking down an event might be one of the most hazardous elements of our job. My team is tired and have been working 12hr days since Monday morning to make it all come together. By Saturday night everyone is EXHAUSTED!!! Not only are we not at our very best, but lets be real roads at midnight to 4am are not the safest in Houston, Texas. As we have one of the biggest drinking and driving record in the States.

So I tip my hat off to you The Revaire for making us a priority. To make us feel like part of the team. We appreciate you and thank you. And side note, lets see if we can make this breakdown on Monday a thing. For our safety. PLEASE!

Styling, design, floral and photography by Maxit Flower Design.

from our view: taking photographs of our own work

As my team grows, new possibilities arise. Time frees up and working 18 hr days is a thing of the past. Phew!! Enter photography, one of my side passions that keeps me inspired and busy when I am not designing flowers or working on this business.

I believe that WE can only capture our work in a way that best represents us. We work with some of the most amazing photographers and they truly do an amazing job photographing our work. And just like all photographers photograph differently, they all see things differently as well. What I love about my arrangement is not what they love, the flower that took me years to source is only another rose in their eyes.

There is no way to fully communicate to them all the intricacies of the design. The textures that you finally got your hands on, the fact that the arrangement has a front and a back, the container having a small chip…. it’s endless and they would think I was crazy if I told them everything.

So after many years of thinking this through I realized that I had to learn the art of photography. Practice, practice, practice and get to shooting my work the way I wanted it to look. Catching all those little items that I love through my lens.

Here is a series of images from a design session where I did the styling, the arrangement and the photography. Let me know what you think:

we create because we have to: seeking inspiration from everything

I remember distinctly when my mother would make sure I would refer to myself as an ARTIST. She would correct me, and help me understand why it was so important.

Kelli Durham Photography

There is something indescribable that burns within us (Artists) that makes us need to create. I can’t focus, I get fidgety, and overall anxious when I have an idea that I need to see come to fruition. I never acknowledged this as I believed this was a general human condition, a way that everyone felt.

The older I get the more I notice that this is what is called artistry: the need to create a vision that overwhelms you.

A couple days ago this happened. I thought I needed coffee and just to get up from my desk as I had been creating proposals, and paying taxes. So who wouldn’t want to move around after that. But the urge to create the arrangement I had it my head was overwhelming. I had to go pickup some flowers from the wholesaler and create something. I ended up creating the arrangement seen in the “handmade: it cost more” blog post.

I felt instant relief. Like an addict getting their buzz from their cigarette. I felt more relaxed, calm and overall content with life. And I won’t even begin to mention how adding photography to the bag of fun make me feel.

Kelli Durham Photography

The need to create is something that I never knew, as a child, I could use to build a business from. That I could turn that energy into something profitable. Something so filled with passion and joy that would then be sought out by community. It all seems a little wild if you ask me. But it’s the best kind of wild I could have ever dreamt up.

Today I consider myself an artist, a creator.

How amazing is this skeleton leaf? Is a bleached preserved leaf that gives the most romantic soft touch to this arrangement. Looking forward to adding this delicate touch to our upcoming events and weddings.

Amazing photography by Kelli Durham Photography

Kelli Durham Photography

setting the standard: creating the event you want to see

When I started this business I was bull headed and had many thoughts on how it would all go.  Some of the thoughts were wildly incorrect and other turned into structures that I still hang on to.  For example, I thought it would be easy, I thought that if I produce good work people will come.  It's not easy, but people will come.  Yes it is true... if you build it they will come.  But no one tells you how long the building process will take.  

I also don't have a store front (which 8 years ago was a wild thought in our market) as we work out of a warehouse that we've converted into a super cute space. I remember nay sayers who thought I would never be seen and it would be difficult to grow my business.  It was difficult but the vision that I has was mine and knew it would work.  

So many times in life we have a gut feeling that comes over us and we push it aside.  We might have too many people's opinions we listen to or are just insecure about pulling the trigger. I see this all the time when people are making decisions for their wedding/event.  Client's have a vision for their event and get persuaded by a well meaning photographer, event planner or friend to move in a direction that was not their original vision.  TRUST ME... there are many reasons to listen to your friends and other vendors! But listen to your gut.

Make sure the event you are planning resembles you.  We want your guest to know it was something you planned, a true reflection of you, when they walk into the room.  All we do is just play a small part in making it happen.

Gorgeous images by Dana Fernandez Photography

Why two different colored bouquets?  No, our bride did not request this.  There was an error on our end and we were lucky enough to have both of them photographed! She asked for an all white bouquet... but apparently we got so excited about the colors, we sent that one first.  

Dana, the amazing photographer, shot us a call and told us about our hiccup. We quickly whipped up the white bouquet and got it to our beautiful bride right in time for her to walk down the aisle.

Phew! Can we get an amen for working with some of the most thoughtful vendors?! What would we ever do without the people that make us look good and make us feel that we are part of a bigger team.  The vendor team! 

We were so thankful she spoke up. Because she did we got a chance to fix our error and make it right. She will look back on her wedding day and it will be a true reflection of her. And for that reason alone, we are so thankful for her.

handmade: it costs more, but it's worth it

As flower designer’s we are familiar with items that are handmade. There is nothing that our client’s receive from us that is not made by our hands. I am not sure if I truly ever thought of our work in that way until I just wrote it. It’s truly amazing if you really think about it.

Every flower was touched by us, every container was hand picked by us. Every single bloom was purposefully chosen for its movement, color, length of stem, texture, line, shape, petal count etc. It’s a process that takes flipping through catalogues, searching scientific names (that I can not seem to ever remember) reaching out to a minimum of 5 different companies and countless websites.

There are days that I fall in love with the process and other days that make me want to quit. It’s not easy and maybe that is why I love it so much. The ordering flower process of our business is one that is never spoken of but probably the most important part of it all.

I look at all handmade items with so much appreciation as I know what it takes to make our own. The dedication and expertise is straight out of one of my all time favorite documentaries Jiro Dreams of Sushi. This documentary highlights Jiro’s life’s work in developing one of the most well known sushi restaurants in the world. All created from dedication, passion and obsession over his trade.

From flowers, to sushi and now to the whole reason I was inspired to write this blog post… this handmade vessel. This one in the image bellow. Abbie from Box Sparrow creates the most gorgeous ceramic pieces and we honor her today with this arrangement. She created this vessel and we have fallen madly deeply in love with it and can only imagine the dedication in selecting all the materials, and the time it took to make this. You would never know a person made this as it has been made with expertise only a machine could replicate.

Can we take a little moment to enjoy all these gorgeous blooms from Mayesh? We are so thankful they dare to bring in material to help us explore with different material. Flowers we incorporated in this highly textured piece are: helleborus, begonia, garden roses, lisianthus, snowberries, carnations, smilax, and blackberry greenery.

marie flanigan interiors- a women on the move

We have been following Marie Flanigan for years and having her team reach out to work on a collaborative project was one of the highlights of 2018.   All the necessary elements were met, girlfriends, flowers, well designed spaces and great food.

I am flattered that we would get a chance to collaborate with someone who is so detailed oriented and designed based.   Two elements of weddings and events that matter so much to me and that lead every element of how we create our designs.

There were some gorgeous Japanese product at that time and we couldn't wait to put it to use.  And one of my all time favorite blooms lilac! Oh my goodness you guys, lilac is just so amazing... and after seeing where it all grows from several years back made my obsession continue.

The space was so perfectly styled and decorated with some fun food details by our pals at Smart in the Kitchen.  And gorgeous calligraphy bits from another gal pal Megan Grant. 

As Houstonian's know so well, we love our summer but we are so glad to see it go.  Before the cooler season arrives we work our way through the storm season, but let me tell you we are so excited that the rain is a very welcome sight! 

the astorian - a traditional houston wedding

The Astorian event venue is a site to behold.  The details are phenomenal and well thought out, the tile, the fixtures, the ceiling lighting, all of it is gorgeous. It's a fun space that we always feel so honored to work in.  

For this event Piper of Piper and Muse brought us this sweet family to work with.  They had one request, tall arrangement.  Showy tall arrangements.  We heard them and we created our version of this request.  Why do I say 'our version'... well we don't create a perfect ball, as things in nature tend to grow in ovals and droop.  Because we try to mimic nature as much as possible, as this is what we believe looks gorgeous, we create our tall arrangements (when requested in this more compact style) in a more oval shape.

The remaining low arrangements had more of our signature look as we are aware that this is what our clients are looking for as well.  Melding both aesthetics is possible and we don't find a need to make it all look the same. Here are some images of this fun one captured perfectly by our friends at The Cotton Collective Photography:

containers- why we keep it simple

We are floral design artist.  We love and are insanely passionate about everything flowers, floristry, wedding flowers, event flowers, flower gardening, flower farmers, etc.   You name it flowers and we have spent time loving it one way or another. 

Containers, well.... still a love affair. But not an obsession. We are always on the look out for new, clean, classic, unique, timeless pieces. And for this reason we have to love it.  It takes time, lots of time researching every vessel we have.  I actually really enjoy the process.

...selecting the correct vessels that will not outshine

the flowers is the number one goal.

And a process it is.  You find a store, or artist that you love and you begin the research.  From a store you have to put in an order to make sure it delivers well, in time and it is what it says it's going to be when it arrives.  This is more like a sample order. One off items of each vessel you love and then the waiting begins.  The item arrives and fingers crossed the company enjoys wrapping their precious pieces in an nauseating amount of paper.

Then we put then to use, does it hold water, not mind our floral tape we have to use and does it allow us to design and create the shapes we enjoy.  Bing it works... awesome let's order lots more.  If it doesn't, small pity party and move on to the next company that will take a small order and start from the beginning.  This process takes so much patience and all the part of the curating process.

Now we haven't event tapped into the artist that creates handmade containers, which we also source from.  This might be the most rewarding and the most difficult.  I won't dive into it too much... but it's similar to the stores but now we are dealing with the artistic element.  So much fun and risky all at the same time. Some artist are local others are from out of the country adding an element of cost for shipping too.  

But all this to say is that we do not sell containers, we sell flowers. Even though we put so much thought into everything we acquire we are still solely focused on making the flowers the prettiest they possibly can be.  And we are super aware that selecting the correct vessels that will not outshine the flowers is the number one goal.

visiting the rose farm- how we keep educated

Several months ago I got invited to work with Tulipina in Ojai creating a wedding at The Ojai Valley Inn.  Once I mentioned that I would be going to Santa Barbara, my gal pal Kelly Hornberger of Kelly Horberger Photography booked her flight and off we were to the races planning a photo shoot and getting all our ducks in a row to fit in as many experiences in as possible.

Not that woking for Kiana at Tulipina wasn't an experience that would have made the trip complete, but California has way too much to offer to pass it up.  And one of those experiences was to visit one of the most prolific producers of the most gorgeous field grown garden roses there is in North America, Grace Rose Farm.  

This might have been the most fun moment of the trip.  To sit back and see fields upon fields of some of the most gorgeous roses there ever was.  All at our finger tips to harvest. And to get a chance to experience this with a couple girlfriends made me the happiest.

We galavanted around the farm choosing which blooms would work best for the projects we had coming up.  Each row made you think of all the gorgeous weddings and events these amazing bushes have produced for.  All the beautiful memories they have produced and how they made such special times even more memorable.

As flower designers we have to keep visiting farmers to connect to the source of our medium.  We use flowers to create the most amazing arrangements and to continue that connection to the people who produce them is so important to me.

We learn something new every time we go and it is just worth seeing the farmers and giving them a hug and letting them know how much they mean to us.  That is important.  They get so disconnected from us as they are insanely hard working people. 

If you ever have questions on how to get connected and start growing a business in the flower community... start from the ground up.  Learn everything there is to learn and NEVER STOP LEARNING.  

The most amazing thing about this industry, is that 13 years later, I still don't even know one percent of what there is to learn.  And for that reason alone I fall in love with the floral industry more and more every year.  The endless information you can gather on one flower alone could consume a life time.  And to think that there are 100's of cut flowers we use on a yearly basis, that just blows my mind.

What an amazing industry to be part of.  Due to the intense amount of hard work to farm and to design flowers, I can promise you that you won't find anyone that isn't madly deeply in love with that they do.  It would be impossible to do with out a maddening love.