Life in Full Bloom
Dearest Friends,
As world bursts into bloom, I’m feeling excited and hopeful. I have always loved flowers, but this year made me especially appreciative of their magic. One of the reasons for this is our deepening work with floral designers, farmer-florists, and nature artists.
On that note, I’m delighted to share the work of our favorite flower people with you as well as some ways to create beauty. Whether it’s planting a garden, arranging a bouquet, or using flora to create gorgeous, wearable art, you can tap into flower power and find joy today and every day.
Speaking of joy, this newsletter is coming to you from our new workspace in a floral design studio! Earlier this year, I was walking past the space, when I saw the designer working in front. We got to chatting, and that conversation turned into an opportunity. The door opened, and I walked in. Here is to embracing new things!
Yours in full bloom,
Leslie
Grow Beautiful Flowers
Erin Benzakein, the farmer-florist behind Floret Farms, always has something growing. The creative farmer-florist cultivates acres and acres of fantastic flora at her bucolic Skagit Valley farm: bright-pink sweet peas, creamy peach roses, and dahlias in every conceivable shape, color, and size. You can get a peek into Erin’s gorgeous, flower-filled world on Floret Farms’ colorful Instagram (@floretflower). And, if you’re looking for inspiration to plant your own dream garden, check out Erin’s books: Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden, A Year in Flowers, and Discovering Dahlias.
Make Stunning Flower Arrangements
Floral designer Ariella Chezar uses the principles of fine art to create beauty— transforming a space into something magical, infused with vitality and life. Ariella pioneered the lush, color-based, foraged approach to floral design and, over the years and her influence has generously shared her knowledge in her books, The Flower Workshop and Seasonal Flower Arranging. You can follow her gorgeous arrangements on her Instagram (@ariellachezardesign).
Create Wearable Flowers
Susan McLeary grew up obsessed with haute couture, a devoted fan of Christian LaCroix and Jean Paul Gaultier. Sue features her expertise to create gorgeous wearable art—from hyacinth hoop earrings and wraparound floral tattoos, to flower crowns, and floral bustiers. You can find inspiration is Sue’s Instagram feed (@passionflowersue) or find a dream project to make in her book, The Art of Wearable Flowers.
Are you as delighted by life in full bloom as we are? Click here to sign up for the Connected Dots newsletter, where we share more hopeful stories, art, and ideas.