Flirty Fleurs The Florist Blog – Inspiration for Floral Designers

Visiting a Lisianthus Farm in Japan

Alicia — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:57:59 +0000

A Visit to a Lisianthus Greenhouse in Japan

On my recent trip to Japan as part of the Hanami Flower Tour with Hitomi Gilliam, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit a lisianthus greenhouse in Kochi, Japan, and witness firsthand the meticulous care and dedication involved in cultivating these exquisite blooms. The experience gave me a profound appreciation for the artistry and precision of flower farming, and I’m excited to share what I learned.

The Scale of Production

Walking into the greenhouse, I was struck by the sheer volume of lisianthus being cultivated—60,000 stems grown at a time in just one house! This grower operates multiple greenhouses, with a total of 20 different varieties in production. The greenhouse I visited featured seven varieties, each carefully selected based on market demand and growing reliability.

Growing Process & Challenges

The cycle begins in October, with the plants reaching their peak bloom by early March. It takes approximately 120 days for the lisianthus to mature and be ready for cutting. Each plant produces two flushes of blooms before it is pulled out to prevent disease spreading into the plants and soil.

What I found particularly interesting is how the summer heat plays a vital role in soil sanitation. As temperatures rise, the intense heat naturally kills bacteria in the dirt, reducing the risk of plant disease. However, botrytis remains a concern, so additional treatments are applied to maintain plant health.

Harvesting & Market Demand

Once the flowers reach perfection, the cutting process begins. Stems are harvested on Mondays, carefully bundled into groups of 50, and sent to auction by Friday. Market demand plays a significant role in selecting which varieties to grow. Lavender, light pink, and white remain the most sought-after colors, prized for their elegance and versatility. When choosing what to plant, the grower considers both color trends and the ease of cultivation of the particular plant.

A Family Legacy

This particular farm has been in the same family for 40 years. The current grower is in the process of taking over from his father, continuing a legacy of expert lisianthus cultivation. The farm operates with a small but dedicated team—five full-time family members and three part-time workers, all playing a crucial role in tending to the plants. Around 30 days into the growing cycle, they pinch back the stems to encourage robust growth in the plants.

A Deeper Appreciation

Seeing this process up close was a remarkable experience. The level of care, precision, and knowledge required to produce these breathtaking blooms is truly inspiring. This visit reinforced my love for lisianthus and deepened my appreciation for the growers who bring these delicate flowers to market for floral designers like myself to enjoy and share with clients.

If you ever have the chance to visit a flower farm or greenhouse, I highly recommend it—it’s a wonderful way to connect with the flowers we work with daily and gain insight into the craftsmanship behind each bloom.

I do hope you enjoy all the images I took at the Lisianthus farm and am sharing here.

A Guide to Hydrating Roses

Alicia — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:54:27 +0000

Let’s talk roses—because with that lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day coming up, February all about them!

These exquisite blooms are legendary for their lush petal count, romantic fragrance, and breathtaking beauty, and long lasting quality. Treat them well, and they’ll reward you with a spectacular show. Here’s how to ensure they rehydrate properly when they arrive at your flower studio.

Step 1: Unpacking with Care

The moment your roses arrive, bring them inside and unpack them as soon as possible. While they’re shipped with packaging they need for the journey, a fresh drink of water will help them revive quickly.

Remove any plastic packaging and rubber bands, but leave the cardboard collar in place—this supports the blooms during hydration.
Remove as many leaves as possible, best to have only clean stems go into the buckets of water.

Step 2: Trim for Maximum Hydration

To ensure proper water absorption, give the stems a fresh cut:

Trim at least 1 inch off the ends of the stems.
Cut at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for water uptake.
Use sharp, clean floral shears to prevent crushing the stems.

Step 3: Time to Hydrate

Now, it’s all about hydration!

Place the roses in a clean bucket or vase with at least 2 inches of fresh water.
Add flower food to help nourish and extend vase life.
Keep them in a cool, dark place—such as a basement, or unused bathroom—for 4 to 6 hours. If they arrive late in the day, let them hydrate overnight.
I let them hydrate in my studio for an hour before placing them into the cooler.

Step 4: Arrange and Enjoy!

Once your roses are fully hydrated, it’s time to arrange them beautifully.

Carefully remove the cardboard wrap and recycle it.
Choose a vase that allows the roses to open fully.
Fill the vase about ¾ full with fresh, cool water.
Remove any foliage that falls below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.
If needed, remove any guard petals that have been damaged.

Step 5: Patience is Key

Roses take time to reach their full glory. After placing them in their final arrangement, they will take one to three days to fully open. With proper care, these stunning blooms will last 10 to 15 days in a vase arrangement.

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your roses arrive in peak condition, ready to create floral magic. Happy designing!

Five Foliages for Floral Designing

Alicia — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:05:16 +0000

Flowers often take center stage in floral design discussions, but foliage plays an equally essential role in crafting stunning arrangements.

Here’s a look at five of my favorite foliages to design with—readily available to florists across the USA. Many of these can even be grown in your own cutting garden!

Geranium

Geranium leaves are, without a doubt, my favorite greenery to use in floral arrangements! They come in a variety of beautiful color options, like the chocolate geranium with its striking dark center framed by bright green. Other varieties feature white-and-green or red-and-green patterns, adding versatile color and texture to designs. Plus, their rich, delightful scent is an added bonus.

In the summer and fall, I grow geraniums in my cutting garden. During the off-season here in Washington State, I source them from trusted wholesalers like Florabundance to keep these gorgeous leaves in my arrangements year-round.

Heuchera

Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a mostly evergreen perennial that comes in an impressive variety of colors, as shown in the photo. Some varieties feature beautifully ruffled leaves, adding unique texture to floral designs. Heuchera is a hardy plant that works wonderfully in arrangements, offering vibrant color and interesting texture.

Having it in my garden also allows me to cut my own leaves, ensuring I can harvest stems at their full length for floral arrangements.

Mint

Both Mountain Mint and Spearmint are known for their long-lasting quality, making them perfect additions to floral arrangements. Not only do they bring a refreshing scent, but they also add vibrant green color and delightful texture.

I prefer to grow my own mint to ensure it’s always freshly picked and immediately hydrated, allowing me to monitor its age and maintain its quality. Plus, it looks nice in the garden.

Ninebark in burgundy

Ninebark comes in a range of useful colors, including green, chartreuse, brown-red, and burgundy. Its well sized leaves bring a sense of lightness to floral designs.

However, it’s important to note that this foliage is a heavy water drinker, making it ideal for centerpieces and arrangements that have a constant water source. I avoid using Ninebark in bridal bouquets to eliminate any risk of wilting.

I enjoy growing Ninebark in my garden—it’s a hardy shrub that continues to provide beautiful foliage throughout the summer months.

Raspberry Foliage

Raspberry foliage is a summer favorite for floral design here in Washington State. Its vibrant green leaves, accented with golden-yellow tones or burgundy tips, provide a stunning base layer of color in arrangements. The large leaves are perfect for quickly covering mechanics, and the foliage is impressively long-lasting.

While I don’t grow raspberry foliage in my own cutting garden, I love sourcing it from Jello Mold Farm in Skagit Valley. They offer several varieties, including some with minimal thorns, making it even easier to work with.

Sources:

Florabundance

Jello Mold Farm

Crafting the Perfect Logo for Fleurs Creative: Collaborating with Botanical Artist Anna Farba

Alicia — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 16:41:11 +0000

Creating a logo for my floral design studio, Fleurs Creative, was a meaningful project—one that allowed me to weave together my passion for flowers, my personal memories, and my connection to the natural world. When it came time to find the right artist, I knew I wanted someone who could bring my vision to life with the depth and detail that this logo deserved. That’s when I discovered Anna Farba, a botanical artist in British Columbia whose work felt like the perfect match for my project.

Why I Chose to Invest in a Custom Logo

As the founder of Fleurs Creative, I wanted a logo that reflected not only my work as a florist but also the deep-rooted love I have for flowers. Working with Anna, I shared my love for garden roses, hellebores, clematis, parrot tulips, fritillaria, and pansies—each a flower that holds a special place in my heart. Garden roses were especially significant, as they were my grandmother’s favorite, along with the delicate, cheerful pansies. Together, these flowers represent both the beauty of floral design and cherished family memories.

Celebrating Washington’s Local Flora

To ground Fleurs Creative in the natural landscape of Washington, where my studio is located, I asked Anna to incorporate blackberries. Wild, sweet, and abundant, blackberries have a distinct place in Washington’s ecosystem and bring a sense of local identity to the logo. This touch is my nod to the place that inspires so much of my work.

Bringing in Pollinators for Life and Movement

For a final touch, I wanted to include bees and butterflies as symbols of life and movement. Pollinators are essential to the floral world, and their presence in the logo adds a connection to the ecosystem that sustains flowers. These small but meaningful additions bring a sense of vibrancy to the design and reinforce the natural beauty I hope to reflect in every Fleurs Creative arrangement.

A Logo with Heart and Heritage

The final logo for Fleurs Creative is more than just an image—it’s a reflection of my story, my heritage, and my love for floral design. The process of bringing this vision to life underscored the importance of working with an artist who genuinely understands a brand’s essence and purpose. When creating something as personal and lasting as a logo, it’s essential to have a partner who listens, respects your vision, and works thoughtfully to make it real.

This logo now serves as a heartfelt symbol for Fleurs Creative and an enduring reminder of why I chose to pursue floristry. For anyone developing their brand, investing in a logo that resonates with you and your business is invaluable—choose someone who sees beyond the design and brings the story of your brand to life.

How to design a floral arrangement in a Pumpkin

Alicia — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 02:22:24 +0000

Floral Pumpkin Arrangement Tutorial!

I have a special treat for you! I’m excited to share a fun and seasonal DIY project: arranging flowers in a fresh pumpkin! This is a fabulous way to add a touch of autumn to your decor.

Steps to Create Your Arrangement:

Prepare Your Pumpkin: Start by cleaning out your pumpkin. A quick spray of cooking oil inside will help protect it. Then, fill it with fresh water for your flowers!
Choose Your Mechanic: I recommend using curly willow for support—it’s much easier to clean up than chicken wire or foam. Plus, you can compost the whole arrangement when it’s time to discard!
Add Your Flowers and Foliage: Now, arrange your beautiful blooms and greenery inside the pumpkin, letting your creativity shine!

Voila! You have a stunning arrangement perfect for your autumn table!

Don’t forget to check out fabulousflorals.com or follow @fabulousfloral on Instagram for more flower inspiration and to order blooms for your next DIY project!

Happy arranging!

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Flowers and Foliage Provided by @fabulousfloral:

Symbol roses
Aurelia spray roses
Persimmons
Bronze amaranth
Nine bark
Alstroemerias
Butterfly ranunculus
Burgundy grasses

Floral Designing Retreat in Tuscany, Italy

Alicia — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:09:52 +0000

Immersed in the vibrant beauty of spring flowers and the incomparable Italian countryside, this is what you can expect at “FIORI DELLA TOSCANA with Alicia Schwede.”

April of 2024 I taught my third floral design retreat in Italy, and am now planning for the April 2025 floral retreat.

This annual floral retreat is a highlight of my year – fully immersed in the experience of being in Italy, spending time with fellow flower enthusiasts, teaching and sharing my love of flowers with attendees, visiting oh-so-special Puscina Flower Farm, strolling thru the darling village of Città della Pieve, and of course, spending time with the ladies of Strada Toscana.

How adorable is Hotel Vannucci??

This is the special boutique hotel we stay at in the village of Città della Pieve, located in Valdichiana close to the border between Umbria and Tuscany. It’s placement in the village makes it easy to get out for an early morning walk before our day of flowering begins!!

All the lovely ladies from the 2024 Floral Designer Retreat! We designed these gorgeous floral arrangements after our inspiring trip to the Flower Farm, Puscina. Vessels filled with lilacs, snowballs, tulips, irises, and more.

Everyone did a fabulous job of arranging!!

Below there are three photos sharing our floral installations.

Each year I like to work on a large flower installation with the attendees, we learn about installation mechanics and teamwork! Together we create a beautiful floral backdrop for our finale photographs of the workshop!

Join me for the 2025 Floral Retreat in Italy. The dates are April 22-26, 2025

— the perfect season for spring flowers!

Visit the Strada Toscana website for all the details of this amazing event.

Floral Designs Inspired by Dutch Master Painters

Alicia — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 17:33:37 +0000

As a florist, my creative journey has been profoundly shaped by the exquisite flower paintings of the Dutch Master Artists. These timeless works of art, with their intricate details, rich colors, and masterful compositions, have served as a boundless source of inspiration for my floral designs. Each brushstroke tells a story of beauty, elegance, and the delicate balance of nature, encouraging me to infuse my arrangements with the same sense of artistry and passion.

Inspired by these masterpieces, I wanted to share this interest through a special floral design class. Class began with background on these historic pieces of art. Together, we explored the aesthetics that define Dutch floral art and created unique and stunning flower arrangements.

To help with inspiring the students, I set up a backdrop with a variety of fruits as the perfect spot for photographs.

It brings me great pleasure to share the finished floral designs by the students with all of you!

Styling and Photography by me, Alicia Schwede.

I absolutely loved photographing all of these beautiful flower arrangements designed by the students in this special class. Everyone designed an amazing piece of floral art!

I do hope you enjoyed studying these beautiful arrangements and feel inspired.

Interested in taking this class? I will be offering it in the spring 2025. Visit FleursCreative.com

Wonder of the Woodlands with Françoise Weeks

Alicia — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:49:51 +0000

As a friend and long-time admirer of Françoise Weeks, I've always been captivated by her unique approach of marrying botanical art and floral design. Her latest book is not just a testament to her incredible talent, but also a window into her creative soul. Each page is filled with her signature style—intricate, whimsical, and profoundly fascinating. Reading through it feels like sharing a moment with Françoise in her enchanting studio or on a walk in the woods, where flowers, foliage, and natural elements come together in perfect harmony. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves the art of floristry & botanicals and appreciates the magic that Françoise brings to her work.

Please join me as I have a chat with Françoise -

Who is Françoise Weeks?

I grew up in Belgium and always have been influenced by European design. In 1996 I started my business in Portland,OR designing weddings and events. For many years woodland design and botanical couture have been the focus of my work. Since 2003 I have been teaching workshops and classes out of my home studio and I started to teach nationwide and abroad in 2013.I also offer online tutorials.

You have a very unique style, how did you find your niche and stay true to your style?

Curiosity and perseverance have been my best allies over the years. Mother Nature has always offered the best inspiration for any woodland designs.My collection of foraged pieces of wood and bark, lichens and seedpods are inspiring to try out new projects.I never have been interested in trends, but like to explore new concepts and ideas. It has been fun the last 3 years to collaborate with a friend who is a welder. it has offered the opportunities to design more often vertically.

What inspired you to write this book on floral design?

In October 2020 I received a message from Leslie Jonath (Connecteddotsmedia.com) asking if I was working on a book – the answer was no. Leslie became my coach and agent for “Wonder of the Woodlands – The Art of Seeing and Creating with Nature”.which was published in April 2024.

I was very fortunate to work on this extensive project with a dream team – as it takes a village to write a book.

Can you walk us through your creative process when designing a new arrangement?

When creating woodlands, the main ingredients for any designs are: wood, bark and branches, moss, mushrooms, lichen seed pods and ferns. I always start with a piece of bark or wood; after adding moss, I build these detailed sculptures adding a plethora of the above mentioned textures. I never have an idea in mind what the end product will look like. It is an intuitive process that is quite time consuming.

How do you balance color and texture in your botanical designs?

The color palate for the woodlands is not very extensive. Any hues of greens and browns are the maiintay of any design. Sometime I choose to use a few color accents.

But texture reigns!. I personally think that there never can be an excess of textures in any design.

What do you hope readers take away from your book?

When I started to do woodlands, I felt like I got new eyes. I started to notice so many gifts of Mother Nature that I hardly had noticed in the past: ferns growing in trees, lichen and moss covered branches, interesting seed pods that litter the sidewalks and the forest in the fall, different kinds of bark, amazing pieces of driftwood,… I started to pay more attention to foliage in the garden and buds and seed pods and discovered so much more beauty and varieties that I could use in design.

I hope that readers will get new eyes too and start noticing these exquisite treasures that will enhance their designs. I hope that they will appreciate the beauty in found natural elements as well as forage sustainably.

Can you share a memorable story or experience from your work with flowers?

In 2019 I had the opportunity to participate in two internationally renowned flower events in Belgium:

FlowerTime: every 2 years designers from all over the world participate in this magnificent event to decorate the exquisite rooms in city hall (built in the 15th century) in Brussels. With the help of my friend Sheryl Tynes, we created woodland botanical couture. for this 4 day event

Fleuramour for 25 years,this brilliant 4 day flower event took place at the castle in Alden Biesen. I was part of a team that created a botanical fashion show.

Thank you to my amazing friend, Françoise, for joining us here on Flirty Fleurs blog and sharing about this incredible project. The book is beautiful and inspiring. Françoise has been inspiring me for the past 10+ years, I hope she will be an inspiration to all of you, as well!

~Alicia

Book Details:

Wonder of the Woodlands

The Art of Seeing and Creating with Nature

Author: Françoise Weeks

Photographer: Theresa Bear

Stylists: Jennifer Rich & Gwen Severson

website for Francoise:

www.francoiseweeks.com

Click to order on Amazon*

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Unlocking Your Business Potential: A Guide to Creating Vision Boards for Business Ideas

Alicia — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 13:00:09 +0000

Embarking on a journey of entrepreneurship requires not only strategic planning but also a clear vision of your goals and aspirations. One powerful and creative tool to shape your entrepreneurial vision is the use of vision boards. Let's explore the art of creating vision boards specifically tailored for nurturing and developing your business ideas.

1. Understanding the Power of Visualization:

Visualization is a potent technique employed by many successful entrepreneurs and creatives. By translating your business ideas into visual representations, you engage your subconscious mind and enhance your ability to manifest those ideas into reality.

2. Collecting Inspiration:

Begin the process by collecting visual elements that resonate with your business aspirations. This could include images, quotes, and symbols that represent your brand, values, target audience, and the essence of your business.

Magazines and Online Platforms: Flip through magazines, browse online platforms, and curate a collection of visuals that align with your business vision.
Digital Collage Tools: Utilize digital tools such as Pinterest or Canva to create a virtual collage that encapsulates your business concept. Board seen here was created in Canva.com

3. Defining Your Business Goals:

Clarify and outline your business goals before diving into the visual representation. Are you aiming for growth, innovation, community impact, or perhaps a combination of these? Having a clear understanding of your objectives will guide the selection of visuals for your vision board.

4. Crafting Your Vision Board:

Now, it’s time to bring your vision to life on a physical or digital board.

Physical Vision Board:
- Materials: Gather magazines, scissors, glue, and a large board or poster paper.
- Arrangement: Play with the arrangement of your images and words. Group them based on themes or goals.
- Creativity: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add colors, textures, and personal touches.
Digital Vision Board:
- Online Tools: Use online tools like Canva to create a digital collage.
- Organization: Organize your visuals into sections that represent different aspects of your business.
- Accessibility: Save your digital vision board in a location where you can easily revisit and update it.

5. Manifesting Your Business Dreams:

Regularly revisit your vision board. Allow it to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, especially during challenging times. The act of consistently visualizing your goals can contribute to a positive mindset and attract opportunities aligned with your business vision.

6. Sharing Your Vision:

Consider sharing your vision board with your team or collaborators. It can be a powerful tool for aligning everyone with the same goals and fostering a collective sense of purpose.

Creating a vision board for your business ideas is not just a creative exercise; it's a tangible representation of your aspirations and a constant reminder of the path you're forging. Embrace the journey, let your creativity flow, and watch as your vision transforms into a thriving business reality. Happy envisioning!

Blossoming Success: Strategies for Florists to Book More Weddings

Alicia — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:00:55 +0000

As we enter the new year, many of us have the same thought percolating in our minds — how to build our wedding focused floral businesses.

For florists, weddings are not just events; they are opportunities to weave dreams into reality, turning couples’ visions into stunning floral landscapes.

However, in a competitive industry, securing more wedding bookings requires a combination of creativity, strategic marketing, and exceptional customer service.

Together, let’s explore some proven strategies for florists to flourish and book more weddings for the coming season.

Build an Irresistible Portfolio:

First impressions matter, and your portfolio is often the initial glimpse potential clients have into your floral artistry. Create a portfolio that showcases a diverse range of your best wedding work, highlighting your ability to adapt to different styles and themes. As a reminder, you don’t have to include every wedding and every arrangement you’ve ever designed — be sure to focus on featuring your favorites, they ones that really speak to your creative eye.

High-quality, professional photographs will make your arrangements stand out and demonstrate your commitment to excellence. And remember, always note the photographer who provided you with their lovely images.

Your Online Presence Matters:

In this day and age, having a strong online presence is essential. Invest time in building and maintaining a user-friendly website that showcases your portfolio, provides information about your services, and includes client testimonials. Most important elements of a website – clear contact information, a portfolio of YOUR work, an about section detailing how to work with YOU!

Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to share your work regularly, engage with your audience, and stay top of mind for couples planning their weddings.

Remember to put your effort in your website, we do not call the shots with social media and have to play the game, but we do own our websites and can control what’s on them and how they are marketed.

Network with Wedding Vendors:

Collaboration is key in the wedding industry. Build relationships with other wedding vendors such as wedding planners, photographers, caterers, cake bakers, and venues. Establishing a network can lead to referrals and collaborations on styled shoots, increasing your visibility within the wedding community.

Most importantly, having Friendors (friends who are vendors) is good for the soul and having longevity in this intense business.

Participate in Bridal Shows:

Bridal shows offer a direct line to engaged couples actively seeking wedding vendors. Participate in local bridal shows to showcase your floral designs, connect with potential clients, and distribute promotional materials. Consider offering exclusive discounts or promotions for attendees who book your services during or immediately after the event.

Personally, I preferred to participate in the small ones hosted by venues I enjoyed working at and I avoided the huge wedding shows where I’d easily get lost in the mix.

Offer Packages and Customization:

Create wedding packages that cater to different budgets and preferences. While some clients may prefer pre-designed packages for convenience, others may want a more personalized touch. Offering a mix of packages and customization options allows you to appeal to a broader range of clients.

Over the years I have found most clients wouldn’t go for a package, but it was a starting place for a conversation and gave people an idea on pricing.

Provide Exceptional Customer Service:

Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Ensure that every interaction with clients, from the initial inquiry to the completion of the wedding, is marked by professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care. Happy clients are more likely to recommend your services to friends and family.

Quite frankly, we all have bad days and when that inevitable bad day happens – avoid contact with clients or potential clients. Let the phone call go to voice mail and return it when you are in a better head space.

Utilize Wedding Blogs and Publications:

Submit your work to wedding blogs and publications to increase your visibility and credibility. Many couples turn to these platforms for inspiration, and having your designs featured can attract new clients. Research the submission guidelines of popular wedding blogs and submit high-quality images along with compelling stories about your floral creations.

Just a reminder – you must have the permission of the photographer to submit their images to a publication. Best to work together and decide which blogs you’d like to submit to — team work makes the dream work!

Booking more weddings as a florist requires a multifaceted approach that combines showcasing your artistry, leveraging online platforms, networking with industry professionals, and providing exceptional customer service. By adopting these strategies, you’ll position your floral business for success, turning inquiries into bookings and transforming wedding dreams into beautiful floral realities.

Best wishes to you and your business for a successful 2024 filled with lovely and flower filled weddings!

This blog post first appeared on Flirty Fleurs Florist Blog.

All photographs by Alicia Schwede.