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Home Blog The Farmer & the {Florist} Interview: Nicole Land of Soil and Stem
February 21st 2019

The Farmer & the {Florist} Interview: Nicole Land of Soil and Stem

Written by
Floret

Today I’m pleased to have Nicole Land from Soil and Stem join me for an interview as part of The Farmer & the Florist Interview series. From her Utah-based studio, Nicole designs flowers for weddings, events, editorials and also teaches design workshops online and around the globe.

Nicole has an incredible gift of transforming ordinary things we see everyday into something extraordinary. Using seasonal plant materials, she creates unique pieces with beautiful colors and textures and teaches others to “take a walk in the woods, your community garden and examine pictures or paintings of plants and the environment. In this inspiration, create designs to be an extension of the environment you’re working in.”

Nicole Land of Soil and Stem on Floret BlogI’ve long admired Nicole’s organic design style and recently had the opportunity to take a few of her online classes, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I recently reached out to Nicole to ask her share a little bit more about her herself and her work with Floret readers. 

Erin: Nicole, it is a great pleasure to have you in this space with us today. I’m personally really interested to learn more about your flower journey and appreciate your willingness to share it with Floret readers. For those that aren’t familiar with you, can you tell us about yourself? What was your path to becoming a floral designer?

Nicole: Hi Erin, thank you so much for inviting me today. I’ve been a huge admirer of yours for the longest time, the pleasure is mine to be sharing with you and your readers. I provide floral design services for weddings and corporate events as well as teach floral design classes online and host floral design workshops around the world. I live near the east mountain bench of Salt Lake City, Utah with my husband, Skyler, and our two young children.

Nicole at Soil and Stem Interview on Floret BlogI have always been an enthusiast of the arts; dabbling in design, painting, and drawing. However, I repeatedly found that I could rarely translate to paper or computer what I had envisioned in my mind. It wasn’t until I discovered nature mediums, floral design specifically, that I found satisfaction in my work.

This journey to finding flowers began in 2011. I was working a corporate job at the time and taking college classes on the weekends for graphic design. My sister knew I enjoyed creativity asked me to help her with her wedding flowers. An acquaintance helped me to order flowers for her event from the local wholesaler. (I remember being so nervous picking up my very first flower order, thinking they’d spot me as an imposter from a mile away!) It was a long and tiring weekend, but at the end of it all, I came away with a sense of joy when working with flowers. It was a moment of inspiration for me; the moment I decided to pursue floral design.

At that time, there weren’t many options I could find for taking floral design classes beyond a handful that were out of my budget or that took me across the country. I ended up enrolling in a course at a family-owned floral shop in a small town about an hour away. Two days a week for four weeks I made the two-hour round trip drive to learn to tape, tie, and chop! Although a far cry from the type of designing I’m ultimately doing, it taught me some very important basics.

Nicole Land of Soil and Stem Interview on Floret BlogAfter completing the course, I thought I was ready to take on a part time position at a shop closer to my home. I recall walking into one of these shops with high hopes. I was smart and a quick learner, I had some training, and I hired people for a living. I would get a job here, no sweat. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The shop owner took me by surprise, telling me I would hate being a florist, that I wouldn’t get to do the designing I wanted to do, and that I shouldn’t quit my day job. I was crushed. I left in tears, feeling defeated. This encounter, along with a devastating miscarriage a few weeks later left no space or emotional energy to continue my pursuit of a career change.

A little more than a year later I gave birth to my daughter and quit the 9-5. Although motherhood has been the ultimate blessing for me, at the time I was overwhelmed and I desperately needed an outlet. I remember feeling a sense of lost identity mixed with a roller coaster of hormones. This is when I kept coming back to flowers. I poured these emotions into quiet moments of creativity between nap times. Taking pictures of my floral designs from the corner light of my garage, I downloaded this app I didn’t know much about called Instagram and began sending my designs into the void. Before I knew it, I had a whole network of new friends, fellow designers, and industry of support which helped be become who I am today as a human, designer and business owner.

Soil and Stem Nicole Land photoErin: What advice would you give to others who are considering making a similar leap?

Nicole: Give yourself permission to put yourself out there and do what makes you happy. Set goals, have a support system, don’t compare yourself with others. Once you find a groove things come together, but getting there takes a lot of work and sacrifice.

Erin: Yes, having a support system is so important. I’ve been told that it is difficult to succeed without accepting lots of help. In your life, what kind of help have you asked for? What has been the best help you’ve ever received?

Nicole: I agree 100%! My strengths, achievements, and confidence gained as a mother, designer, and business owner, was birthed from the love and support others gave me.

I’ve learned from many florists whom I’ve had to ask for advice regarding situations I’ve never been in before, handling care for a particular flower, and secret foraging spots! I’ve asked for help from photographers and industry experts. Even Instagram followers have helped me with last minute freelancers. Most importantly, the help of my friends and family from babysitting, animal sitting, to working a job with me! My friends and family have been there. However, the one constant and best help I’ve ever received is the unyielding support from my husband, Skyler. He’s held me up through the toughest of times. Without him there most definitely would be no Soil and Stem.

Nicole Land designErin: What’s been the biggest surprise about owning your own business?

Nicole: I found out that I have a really hard time saying ‘no’ to people. Can anyone else relate? This got a bit out of control as my business began to quickly grow. Work/life became unbalanced. The one thing I tell myself whenever I get caught up in making a tough choice is remembering that by saying ‘no’ to one thing is really saying ‘yes’ to something else, and vice versa. Whether that’s in my home life or work life. Learning to say ‘no’ and making conscious commitments helped me manage my time as a business owner in a healthy way.

Nicole Land in her garden and studioErin: You describe your work as nature-based floral design. Tell us more about your approach to incorporating natural ingredients and locally-sourced flowers into your design work.

Nicole: There are so many opportunities to design with what our immediate environment provides us and to make the most of the seasons by collecting plant materials that grow around us. Foraging and gathering locally first came to me out of necessity. In Salt Lake City we don’t have a flower market and very few local growers with small seasonal windows. So everything I order is shipped to the Salt Lake City airport for me to pick up from the freight courier. Shipping overnight or same day freight can be expensive (not to mention a large carbon footprint), and sometimes product shows up the wrong color or damaged. That’s when I began to look to my surroundings to supplement what I couldn’t get from my wholesalers. This evolved into a more conscious effort as I began to understand the relationship local and seasonal flowers played into my work.

I’ve found that when gathering from nature, I learned to find beauty and appreciate the unconventional. Flowers, branches, seedpods, and berries grown in a native environment are unapologetic in the shape their surroundings have sculpted. These materials can tell a story about the habitat they grew in. I strive to foster this extension of the environment and season in my designs in hopes of creating a feeling of belonging and authenticity. Even one special stem from the garden or roadside can bring an entire design together with just enough wildness!

Soil and Stem Interview on Floret websiteErin: What botanical ingredients are you on the hunt for? What are some floral finds that make you the happiest? 

Nicole: Anything that is light in visual weight! Usually that means vining or bell shaped flowers. One variety that gets me every time is Campanula punctata or the Spotted Bellflower. It has the most delicate, heart-shaped foliage with fairy-like, scalloped bell blooms traveling up its stem. I find these types of stems can carry color, direct eye-path, and layer over heavier weighted flowers in a gentle way.

Erin: I recently signed up for three of your online classes, Hand Gathered Bouquets, Garden Centerpieces and Natural Installations. You are such a gifted teacher! Can you share with readers how can they learn from you online and in person?

Nicole: I offer small seasonal classes each year at my studio in Salt Lake City alongside a handful of overseas workshops. My online courses are a compilation of design-specific video lessons students can watch from any device. During these video lessons, I guide students through my approach to nature-based floral design. Students come away with how to achieve breath and dimension in their work, understand the flower varieties that lend themselves to natural floristry, along with knowledge of mechanics, tools, supply lists, and my step by step design processes. Online courses are a great option for those who don’t have the time or budget for traveling to in-studio classes or multi day workshops. This year I’ll have some new courses available including a bouquet intensive and tablescape design class.

Erin: Thank you so much, Nicole, for taking the time to share your story today. I’ve enjoyed following you on Instagram for so long and it is such a pleasure to learn a little more about you as a mother and business owner. Thank you for sharing so much beauty with the world!

Thank you so much for your kind words and having me in this space with you today! I am forever grateful for all of the support and generous feedback I’ve received. This flower community is amazing and I feel beyond fortunate to get to reach all of you to share the same love for nature, design, and learning.

Update: The giveaway is now closed. A huge congratulations to our winners, Zefanya Samantha Sahusilawane and Joan. Thank you all for entering!

As part of our celebration of 5 years of the Farmer & the Florist Interview series, I’m giving away a FREE registration to Soil and Stem’s Garden Centerpiece Workshop and Nicole is offering a generous $250 course credit. For a chance to win one of these two great gifts, simply post a comment below. In your comment, please share your favorite spring flower. The deadline for entries is March 3rd.  

Please note: If your comment doesn’t show up right away, sit tight, we have a spam filter that requires we approve comments before they are published.

Learn more and connect with Nicole at Soil and Stem:

Website: Soil and Stem
Online Classes: Soil and Stem Classes
Instagram: @soilandstem  

 

401 Comments

  1. Trisha Power on

    So inspiring, thank you for sharing! Your flowers and bouquets are simply stunning. I hope to someday have varieties like these at my fingertips. I have always loved peonies in the springtime.

    Reply
  2. Mandy Chen on

    I’m already the follower of Nicole and I love her style so much!! Ranunculus is my favorite spring flower :)

    Reply
  3. Julia on

    So beautiful and honest! My favorite spring flower, called the queen of spring in your book, is the gorgeous peony!

    Reply
  4. Janet on

    So very interesting I will be following Soil and Stem shortly. I not sure if I can have just one but Peony has to be at the very top.

    Reply
  5. Anna on

    thank you for giving us the opportunity to win one of those great gifts! My favorite spring flowers is primula. I remember walking by the little woods near my house in the spring when i was a little girl, admiring yellow primulas. I still keep one dried primula plant from Poland (i was born in Poland) in the frame in our home:)

    Reply
  6. Anna on

    The loveliest interview! Ranunculus would be my favorite spring flower!

    Reply
  7. Nan Kuenzi on

    I love them all but if I have to choose….Anemones.

    Reply
  8. Rachel Wolstenholme on

    My favourite spring flower has to be primroses: their beautiful soft colour and very special scent and their smiling faces smiling up from the bottom of the hedgerows :-)

    Reply
  9. Natalie on

    Ranunculas! Ever inspiring with your story Nicole x

    Reply
  10. Janelle on

    I would love to learn from Nicole! Thanks for sharing. My fav spring bloom is dogwood!

    Reply
  11. Carolyn on

    Anemones- if I had to choose….!

    Reply
  12. Jessica Defaymoreau on

    My favorite Spring flower would have to be Ranunculus this year. It’s my first time growing Spring flowers and they just started blooming and I could eat them the look so yummy. Thank you, Nicole! Your work is unforgettable. And Thank you, Erin for sharing her story with us.

    Reply
  13. Sanne De Greef on

    Soil and stem, Nicole, you’re my biggest source of inspiration, the one I come back to again and again. What you’re saying in the interview about finding your own strength and equilibrium, I can read it in you work. In between the overload of visual information today you’re work stand out as a rock. It gets its strength from the inside out and shows us the power of the vulnerable. It touches me. My favorite spring flower is prunus nigra, with old curved branches.

    Reply
  14. Amagoia on

    I already completed the floral installation workshop that Nicole provides online and it was very enriching and inspiring. I am from Spain and here you can’t find this approach to floral desing, I was so happy to find this online course as I don’t have the resources to travel. I hope to be able to do more courses and learn more about Nicole’s approach. She is a really gifted florist and I felt so happy doing the course, thanks Nicole! One of my favourite winter/spring flower is muscari.

    Reply
  15. Eleanor on

    So inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story, I love hearing about the garden communities showing love and support to each other, it’s unlike any community I’ve ever been apart of. ? My favorite spring flower this year are poppies- I’ve planted them everywhere!

    Reply
  16. Natalie Beverage on

    I learned so much from Nicole’s Online Class; as a mother of two littles it’s perfect because I can watch it again and again whenever I get a moment to myself. My favorite spring flower has to be tulips.

    Reply
  17. Shelby on

    I always get so happy when I see sweet peas- they remind me of my grandfather and his garden.

    Reply
  18. Oksana on

    Muscari <3 <3 is my fav spring flower! It is so related to the end of winter. I love the its delicacy.

    Reply
  19. Hanna Wilson on

    If only you could know the encouragement i found in the honesty of your words—a newly graduated, newly wed in a season of dreaming. I’ve always had one toe dipped ever so slightly in floral/weddings, but in its reoccurrence i find confirmation of my passion. Thank you!

    Oh, and this girl loves her Ranunczzz!

    Reply
  20. Heather on

    Loved your beautiful story & inspiration! I’d have to pick Ranunculus…always makes my heart skip a beat & it’s about as close to a David Austin rose as you can get until they come into bloom. So gorgeous!

    Reply
  21. Lindsey Norton on

    I absolutely love Nicole’s wreaths and loose style. Tulips have been my long time favorite flower. They a simple but beautiful,

    Reply
  22. Lynn on

    Lilacs! We had a ton of lilac bushes growing around the house when I was a kid and I loved to pick bunches of flowers with my Mom and sister. The smell was fantastic!

    Reply
  23. Lucy on

    OMG I love the interview!
    Thank you so much for sharing
    My favorite spring bloom is ranunculus, mainly because it can be mixed with everything, for every style.

    Reply
  24. Aimee on

    I love ranunculus and double tulips! Both are so beautiful with their layered petals.

    Reply
  25. Shirley Burns on

    Last year I got the chance to design with Nicole when she came to Canada to instruct for a spring class. It was such a beautiful experience. It was truly good for the soul. I love following her and her authenticity in everisne does. There are sooo many spring flowers that I love but hellebores are one of my favourites for sure!

    Reply
  26. Mandy on

    What an encouraging story! My favourite spring bloom is a double tulip ?

    Reply
  27. Melanie on

    I love this Nicole. I have been following your instagram and have taken your wreath workshop. I’m in the same boat about getting flowers brought in. We live in a secluded valley in British Columbia so I too forage and grow and am just starting out. I appreciate you honesty about getting started. It’s encouraging. Last year I fell head over heels for hellebores. I was gifted a few from a local garden, and also bought a few more, none of which I have seen bloom yet. I have begun to grow a hoard more of these beauties and am anxiously waiting for the 6 feet of snow I have to melt so I can see these flowers in bloom. Thank you both for this inspirational interview. I appreciate all you have done to get to this place.

    Reply
  28. Kirsten Mackay on

    So hard to choose just one, but the one for me that epitomises spring for me has to be blossom. Can I cheat by choosing all blossoms from cherry to apple blossom, spirea, wild currant, the list goes on. It’s just so pretty and light and fleeting and adds that special touch of magic. Lovely interview Nicole x

    Reply
  29. April Ellsworth on

    Thank you for sharing your story Nicole! I especially liked your philosophy on learning to say no!
    I find you both inspirations in this flowering business and appreciate your posts full of beautiful photos and helpful information.
    Do I have to choose just one favorite spring flower?? That’s tough, but I’ll have to say tulips because they are both cheerful and graceful in my opinion.

    Reply
  30. joannah bulanadi on

    Beautiful article. I live in the tropics (Philippines) but we have summer 10 months a year, but my favorite are the mini sunflowers with curved stems, I imagined them having giant sunflowers over their head so they curve and bend to get some sunlight.

    Reply
  31. Dana on

    I enjoyed reading the interview and Nicole is an inspiration to me to believe in myself and keep plugging along. My favorite spring flower is Peony!

    Reply
  32. Abby on

    Such an inspiration and encouraging interview! I love hearing how Nicole found her way to the beautiful work she does now! It so resonates with me as I try and find my own voice! I love Forsythia as a favorite spring bloom! In my neighborhood in Salt Lake City growing up there was always so much forsythia as a true sign that spring was in full swing! It’s also such a gorgeous flower in arrangements! I also have to say I love snowdrops now too as I live in Ireland and those are the first signs of spring here! Thanks again for this interview, absolutely loved getting to know Nicole better!

    Reply
  33. Kirsten on

    Love this! I purchased the hand gathered bouquets training and can’t wait to spend a few weekend honing her method with my Grams this spring! My favorite spring flower has to be tulips, they’ll forever remind me of the beautifully wild gardens my Dad always kept?

    Reply
  34. Ahna Hughes on

    spirea thunbergii is my favorite spring bloom – it’s something I wait all year for because how delicate the tiny blooms are on each stem – the branch like shape always adds so much context to the nature of flowers in their truest form…

    Reply
  35. Aimie Ryan on

    I can’t go past Ranunculus. They are always the first sign following winter that warmer weather is on its way.

    Loved this article so much, it completely resonated with me. Being a Mother of 3 myself, I also started my floral styling business after the birth of my first child. Nicole is truely an inspiration and someone I truely admire.

    Thanks for sharing

    Aimie ‘Willow & Bear’

    Reply
  36. Melissa on

    Thank you both for sharing! If I had to pick a favourite spring bloom it would be freesias – the old fashion scented varieties. Ranunculus would come a very close second.

    Reply
  37. Jane Matthias on

    Thank you for sharing your story Nicole. It gives me encouragment to pursue my passion. My favorite spring bloom is Spring Beauty, a tiny, delicate flower I look forward to finding every year in our Virginia woodlands.

    Reply
  38. Gailwave on

    Thank you both for your journeys that led you to be able to have this interview- and thank you for sharing for someone like me who is just starting out! Seeing the similarities in your story (9-5, lack of inspiration there, and the inspiration found in nature (finally!) again..) I just started making bouquets for friends’ weddings and have the same “imposter” fear (I am self taught and try to learn from free sources online wherever and whatever I can find) reading this interview shines so much light for me: it’s easy to see your established posts and never think about how you may have gotten your “start”… oh! My favorite spring flower is the Wisteria that grows on our neighbors farm!

    Reply
  39. Caitlin on

    Gotta go with ranunculus! Cherry blossoms are a close second, as a DC native.

    Reply
  40. Sheri Steele on

    I’m so grateful I happened on both of your accounts this morning! This interview has inspired me to share more of my passion for flowers. My favorite spring flower is lily-of-the-valley!

    Reply
  41. Carolyn on

    What a lovely interview! It is so hard to choose a favorite spring flower but if I would have to say the blossoming branches spring.

    Reply
  42. Jessa Nimer on

    I love fresh branches of fruit tree blossoms, but my favorite flower in spring is grape hyacinth. It’s so delicate, but has so much texture. I just love it.

    Reply
  43. Diane Hollister on

    I picked my first daffodil today, so today daffodils are my favorite spring flower!

    Reply
  44. Mandy on

    Aqueligia I love the way it dances! Thank you for sharing your story x

    Reply
  45. Amy Farside Kern on

    I’m having such a rough day at work and taking a minute to read your blog helped calm me and make me happy. I just told my coworker I’m going to read a flower blog to make my day better. I love reading about people who are experience in the field bc I am just getting my feet wet – I love to learn from other people! I would really like to learn more about design and want I can do with it as well. My favorite spring flower is peony – they are so special – every year mom my and I wait on bated breathe for her peony plant to flower!

    Reply
  46. Larysa on

    Fritillary, I can’t get enough of graceful lines?

    Reply
  47. Ariel Holloway on

    Nicole & Erin, inspirational goddesses! Endless gratitude to you both for sharing this story and your floral wisdom! I feel re-encouraged for the fifth or six time to shed my self doubt and attempt to enter the floral world. My favorite flower is Nasturtium.

    Reply
  48. Anna on

    Beautiful, ladies! Poppies are so whimsical and cheerful yet full of character.

    Reply
  49. Eliza on

    Thanks for sharing your story Nicole! I must say that Sweet Peas will always be close to my heart – not only are their tendrils and petals a composition of abstract beauty, it was also what my grandfather called me when I was young!

    Reply
  50. Karouna Thompson on

    Beautiful story. In spring I love all the flowering branches. Last year we went to Japan for our honeymoon and all the plum and cherry blossoms ? were truely breathtaking.

    Reply
  51. Tennessee on

    Wonderful story! Anemones are my favorite spring flower.

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  52. Laura on

    Such a lovely interview, thank you!! Pandora anemones have stolen my heart this spring!

    Reply
  53. Christa Stosiek on

    Butterfly ranunculus is my hearts desire, can’t wait to grow this myself!!

    Reply
  54. Stephanie on

    Love these interviews! My favorite sound flower is currently Lily of the Valley!

    Reply
  55. Megan on

    Wow, this made me tear up! I’m currently on that roller coaster of becoming a new mama, about to quit my 9-5, and using my floral design business as an outlet. All the feels ?
    My favorite spring flower is ranunculus. Especially pretty pastel ones! Loved learning more about you!

    Reply
  56. Jo on

    Love hearing from you! My favorite Spring flower is snakehead Fritillary

    Reply
  57. Janet A. on

    Thank you for sharing your story. My favorite spring flowers are Sweet Peas!

    Reply
  58. Jacquelyn Nolen on

    Sweet Pea! Sweet Pea! and Sweet Pea!! I tried, for the first time, to grow these last year with floret seeds and struggled getting them to bloom. I’m starting from seed again this year and hope to have flowers this time around. Regardless, enjoying the garden journey!!

    Reply
  59. Kate Fraser-Hominick on

    I love hearing all about the “journey” to flowers. Spring here comes in many forms and although I love most spring flowers, it’s the fresh green buds and pretty little pink cones on the tamarack tree that I love most. Does that count as a flower, lol?

    On a side note- I’ve purchased the bouquet and large scale installation courses offered by Nicole and ❤ #neverstoplearning

    Reply
  60. Rachel on

    Thank you for the important reminder that life brings opportunity for joy even in the most painful moments. Spring flowers embody this so well! I love many spring flowers but lilacs have my heart for sure.

    Reply
  61. Amanda on

    Great interview, my favorite spring flower is daffodils. I am a small vegetable and flower farmer in salt lake City and hope nicole starts looking to incorporate more local blooms.

    Reply
  62. Danielle Shmyr on

    My favourite spring flower is definitely the peony! But the ranunculus comes in at a very close second! Thank you for the lovely interview – very inspiring to read. I would love to take one (or all!!) of your classes, floral design has always been a creative outlet of mine ?. If I were to win I’d take the bouquet intensive online course as well as the garden centrepiece course.

    Reply
  63. Ariana on

    Great interview ladies! So wonderful to learn more about how your journey started Nicole! My favourite spring flower is narcissus.

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  64. Michelle on

    Muscari will have my heart, always!

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  65. Colette Barney on

    Tulips, especially the unique colored ones and the double flowered kind that resemble a peony! I love how they open up when used in arrangments. So gorgeous!

    Reply
  66. Heather on

    Adore the article! I love all the anemones and peonies!

    Reply
  67. Christie on

    I love hellebores. They are the earliest flower to bloom in the garden outside my kitchen sink window. They inspire and prepare me for the upcoming visual flower feast that awaits me.

    Reply
  68. Hannah on

    Awesome read ! Love your story ….Tulips their vibrant colors pull me right out of Winter

    Reply
  69. Mary on

    I love daffodils–a sure sign of spring! Thank you for this post!

    Reply
  70. Camie Ruden on

    TULIPS! this was amazing information, thanks!

    Reply
  71. Lindsay Hamilton on

    One of my favorite spring flowers is the old fashioned Flowering Quince! It is a early, spring, beautiful shrub that has stems bursting with buds and blossoms before the leaves sprout. My neighbor has one and it greets me every morning as I look across the street.

    Reply
  72. dawn kuznkowski on

    my favorite spring flowers are mini yellow daffodils that I have underneath my apple tree, they are so small and dainty yet
    loud at the same time, they remind me of fairies and magical things because of their size.

    Reply
  73. Brittany on

    I love hyacinths! The fragrance just says spring to me.

    Reply
  74. Sarah Tooley on

    Thank you for sharing your story! One of my favorite spring flowers are Tulips!!

    Reply
  75. Colette Staples on

    I feel like the growing is so much easier than the designing. I hope to someday have the “eye” for floral art pieces. I enjoy the beautiful colors of Hellebores and daffodils. It is candy to my senses when those first colors are displayed after a long dreary winter.

    Reply
  76. Paia Doctolero on

    I love flowering quince in spring. I have a few in my yard and passerbys have actually come onto my property to take a picture with one of them.

    Reply
  77. cathy corry on

    I enjoyed the interview, you are both such amazing floral designers! Peonies are my all time favorite spring flower and sadly for me, the most difficult to grow in my area!

    Reply
  78. Sarah on

    Hi Erin and team. I just love your profiles so much. Thank you for sharing them.
    My favorite spring flower is a peony. Nothing compares!

    Reply
  79. Marian on

    Daffodils always bring me joy in the spring with their bright yellow blooms!

    Reply
  80. Patricia Starkey on

    Tulips, hands down are my ultimate favorite Spring bloom. I’m sure this is the case for many flower lovers but how can you not? They are sexy, sleek, voluptuous and desirable. They have curve and color that is so breath-taking and some of the most anticipated growth after winter time. Thank you for sharing this interview! Nicole is fantastic! Her design and approach to local forage is right up my alley and I so enjoyed reading this.

    Reply
  81. Andy Bryant on

    Favorite spring flower is Columbine. Thanks for these interviews. Inspiring and practical.

    Reply
  82. Leah Busch on

    Loved reading Nicole’s story. Sometimes life gets in the way of our dreams. It’s inspiring to hear that she returned to her flowers in such a fulfilling way! For springtime blooms, I keep picturing fritillaria persica paired with the soft, full, creamy yellow of Art Design daffodil. I think they are a match made in heaven.

    Reply
  83. Chris C. on

    Thank you for sharing your encouraging story Nicole. I can especially relate to your being rejected by a florist shop, just happened to me last week and I too cried….but things have a way of working out and I too will journey on. Its hard to pick just one favorite flower but I would have to say Hyacinths for their scent. One of the first patch of bulbs I planted when we bought our house.

    Reply
  84. Tanya on

    Tulips are one of my favourite spring flowers. This was a very inspiring interview I am going to link through and have a look at her site. Thank you Erin for sharing your time and information with us.

    Reply
  85. Ruth Dohner on

    Sweet peas are my favorite spring flower and I’m so envious of those huge bundles of sweet peas you show photos of in your book and online.I read your educational piece on growing sweet peas and look forward to improving the quality of my sweet peas this year.

    Reply
  86. Rebekah on

    When my bees come out on warm days in winter and sip from our wild witch hazel blooms I really believe that spring is coming any minute. Or then again, when my high tunnel gets just warm enough that my johnny jump ups begin to bloom (yesterday was the day!) I know it’s springtime. Or, I really do have a soft spot for the first tiny snowdrops, and keep a teensie bottle handy all winter waiting to pick the first one (not yet, here in upstate NY).

    Reply
  87. Darcy on

    A lovely interview. Encouraging. I really like the simple approach to presenting flowers.

    Reply
  88. Sarah Bailey on

    I love the sprangly branches of quince and forsythia. I have a friend who once commented that people who prune those into ball shaped bushes should get a poodle instead! I still laugh at that.
    I also have found it next to impossible to get a job at a florist – even a more creative one, even after volunteering at my church doing altar flowers for 5+ years. I don’t have the money to open a design studio – how does one get started? Thank you!

    Reply
  89. Sally Davis on

    Thank you for sharing, it was an incredibly inspiring read! dahlias and sweet peas are my favourite spring florals! They’re both so delicate and feminine.

    Reply
  90. Alyssa Lassinger on

    I live in Montana, so when the Hellebores bloom I know I have survived another winter and spring is here!

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  91. Melissa on

    Giant Snowdrops, I love the green dots! ?

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  92. Kailla Platt on

    I love Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and Quince branches. Ah Spring! cheers

    Reply
  93. Erika Eschholz on

    Bleeding heart (dicentra spectabilis) and native clematis vine found in our nearby forests are my favorite spring flowers:) Thank you!

    Reply
  94. Amy B on

    Thank you for sharing these beautiful designs! Hellebores are my favorite early spring flower and have been beautiful and abundant for making prom corsages.

    Reply
  95. Kate Leah on

    Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense).

    Reply
  96. Shannon Jones on

    I really love tulips in the spring and grow more each year!

    Reply
  97. Priscilla Merrick Coleman on

    Thank you for the inspiration! Although I feel like a traitor in publicly stating a favorite, and even though I am blown away by anemones, poppies and ranunculus, I just have to go with leucojum. I am blessed with a huge patch planted by my grandmother, so for me, it’s full of memories, I love it’s light scent and understated elegance, and it can stand alone in a bouquet or add that beautiful airiness to a mixed one. I’s Spring.

    Reply
  98. Amy Miller on

    Wow! Nicole’s work is stunning, and her story so relatable. Years ago I worked in a flower shop and fell in love. I knew immediately I belonged with flowers. Then I went off to college and lost sight of my goal and ended up in a corporate job that I hated. My husband and I agreed I would stay at the job with good pay until we had kids, and then I would venture into the flower world. I didn’t know it would be 5 years, with a devastating miscarriage and a long adoption process before we welcomed a child into our home. During that wait I found Floret on Instagram and eagerly and gratefully soak up all the info you share through your many channels. I love to arrange with what I can grow, which has always just been from my yard, but this year I’m extending beyond the yard for the first time, toddler in tow! I live in 4b, with long harsh winters, so the sight of hellebores in the spring literally makes my heart sing! Thank you ladies for spreading so much sunshine!

    Reply
  99. Becky Jarvis on

    I forgot to include my favorite flower, it’s hard to pick just one, spring would be anemones and summer would be dahlias,

    Reply
  100. Becky jarvis on

    Thanks so much Erin for sharing all the interviews, I enjoyed everyone I read. Nicole’s from soil and stem stood out the most because I love the way she designs, her work is so natural and beautiful. I also want to thank you Erin for all the information you have shared especially your videos. One day I hope I will be able to afford Nicole’s classes as well as your online class. I’m working toward that every year.
    Thanks again,
    Becky

    Reply
  101. Anna on

    Thank you both for this wonderful and inspiring interview! This fully resonated with me as I am a farmer, florist and mother of young kids. One of my favorite spring flowers are apple blossoms – not only for their scent but how the bees rejoice and the promise of summers fruits.

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  102. Michele on

    Beautiful! My favorite spring flower is probably a toss up between daffodils and grape hyacinths which remind me of my great grandmother’s house.

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  103. Alma Herrera-Sanchez on

    Great interview! I’m a new flower farmer and aspiring florist. I’ve always paid close attention to plants in nature but not from the perspective of floristry. Now I cant wait to get outside and forage more! I look forward to following Soil and Stem and learning much more!

    Reply
  104. Valerie Taylor on

    I so enjoyed the interview. My favorite spring flower is viburnum also known as snowball bush and daffodils.

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  105. Danalee on

    Beautiful! I love to hear the backstory. My favorite spring flower is lily-of-the-valley. They are fleeting but the scent is so memorable-reminds me of being at my grandma’s.

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  106. Shelby Olson on

    Lilacs, are my all-time favorite springtime flower. Their scent brings back fond childhood memories. I loved reading this interview.

    Reply
  107. Laura Cavanaugh on

    I loved this interview. It sounds like many of us has gotten the same start as a florist. Without the community support, we wouldn’t get far. Thank you for your inspiration and all the knowledge you share. I’ve enjoyed taking your courses and learning new techniques. In your bouquet intensive you use a lot of sweet peas and those are probably my favorite spring blooms. Or maybe Fritillaria. It always makes me happy when I get to use them.

    Reply
  108. Kara on

    So sweet of you both! My favorite spring flowers are Lilacs. ?

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  109. Inna Zvezdina on

    Thanks for the beautiful and inspiring interview!
    My favorite spring flower is snowdrop!

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  110. Ioana on

    Thank you both for beeing soo inspiring! I can totaly relate with not beeing able to say no… nice perspective.
    My favourite spring flower is fressia! ✌?

    Reply
  111. Jessica on

    I love how supportive the flower community is and I’m so grateful for your willingness to share and teach what you have learned with us. Flowers lend themselves to beauty inside and out! My favorite spring flowers are pansy and narcissus. They make spring bright after a long winter.

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  112. Aaron on

    Thanks for the great interview! The creative arranging part of flowers is definitely difficult for me and I would love to learn more about it. As for favorite spring flowers? Whatever is blooming each day! In the spring I walk around our house every day when I get home from work to see what has changed in each flower. Blooming poppies and peonies are particularly fascinating and I love our flowering crabapple tree in full bloom!

    Reply
  113. Samantha Kouroubacalis on

    Thank you for your constant generosity, it’s an inspiration to me to see how far and wide you spread the love. Love the interviews you’ve done. Lovely to have an idea what others are doing and feeling!

    My favorite spring flowers are hands down parrot tulips and hellebores.

    Reply
  114. Sylvia Butler on

    What beautiful work! My favorite spring flowers are galanthus nivalis.

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  115. Lexi on

    So great to “meet” you Nicole and thank you Erin as usual for the abundance of information and experience.
    At the moment I have to go with Hellebore. They just survived a snowstorm more or less unphased.
    Every time I look out the window they remind me of all thrs to come this season. The deer don’t eat them and they are just freaking gorgeous!

    Reply
  116. Katie Stutler on

    Such beautiful design! I will be following from now on…as for my favorite spring flowers…plum blossoms or black and white anemone. Thanks for this great interview!

    Reply
  117. Paige on

    Great interview Erin and Nicole! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and passion. I think my favorite spring flowers are redbud. Here in the south they kick off spring.

    Reply
  118. Sophia on

    Such a wonderful interview! I recently decided to start learning about floral design and reading this has been so inspiring. My favorite winter/spring flowers are hellebores, but later in spring when all the saucer magnolias bloom my heart really swoons.

    Reply
  119. Tiffany McCurdy on

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and introducing us to other inspiring women. I am in the second year of my flower adventure and as a mother of four beautiful children I can totally relate to Nicole’s need for an outlet. I would have to say my favorite spring flower is a Flowering Quince I have in my yard. Until I started appreciating flowers I looked past the lanky looking shrub. Now every spring I wait with excited anticipation watching for the little flowers to emerge. Magically tansforming it into a thing of beauty that brings a smile to my face. I am on a quest to learn as much as I can and would so appreciate a lesson in design. Thank you for the opportunity!

    Reply
  120. Lynda Schrumpf on

    Nicole has such a great story to share. The soil and stem website is just beautiful. Her design classes sound amazing, I hope to take one in the near future. Erin thanks for sharing the interview. My favorite spring flower is the Floret Black & White Anemones, I get some many complements on them.

    Reply
  121. Nancy Bergan on

    In The high desert of Nevada, not much blooms in the spring except for sage and rabbit brush, just looking across the open land waves of purple & yellow are everywhere. At home I plant tulips, lots of white, it’s a clean start to what I imagine in my mind I can plant color wise for summer..

    Reply
  122. Kelly Glover on

    This interview is so inspiring. I think it’s hard to remember to“Give yourself permission to put yourself out there and to do what makes you happy,” as Nicole stated in this post. Doing what we believe society expects us to do may seem easier—trusting in what we love and working hard for it, leaves us more fulfilled than any societal standard could. I have recently begun to explore my passion and hope to work hard and achieve my goals. This post certainly gave fuel to that inspiration.

    Reply
  123. Heidi Westerhuis on

    Both of you are an inspiration to me. I’m starting out this year with my first garden and hoping to get to a point where I can teach design classes on the property. My seeds are floretflower and they are so happy and healthy as little seedlings already.

    Reply
  124. Michele Rund on

    Can’t wait for spring! Having so much fun designing my daughters wedding decor. Need to take a workshop

    Reply
  125. Jihye Barker on

    Ooh, a favorite spring flower… I can’t choose between peonies and ranunculus.

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  126. Mandy Hess on

    My favorite spring flower is narcissus; such a dainty flower that smells heavenly!

    Reply
  127. Leah on

    A favorite flower is so hard to pinpoint! Springtime brings visceral memories of lilacs. But I love hellebore, and pansys (Johnny Jump-Ups is what we always have called them!). I also love walking through the woods and seeing those first shots of color from trilliums.

    Reply
  128. Joyce Winget on

    I love the spring snowdrop. There is something beautiful about white flowers with a touch of green. With all the snow we have had this year, it was special to see them push up through the snow.

    Reply
  129. Dutcher Flower Farm on

    Love reading your blog interviews! They’re so honest and refreshing. There’s so many wonderful Spring flowers but I really love snowball viburnum flowers. When I was little, I packed a bag of clothes and snacks and “ran away from home”. I only made it to the big, white, shady snowball bush in the backyard, ate all my snacks and fell asleep. Needless to say, I “returned home” safely. I’m now 36 and that bush is still there and I use it in my bouquets ?

    Reply
  130. Bonnie on

    Such a great duo you two will make. Love the talents you both have. Beautiful!!

    Reply
  131. Linda on

    My favorite early spring flower is the Hellebore. It always reassures me that spring is near, waiting to burst into bloom.

    Reply
  132. Ruth Ann on

    I think my favorite spring flower is tulips. Thanks so much for all these interviews. They are so fascinating and informative.

    Reply
  133. Julie on

    Thank you for such an encouraging and inspiring interview! I will always love budding branches of any kind…they feel like a must-have necessity…and Ranunculus…because they feel like simple extravagance:)

    Reply
  134. Colleen on

    I’m always smitten with butterfly ranunculus. So beautiful on their own and they just seem to make an arrangement so special.

    Reply
  135. Anita m on

    One of my favorites is ranunculus! Amen I just discovered the Italian ones so now I must have some! Not sure they will like our weather, but hopefully! Thank you!

    Reply
  136. Keren Ram on

    It’s all about the Iceland Poppies! Now, if only I can get them to start in my greenhouse… Going to read Erin’s post about this year in and year out!

    Reply
  137. Aaron on

    I love Anemones in the spring. Especially white ones with the blue/black centers. The are mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing your journey Nicole, I’m hoping to find the courage one of these to take my own leap.

    Reply
  138. Janet Debow on

    Thank you for such an inspiring post. I love that natural elements are highlighted in the floral designing. My favorite spring flowers are ranulucas, anemones, and hellebores. Oh, and flowering quince! Thanks for sharing so much beauty and insights with us. It’s very generous!

    Reply
  139. Melissa on

    My favorite spring time flower is the Parrot Tulip. Particularly the Black Parrot. Such beauty in their ruffles and so much personality these flowers have. If I could, I would swim in a sea of Parrot Tulips because I love them so much. This is a fabulous giveaway and I would love to take a few classes as I know it will help reinvent myself and my business.

    Reply
  140. Joy on

    In spring, I love doubled frilly tulips and I always look forward to cheerful daffodils.

    Reply
  141. Anne Duck on

    My favorite Spring flower is peonies.
    They always make me smile.

    Reply
  142. Loretta Etchison on

    I love them all. It’s hard to commit to one. I seem to get crushes on certain flowers, each season. Ranunculus make me giddy, but blooming branches, parrot tulips, hellebores, lily of the valley, and forget me nots, take my breath away too. So lucky to be part of such a creative and supportive community. Thank you all for your inspiration.

    Reply
  143. Lila Bareford on

    I know it’s spring when the lilacs bloom love mixing purple and white with new shoots of greens in a handmade pottery vase on my table. The flower I leave in the woods the lady slipper is so delicate and beautiful and fun to discover on a walk in the woods I love to create with flowers and am wanting to learn more . I would love the opportunity to take one of your classes. I admire your design sense and how free the flowers appear

    Reply
  144. Eline Houtkamp on

    I love Honesty, as a flower and as a quality ;-) it’s native here in The Netherlands. The fresh simple flowers in white, pink and purple always fill me with most excitement for the whole flower season. And then you can also dry them after they set the gorgeous delicate silver dollar seed pods. A double joymaker!

    Reply
  145. Beth K on

    My favorite flower is the peony…although it is so hard to pick just one. Last spring I welcomed 8 more chicks to our farmette & named each one after a different flower:) Nicole’s designs are breathtaking! Thanks for the opportunity:)

    Reply
  146. Tessa Sellekaerts on

    Ranunculus! I’m growing them for the first time in my first even owned greenhouse. This course would help me learn more about centerpieces to created with the biological flowers that I grow. Let’s hope! ?

    Reply
  147. April Holder on

    Who knew I live so close to someone creating such beautiful designs! I would absolutely love to attend a workshop. I’m in love with hellibores this spring ?

    Reply
  148. Suzanne Tom on

    Ranunculus light up my life! I have a compulsion to sink my face and caress my cheeks with their blossomy fullness! What bliss!!!
    Learning how to showcase them to the fullest would be a wonderful opportunity and thanks for sharing and spreading the knowledge.

    Reply
  149. Katie T. on

    As a fellow floral designer I am obsessed with seeded eucalyptus and ranunculus. You can’t go wrong when you add those two babies into a bouquet. I would love to have the chance at this course!

    Reply
  150. Anna on

    Thank you for the introduction, it’s really nice to read how everyone gets to their flower career! Peonies and lilacs are always favorites but really by the time spring rolls around, I’m happy with any flower!

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  151. Ciera Schmid on

    I love reading about kindred spirits… the birth of my daughter was the catalyst for my journey into floral design as well! Now she is one and I just started my business! My favorite spring blooms are peonies ?

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  152. Debi on

    My favorite spring flower is Peonies. Enjoyed this interview, and checking out the Soil and Stems website. I love growing flowers and definitely would love to learn more about designing.

    Reply
  153. Kathy Stice on

    I love alliums! I’ve planted an entire raised bed with them, and I’m growing some “lollipop” shaped flower from seed to compliment them, such as globe thistle, globe amaranth, armeria, and some billy button seeds I ordered all the way from Australia. I think alliums are fascinating and enjoy drying them, especially schubertti, which looks like an exploding firework. I want to learn more about using line material and other “foraged” material for my arrangements.

    Reply
  154. Poppy on

    Daffodils all the way! Being from the UK winter can be a little drizzly and somewhat dull, that first little peep of yellow is enough of a gesture that spring is on its way. Hooray… and they just keep coming. Love them!

    Thanks for sharing your story Nicole, I’m at the beginning of this little rollercoaster ride!

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  155. Stephanie on

    For me it’s a toss up between the scent of lilacs and the beauty of peonies!

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  156. Christy Gerlach on

    Ranunculus just gets me every time! It’s so intricate yet robust and it’s innumerable petals mesmerize me! I LOVE adding nature into my floral designs! It just makes them more real!

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  157. Ellen Richardson on

    I would looove to take a class!! My favorite springtime flower: daffodils.

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  158. Callie Milliken on

    Oh!!! I love ranunculus! They are the most magical flower!! ????

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  159. Carly on

    There are so many good ones, but ranunculus always wins. :)

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  160. Ti on

    Wild violets!!! Hands down! Simple, beautiful and useful! I cannot fathom how people hate them in their yard! And dig them out or kill them! I’ll take them all! Blessings to you both… Amazing talent and lots if hard work…. Thank u both for sharing. Blessings!

    Reply
  161. Trena on

    What an enjoyable and inspiring interview! Our farm peach blossoms and quince are favorite signs of spring.

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  162. Molly on

    I’ve definitely fallen in love with Anemones this season. But I’m looking forward to some more stunning tulips, they’re my favorites.

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  163. Kristan Shawgo on

    My absolute favorite flower is the Ranunculus! I love the myriad of colors and their beautiful interlacing petals. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity!

    Reply
  164. Robin VanWingerden on

    I just love peonies! And what a great interview! Was just looking at Soil and Stems website and everything offered there! Would love to take a few classes! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  165. Vera Foronda on

    Delphiniums are one of my favorites. My dream would be to take a flower design course. I absolutely love anything to do with flowers or any type of arranging but am so very slow and uncertain of myself. You continue to wet my appetite for more and more learning and to step out and give it a try! Thanks to you both for the inspiration!

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  166. Erica Wimer on

    Groovy giveaway! It’s so inspiring to see passionate inspiring women supporting each other. So much love and abundance flows and ripples out from that!

    Reply
  167. Nailia on

    Brownies tulips are my favorite! Moody and romantic at the same time ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  168. Eileen Burnus on

    Aren’t flower farmers the nicest people!! For me the delicate looking but very tough Orlaya “White Finch” is my go to spring annual. Great as a filler or as a bunch on its own and the added bonus of unusual seed heads makes it a winner for me.

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  169. Talia on

    Nicole has such a gift with flowers! As do you Erin! Loved learning more about her journey. My favorite spring flower is Dalmation Peach Foxglove!

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  170. Darlene on

    What a great interview. I love the stories about the “ farmer and florist”. Your blogs are fantastic. My favorite spring flower is the ranunculus.

    Reply
  171. Maddy Fairbourn on

    Love lilac and spiraea, can’t wait for April to come along!

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  172. Sarah on

    I love peonies and am counting the days till spring!

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  173. Stephanie on

    How can I narrow down my favorite spring flower? It’s like being asked to pick your favorite child. I love little accents. Alyssum, lobelia, Queen Anne’s Lace. But one of my favorite cut flowers is ranunculus.

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  174. Carolyn on

    What a great interview! Thanks for all of the wonderful posts lately. I think my favorite spring bloom is probably hellebores, followed closely by anemones. Those first early blooms are such a joy to see!

    Reply
  175. Scooby Saunders on

    What a fantastic giveaway! It’s so hard to choose a favorite spring flower! I love forsythia- the color is gorgeous and it blooms so early, bringing hope for warmer weather and more flowers to come!

    Reply
  176. Cortney schaefer on

    Thanks for the encouragement by sharing your story Nicole! My favorite spring flower is the peonie!

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  177. Cambry on

    Holy cow! Erin and Nicole- you two were the very first and also most influential individuals in helping me realize I just want to flower for the rest of my life! I can’t say enough about how much you two in particular have inspired me to chase after what I love. Nicole- you inspired me to make my first bouquet ever last April, which led me to do a couple weddings and forage anything I found to make small bouquets all summer. Erin- after poring over your blog posts and videos for hours I’m trying to grow my own flowers for the first time this year! Thank you, thank you, thank you both for your brilliance and creativity and goodness! I have so much to learn still and would LOVE to learn more from Nicole! Some of my favorite spring blooms are ranunuculus, fritillaria, tulips, blossoming branches, icelandic poppies…the list goes on!

    Reply
  178. Ashley Woods on

    I love love Nicole’s work! Such an awesome collaboration :) I am especially loving the little buds and blooms on our flowering fruit trees right now (peaches and pears). It such a beautiful promise of hope at the end of winter!

    Reply
  179. Amanda on

    Thanks for the perspective on finding and using organic materials. I can’t wait to get outdoors and look for some myself!
    My favorite spring flowers are all the fall planted bulbs. When their little green stems and leafs start poking through the earth I know spring is finally here and I can’t help but be filled with joy!

    Reply
  180. Aundi on

    Thanks for this article! I’ve admired Nicole’s work for a long time, and am inspired by her artistry and strength. I would love to learn from her. It is hard to pick a favorite spring flower, but sweet peas are pretty darn lovely.

    Reply
  181. Lori barre on

    LOVED this interview!!
    Flower farming has been saving me literally. Personally and financially. This is my third summer growing and everything changes every year with what I’m adding in and what my bouquets look like. I would love to learn more. My favorite spring flower is peony. I have two old varieties on my farm one is deep reddish burgundy and one is Barbie pink. Although… the apple blossoms and Plum blossoms on all my trees blow my socks off too❤️

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  182. Emily Cross on

    I love sweet peas! Can’t get enough!

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  183. Shari on

    Great interview. Especially loved this: “Saying ‘no’ to one thing is really saying ‘yes’ to something else.” It’s so easy to forget this at times. I’m forever finding personal inspiration in this flower community.

    Reply
  184. Emily on

    Yay! What a fun give away!!! My favor tire spring flower has to be peonies of course, although I love tulips as well. Can’t wait to embark on my first fresh cut flower garden adventure this year after reading your book!

    Reply
  185. Christina on

    Grape hyacinth! I’d love to attend one of Nicole’s amazing classes. Her work and story is so inspiring.

    Reply
  186. Susie Ray on

    I really enjoyed this interview. When I am on a hike it is hard to make any progress because I want to stop every ten feet and look at the different foliage and wonder if I could use it in a design. Not easy to pick favorite spring flower, but if I have to pick it would be Iceland Poppies.

    Reply
  187. Katie P on

    THANK YOU for this post! I myself just took the leap and and quitting my 9-5 to persue the floral and ceramic arts and it couldn’t be scarier! Thank you for inspiring me to keep going into the unknown.
    One of my favorite spring flowers to use is acacia. Those little yellow fuzzy pops of color fill any arrangement with joy and happiness.

    Reply
  188. Kim on

    Thanks so much for sharing your story Nicole! My favorite spring flowers are tulips for all of their variations in form and color, and the way they continue to move in the vase

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  189. Sally Groves on

    Inspiring interview and love the flowers. Wonderful to see that florists generally support each other now much more so than a few years ago. My favourite spring flower is the hyacinth with its scented bells, pure joy?.

    Reply
  190. Mariana Greene on

    I look forward to the peak spring bloom of my Old Garden Roses. I close my eyes, bury my nose in an old-fashioned rose and am transported, if only for a few seconds, to the garden of my childhood.

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  191. Heather on

    This is such a great interview. I love, love, love reading about women who follow their dreams and make a living working with flowers. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story!

    Reply
  192. Annette on

    My favorite Spring flowers are fancy tulips! Of course once the Peonies, ranunculus, etc, start blooming it’s anybody’s game

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  193. Amy on

    Lovely background!
    Ranunculus get me every time !

    Reply
  194. Rael on

    Thank you so much for sharing your challenges and triumphs! I definitely agree that we all are happier and can go farther with a support system!

    Reply
  195. Ellen Mahoney on

    How to choose just one!?! I love forget-me-nots, some of the first “light” flowers to bloom in the spring garden of my childhood home.

    Reply
  196. Tami Harman on

    I love a miniature daphadil or a showy tulip, but they are mostly just helping me bide my time until the sweet peas bloom!❤️?

    Reply
  197. Trayce Dulaney on

    Hi. Thank you for this interview. I love incorporating flowers, vines or anything from nature. I’m so excited to look at Nicole’s web site and on line classes. My favorite spring flower is Hyacinth. Can’t wait to see them bloom.

    Reply
  198. Mackenzie on

    Oh gosh, it’s so hard for me to choose a favorite. If I did has to choose though, it would probably be a tie between daffodils or pansies and lilac too!!

    Reply
  199. Jessica on

    I love this, “‘…whenever I get caught up in making a tough choice is remembering that by saying ‘no’ to one thing is really saying ‘yes’ to something else…’”
    Thank you to Nicole for this important framing on balance.
    Favorite spring flower…the budded spring branches of the season are just delightful for design work (it’s all about the negative space)! And I can’t deny the narcissus either! These two are just my favorite.

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  200. Sarah on

    How can you choose a favorite?! But I would have to agree, campanula is up high on the list!

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  201. Helen Noren on

    Ahhhh lovely thank you both ❤️ I think I’m most excited this spring for my narcissus and lilacs ???

    Reply
  202. Shirley Barth on

    I love to see a quince bush in bloom near my home on an old homestead farm. I always know it’s the first thing to bloom so Spring is here!

    Reply
  203. Ranee Nash on

    I love Muscari! One of my first weddings I designed for was my son’s and his bride had really liked the look of this flower. It was a late May wedding and the week of the wedding my wholesaler said they were past season. We discovered that my mother-in-law had some in her garden and we were able to make my future daughter-in-laws bouquet vision a reality! ?

    Reply
  204. Michelle Vara on

    I know a lot of people consider Amaryllis a Winter flower, but where I grew up, in zone 10, you can have them on the ground all year, even if it freezes somewhat. We’ve had Amaryllis in the garden for over 35 years, and just like clockwork, every St. Patrick’s day, they just bloom. I know there are loads of Spring flowers that are like taken out of fairy-tale stories, but for me, seing this magic every single year, right on the spot, never seized to amaze me. This is the reason why, my mom’s Amaryllis are my favorite Spring flower, because of this special gift, and being beautifully opened by the first dsy of Spring. Thank you for the chance to learn from Nichole’s gift, and for the great interview, Erin.

    Reply
  205. Jennifer McClendon on

    My favorite has got to be hellebores! Thank you for introducing me to Nicole of Soil and Stem!

    Reply
  206. Matti Harper on

    Tulips! While the snow is still melting away tulip shoots bring such joy after long northern winters!

    Reply
  207. Natasha on

    Wonderful interview. I agree that the foraged natural elements can transform an ordinary arrangement to one that is memorable. I have too many favorite Spring flowers. I would say that Lenten roses and the heirloom hyacinth that I have blooming right now are probably my favorite.

    Reply
  208. Charise on

    I loved this- Nicole is such an inspiration! Ranunculus is my favorite spring flower :)

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  209. Alysha Bushman on

    I love David Austin’s Evelyn rose. So so beautiful! I can’t wait for summer!

    Reply
  210. Julia on

    What a great article! Nicole’s arrangements are so gorgeous!
    My favorite spring flowers are Hellebores. Their first buds appear, it seems, at just the right moment to give hope of Spring!

    Reply
  211. Teresa Smoker on

    Forsythia is a favorite of mine! I had them in huge vases on display at my wedding. They always remind me of that sweet day!

    Reply
  212. Kelsey on

    My favorite spring bloomer is Narcissus which is a very influential flower in my life. An absolute mainstay!

    Reply
  213. Alexandria Russell on

    One of my favorite spring bloomers are bleeding heart’s in pink, white and red! Beautiful in arrangements.

    Reply
  214. Dianne Gilbert on

    Ranunculus have so many different varieties. They are a favorite and make me smile. My Floret Flower Champagne and Marshmellow ones are getting ready to bloom here in crazy-weather Houston TX.

    Reply
  215. Annie Heath on

    Oh my goodness so inspired by this. I love all the spring flowers but lately my fave is the super early blooming hellebore. It’s so whimsical & also marks the start of a new season to me! ?

    Reply
  216. Elizabeth on

    Peonies! Forever a favorite flower, from the time I was a little girl and the woman at the market around the corner gave me some as a gift. Just planted 40 of them this past winter and cannot wait for them to be full plants.

    Reply
  217. Hannah Streeter on

    I love tiny little spring Iris’ they are such a lovely bright little flowers.

    Reply
  218. Lynn McClure on

    So love Erin’s comment noting one special stem from the garden or roadside can bring an entire design together with just enough wildness. I so agree. Favorite spring flower – Calendula……and their flowers are edible too….

    Reply
  219. Shanti Rade on

    Muscari – the ultimate fairy flower. I would love to get a chance to do this course.

    Reply
  220. Jessica on

    It’s amazing how supportive and nurtuing the online community was for you Nicole! What a blessing to be able to find and pursue your passion and to be to let go of the negative comments from that other florist too!! ❤️❤️ (My favorite spring flower would have to be poppies!)

    Reply
  221. Emily Day on

    All spring blooms! They are my favorite to work with.

    Reply
  222. Haley on

    What an inspiring interview! I am so looking forward to Spring and the new life that comes with it. I have to say Lilacs are one of my favorite Spring flowers. It’s hard to resist their sweet smell and the color makes for beautiful arrangements.

    Reply
  223. Tori smith on

    Such a great interview! I love following both of your accounts! If I had to choose, I believe my favorite spring flower would be Wisteria!

    Reply
  224. Stacy Garringer on

    My fav spring flower would have to be the Mrs. FDR peonies that were passed down to me from my great grandmother.

    Reply
  225. Carole Eben on

    I love daffodils. They just say “spring is here”. And love both of your creativity. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  226. Shalon on

    I love peonies. But they are all wonderful after a long winter!
    Thank you!

    Reply
  227. Crystal R Potter on

    This is soooo exciting!! My absolute favorite spring flower is Lily of the Valley! I also just love when the first of the fiddlehead ferns pop up unraveling their earthy green.

    Reply
  228. Corinne on

    Sweet peas! My favorite spring bloom, only 3 months to go!

    Reply
  229. Joan on

    Would love to be able to send my sister to one of these courses. She is a dedicated social worker who is approaching 30 years of dealing with child abuse. Her other passion is flowers and gardens. I would say her favorite flowers would be tulips, hydrangea, and perhaps peonies. This interview inspired me to comment for her.

    Reply
  230. Stephanie on

    What a lovely, inspiring story! It’s so hard to choose a favorite, but if I had to, I’d pick ranunculus. They’re so whimsical!

    Reply
  231. Maryse Hudon on

    Choosing only one spring flower is hard. I must admit to being partial to parrot tulips, peonies, and hyacinths. Frankly anything that blooms after our long winter (Montreal Canada) is so heartwarming!! Thanks for such a great blog. It’s great to read how other floral designer express my feelings!

    Reply
  232. Terie Karaus on

    I love tulips – I am growing my first large batch this year !?

    Reply
  233. Becky van Iersel on

    Lily of the Valley! The smell brings me right back to grandmother’s backyarsd, where I’d sit in the grass at the edge of the Lily of the Valley and imagine fairies that lived in there (and wore the bells as hats!)

    Reply
  234. Anna Truessel on

    My favorite spring flowers are flowering fruit tree branches and black thorn. Would love to win one of the great give aways.

    Reply
  235. Mary Kay on

    Lovely work and interview! Favorite spring flower – Giant Allium or Lily of the Valley.

    Reply
  236. Elizabeth Beattie on

    I took a job at a wholesale flower distributor to learn more about flowers and the flower industry. Through this experience I have fallen in love with Campunula and Ginestra (which may not be specifically a spring flower). I take home the flowers they are going to throw out each week to practice designing. It’s kind of my greatest joy. Thanks for this opportunity and for sharing your story!

    Reply
  237. Amanda Browning on

    Sucha wonderful interview. Thank you Nicole for sharing your journey with us.

    Reply
  238. Laura Wade on

    My favorite Spring flower? Sweet Peas, of course! Like Nicole, I put my emotions into the art of natural floral design work. I am strictly a Giver of floral designs and my mission is to bring joy to others through floral design. Nicole’s course will bring a new dimension to this mission. Happy Spring to all!

    Reply
  239. Stacey Boldrin on

    I love reading how others succeed at achieving their “dream”. So inspirational. I’m working on a flower farm dream right now. This is my first spring on my property, I bought the seeds, now I just need Texas to cooperate with me.

    Reply
  240. Melissa on

    Just getting started in flower farming. I don’t know that I have a favorite spring flower. I do love peonies!

    Reply
  241. Sarah Stewart on

    Great interview!! I feel like every year I have a new favorite – I’m most looking forward to my double daffys popping up, especially Cheerfullness’ they smell so wonderful and they are an amazing addition to a spring bouquet!

    Reply
  242. Joan on

    I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. Would love for my sister to take part in this class. She is a dedicated social worker, in the job for thirty years dealing with child abuse. She has made it her lufe’s Work to help children. Her other passion is flowers and gardening. If I had to guess her favorite flowers I would say Tulips, hydrangea, lilacs.

    Reply
  243. Angela Labrum on

    I would say Wisteria the smell and the color scream spring is here. After moving to our little farm we found we had a 40 year old Wisteria that is more like a tree than a vine. I have loved being surprised by Dorothy’s (original farm owners) love of horticulture. I know we would have been great friends. Thank you for a great post! It is so inspiring and helps break up the gloom of this grey rainy season.

    Reply
  244. Tenille Enger on

    Oh! To be a foraging florist! What a great interview — thanks for sharing! My favorite spring flower is the trillium. It’s our sure sign of spring here in northern Michigan.

    Reply
  245. Katie Kiel on

    My favorite spring flower would either be crocus, ranunculus, or peony! I’d love an opportunity to take an online course with Nicole because Maine (where I live) provides a wonderful for foraging, and some tips would be much appreciated.

    Reply
  246. Rachel J on

    You both have such inspiring visions of floristry and flowers!

    My favorite spring flower is Geranium maculatum, a native spring visitor here in New England. It wouldn’t last long as a cut flower, but those delicate pink clouds in a shady forest just can’t be beat.

    Reply
  247. Anna on

    What an awesome interview. I love reading about moms who love their kids and their flowers, like me :)
    My favorite spring flower- so hard to say! I guess it would have to be tulips. But they’re all so wonderful and exciting when they bloom.

    Reply
  248. Kristen on

    It would be a dream to take this course from Nicole! I’d love to use some of my fancy double daffodils, my favorite spring flower, in a spring centerpiece.

    Reply
  249. Julie on

    Love hearing Nicole’s story! My favorite spring flower is definitely ranunculus.

    Reply
  250. Abbie Quann on

    I love Nicole’s work! Thank you so much for taking the time to interview and be interviewed.

    My favorite flowers to grow are Bells of Ireland!

    Best,
    Abbie

    Reply
  251. Janine Olson on

    Hands down peonies are my favorite flower.

    Reply
  252. Pauline on

    Thanks Erin and Nicole for the inspiration! My favourite spring flower is Lily of the Valley. What’s not to love about its simple white bell-shaped flowers and divine perfume

    Reply
  253. Anna on

    My all time favourite spring flower, which also happens to be my favourite flower of them all is Lilly of the valley! Their lovely scent and delicate small bell-shaped flowers are so beautiful to me, and the fact that they are only available for a such short time, only one month in a year, maks them even more special. I can’t wait to have them in my house again this May!

    Reply
  254. Geeske Slofstra on

    Hi Nicole & Erin,
    My favorite is the french tulip, because the are beauties on long stems.
    I’am a rookie, have no florist background. I gonne make this year a border with cutflowers in our garden. And i would love to learn from best! To make natural flower arrangements and learn the basics.
    Love, Geeske

    Reply
  255. Jackie Hunter on

    I have just finished watching Nicole’s online bouquet workshop and loved it! My favourite spring flower this year has been my ranunculus, next year it will probably be something different and that is why I love growing flowers.

    Reply
  256. Tara on

    Great interview posted on the blog. This would be such an amazing opportunity. Spring is definitely my favourite season for flowers. My favourite seems to change from year to year but it has to be the anemone!!

    Reply
  257. CHELSEA M MORGAN on

    I love the concept of nature based floral design and home to incorporate that more.

    Reply
  258. Heidi on

    Oops forgot to include my favorite spring flower has to be the peony! Every shade from white to blood red!

    Reply
  259. Heidi on

    What an inspiring post! Love the realization to use local in-season blooms.

    Reply
  260. Natalie on

    Thank you Nicole for the dreamy floral inspiration and solid life advice! My favorite spring flower is whatever pops it’s head up first to let me know spring has arrived. This season it looks like it might be Forget-Me-Nots!

    Reply
  261. Sarah on

    Great interview! My favourite spring flowers are hellebores, they are so pretty but seem shy, you have to really get close to appreciate how beautiful they are ?

    Reply
  262. Sarah on

    There are so many beautiful flowers to choose from in Spring. But my favourite has to be the tulip, especially the doubles, parrots and scented varieties. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.

    Reply
  263. Emma Carbis on

    I loved reading this article because it reminds us that if you can dream it you can (with hard work and sacrifice) bring it to reality. My favourite spring flower is the daffodil… simply because it means warmth and lighter days are on the way. Xx

    Reply
  264. Petra Meyer on

    Lovely work! Such an inspiration to read about how you found your way and to trust in what you would love to do.
    Spring has most of my favorite flowers and it’s hard to choice only one but for the moment and the early spring I can’t wait to see the dark red helleborus orientalis in full bloom … ?

    Reply
  265. Juliana bermingham on

    I love her work so much! Thanks for this wonderful interview. My favourite spring flower must be hellebore- they are such a welcome sight in our grey winter garden!

    Reply
  266. Kasia Borowiecka on

    What a lovely interview. My favourite spring flower is Anemone.

    Reply
  267. Douglas Frierott on

    What a great interview! My favorite spring flower is sweet peas.

    Reply
  268. Barbara Hoberecht on

    Wonderful inspiration! I love wild Salmonberry blossoms that appear early in the PNW! ❤️

    Reply
  269. Malin Berg on

    Oh though one, in spring the eyes is still so sensitive to natures colours so everything is beautiful! But if I would pick one it would be spring vetchling (Lathyrus vernus)

    Reply
  270. Linda on

    Larkspur is my favorite spring flower. Love them in arrangements

    Reply
  271. Stefani on

    One of my spring favorites is Lily-of-the-Valley, with its delicate form and intoxicating fragrance! I have fond memories of picking it from the garden of a dear “grandma figure” in my life when I was a child living in Minnesota. Thanks for sharing this interview and for giving the opportunity to possibly enjoy one of the gifts you’re offering!

    Reply
  272. Chantal Remmert on

    Frittalaria, Narzissus e.g. ‚Avalanche‘ (also perfect to dry in wreaths) and Virbunum opulus are my favorite spring flowers <3

    Reply
  273. Ali on

    Spring peach blossoms count, right?…apart from those, the scent and cheerful tight heads of erlicheer are favourite Spring blooms. A sure sign long cold winter days are almost over, and the bright colours of Spring aren’t too far away!

    Reply
  274. Caroline on

    Oh yes, I can totally relate to saying “yes” to everything. It’s always so difficult to not want to let others down. Thanks for sharing your insight into this topic Nicole! My favorite spring flower is cosmos. I love how light and fluttery they are and get so excited to see them blooming.

    Reply
  275. rebekah desloge on

    so nice to hear about Nicole’s creative journey and taking her courses would be such a huge privilege. living in the pnw has given me a huge appreciation for spring tulips, the brighten up grey, rainy days for sure.

    Reply
  276. Skye Telander on

    Wow what an amazing perspective on floral design! I love the way she evolved into herself and let her creativity take her to new places. This really really inspired me to take my floral design and let it morph naturally :) My favorite Spring flower is when my David Austin Roses start peaking out and putting on their growth for blooms. Something so beautiful of a Rose bush waking up :)

    Reply
  277. Zhanna Agarkov on

    Tulips are my favorite spring flower. Going back to my childhood in Siberia tulips was always a reminder that spring is here.

    Reply
  278. Vanessa Matsumoto on

    Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. I recently just became a mom as well and just dreaded going back to my crazy hours tech job. I’ve been toying with starting some sort of floral business as I finally realized that’s my passion. My husband and I actually call it our addiction as we love going to nurseries, DTLA flower district, and buying seeds. I’d love to take all of your classes. My fav spring flower is rananculus.

    Reply
  279. Andy on

    Narcissus!

    Reply
  280. Danielle Grillo on

    Love inspiration Erin!!! My favorite spring flower is peony

    Reply
  281. Elsa on

    What an inspiration you both are! Currently, my favorite spring flower is the hellebore… or sweet pea. :)

    Reply
  282. Emma on

    My favourite spring flower must be sweet peas!?? Of all the flowers we have planned for spring they are the ones I’m most excited to see grow and to use. I would love to take part in Nicole’s centrepieces online workshop, I just recently discovered her amazing work through Instagram.

    Reply
  283. Amanda on

    Loved reading about your journey Nicole! Ranunculus are my favourite hands down.

    Reply
  284. Sarah Zwissler on

    There are so many beautiful spring blooms… it’s hard to choose a favorite! But I think I’ll say fragrant Narcissus, because they’re my son’s favorites and I love how he delights in them.

    Reply
  285. Andrea on

    My favorite is ranunculus!

    Reply
  286. Rebekah on

    I’m loving hellebores currently (are they considered spring?), but ranunculus will always be my favorite!

    Reply
  287. Alexa on

    Honestly loved this article! Always amazing to hear from a creative and where they gain inspiration. Would love to try doing my own instillations on a grander scale one day!

    PS – fav spring florals either snowdrops or primrose ?

    Reply
  288. Giulia on

    I am loving learning about the farmers and florists that you have been sharing. Makes me think that I, too, can take a leap into this world of flower farming and design.
    Favorite spring flower is a tulip, for they remind me of Easter at grandma’s house.

    Reply
  289. Tahlia Fortescue on

    Thank you for sharing Nicole’s story. It’s always reassuring for people new to the industry (like myself) that even the professionals who you look up to, went through the same challenges to find their place. My favourite spring flower would have to be cosmos, but still so difficult to choose one!

    Reply
  290. Samantha on

    Love this!

    Favorite spring flower: daffodils!!!

    Reply
  291. Zefanya Samantha Sahusilawane on

    I just quit my corporate job a month ago to further pursue my career as a floral designer. Everybody thinks I’m crazy for doing something so.. uncertain, in their words. But I took that leap of faith anyway, believing that if we were to do something wholeheartedly, we will continue to grow and grow. It’s been a rough month, but reading Nicole’s story here reminds me of why I took that leap of faith in the first place. Thank you so much for Nicole and Erin for this. And Nicole — thank you for providing these online classes, they are really really really helpful for individuals like me who lives in different continent and cant go overseas to take floristry classes. Bless you for this. ?

    Oh btw, my fav spring flowers would be Ranunculus. Pretty shapes, pretty colours — I just cant get enough of them! :)

    Reply
  292. Kathryn Cronin on

    Thank you both for the generous and amazing prize that this wild florist would be beyond delighted to win. I’m a Welsh girl at heart so the daffodil has to be my favourite flower- it’s part of our identity and psyche and I love how it smells as well as how it looks. Specifically I adore the wild Tenby daffodil that grows everywhere in springtime- it says home- hiraeth- to me

    Reply
  293. Sara Simmonds on

    I love this interview! Thank you for sharing your struggles and your heart, Nicole. I am a very small scale flower grower beginning my second season and have a goal of getting some design training this year. Taking one of her design courses would be a dream! Oh gosh- choosing a favorite flower for a grower is nearly impossible but I have to go with a childhood favorite, apple blossoms. We had apple and crabapple trees in my backyard growing up in Minnesota and seeing those trees in full bloom meant spring had finally arrived.

    Reply
  294. Rachel McKenna on

    It’s so important to have reminders that even when people have discouraging words, you can push through! Had she listened all those years ago, the world would have missed so much of her beauty!

    Favorite spring flower is definitely Narcissus. I grow up in a town that had a festival with a whole park full of thousand and thousands of them. Can’t help, but think Spring when you see them!

    Happy Growing- Rachel McKenna

    Reply
  295. Viktoriya on

    Great post! Favorite spring flower has to be peony. The look, the fragrance-beauty in the spring garden!

    Reply
  296. Ayla Gurganus on

    What a lovely read — an admirer of both of you from afar. Tied for favorite spring flowers is poppies and ranunculus. They’re just starting to bloom and we’re receiving our first order from our local flower farm next week!

    Reply
  297. Molly Wilson on

    Such a lovely and inspiring interview; thanks for sharing! It means so much to hear about mothers with young children having creative, fulfilling work and finding some kind of balance – it’s definitely not easy! Ranunculus are my all-time favourite spring flower, though it’s hard to choose. :)

    Reply
  298. Brittany Tilling on

    It was such a treat to read this interview! Very inspiring! I love all spring blooms, but one of my favorites would have to be tulips!

    Reply
  299. Leah Travers on

    I’m in total agreement on the vines and pods and things that don’t look from this earth, but there they are…growing right out of it. Fav Spring flower is whoever shows up first. ‘Cause that’s how I’m rolling this Winter. Wonderful interview! ?

    Reply
  300. Claire on

    Lovely interview. I always love reading about the motherhood/work balance because it is such a delicate dance! Heirloom narcissus have my heart.

    Reply
  301. Anna Rice on

    Oh these classes sound like a dream! I am so sold on foraging that I now feel like any arrangement I make with nothing foraged is … incomplete. I think my favorite spring flowers are the deciduous magnolias—partly because they’re everywhere where I live, but I don’t have a good one to forage from, aghh! ;)

    Reply
  302. Andreea on

    The Tulip must certainly be my favorite Spring flower of all time.

    Reply
  303. Samantha Brooks on

    Wonderful advice regarding saying no and how it’s actually saying yes to something else, thank you! My favorite spring flower is a Buckeye Belle peopny!

    Reply
  304. Catherine Eldredge on

    Great read. I feel like a sponge trying to learn everything I can from both of you! My favorite spring flower are peonies. I have ordered 6 more plants for this spring. Just a beginner, so studying every chance I get!

    Reply
  305. Meghan Books on

    I used to mostly dislike spring flowers (except peonies!) because all I saw were regular daffodils and tulips. Then I discovered parrot tulips and they became my favorites! Once I planted a few in my yard and it was so amazing to see them pop up through snow and be the first to bloom! Now that I’ve discovered Floret, my new spring favorites are the exotic tulips and ruffle daffodils—the more ruffles the better!

    Reply
  306. Alexis Jorgensen on

    It’s so fun to get to know more people in the flower world, especially in my home state! I would love to take one of her courses, arranging is still something I am striving to improve. One of my favorite spring flowers is the tulip – I love how they pop up in the spring and provide one of the first rainbows of color. Thank you Erin for all the work you put into these posts!

    Reply
  307. Melissa on

    As a mother who is diving into flowers myself I really appreciated this interview! Great work. My favorite spring flowers are lilacs.

    Reply
  308. Tracy bush wyo flower farm on

    Any and every blog post on floret that I read is so inspiring. Thanks u so much floret for all you’ve done for the flower world! It’s hard to list one favorite. Each variety that blooms I fall in love with and it becomes my favorite until the next comes to life. ? I really love lilacs.. so many varieties and the heavenly smell just spells spring to me.

    Reply
  309. Laura Nelson on

    I feel like I resignate so much with your story, Nicole. I’m still in those baby stages with my youngest and just following my heart, finding clarity in creating what brings joy. Favorite spring flower: hellebores!

    Reply
  310. Cedar Petrick on

    Stunning and fresh! Thank you for sharing your story! Spring, spring, spring! Aren’t we all just waiting and hoping and dreaming of those first special spring blooms!?! It’s so hard to choose a favorite – but right now I am loving the simple lines of the Thalia. Oh and it is fragrant too! I would be so grateful for the opportunity to join in on the course.

    Reply
  311. Kate on

    How do I pick one spring flower?! I will have to choose anemones today! I found this post so helpful! I just moved away from my extended family and have needed an outlet. At my old home I just started getting my garden really going and I miss it! I live in SW Idaho so my climate is similar to UT and am excited to check out Stem and Soil (someone new to follow and am excited about it) and see what she loves that grows in our area! I am now looking forward to creating my new garden!

    Reply
  312. Heidi Storey on

    I’m a sucker for Galanthus, they make me giddy with excitement for the prospect of spring!

    Reply
  313. Nataliya Radion on

    P.S. I love All flowers but this spring Hellebores has special place in my heart ❤️

    Reply
  314. Claudine on

    Peonies… and ranunculus ?

    Reply
  315. Kim on

    Narcissus! In my area of the world, it means spring has arrived. I’d love some flower inspiration!!!

    Reply
  316. Nataliya Radion on

    I really enjoy reading your Farmer and the Florist interviews. Thank you for your time to do this. Nicole’s style is beautiful. Such a creative person!

    Reply
  317. Yana solodyankin on

    This would be amazing to win! My Favorite flower is lily of the valley.

    Reply
  318. Amy on

    Inspiring interview and individuals! My favourite spring flower is the sweet pea with its intoxicating scent :)

    Reply
  319. Jennifer Waite on

    I was so excited to learn that Nicole is in SLC, UT! I live near by. I definitely need to attend one of her classes. My favorite spring flower is a peony, specifically, coral charms. I spotted this flower years ago and I had to add it to my garden. ❤

    Reply
  320. Ali Wilson on

    Great interview- I admire both of you so much! Favorite spring flower is so hard to choose, but have to go with sweet peas. ?

    Reply
  321. Alice on

    What a cruel question! All spring flowers are beautiful, if I had to choose, my eyes say bearded iris but my soul says flannel flowers which remind me of spring days at the beach and my mum.

    I guess that means it has to be flannel flowers

    Xx

    Reply
  322. Susan Bellone on

    So inspirational to hear such success! I love flower designer stories and how it all began and the journey along the way- thank you for sharing! I’m a February birthday girl so I’m going to have to pick the flower for that month which is violets. The wild fragrant kind! I have a patch growing and love the scent?

    Reply
  323. Rachel C on

    Great interview! I love the first spring bulbs – usually crocuses here ?

    Reply
  324. April Holmes on

    I would love the opportunity to win a registration to the Soil and Stem online workshop and a workshop credit! My favorite spring flower is the Dandelion…not a cut flower and concidered a “weed” but it’s always the first natural flower in the area that signals spring is here! Living in the Northeast winters are harsh and long. I love seeing the bright yellow sprinkling in my yard on the new green spring grass (and if they grow in my garden before I plant for the season I pull the greens for salads!). And the roots are medicinal. ?

    Reply
  325. Carolyn Hunter on

    I love anemones! They are so delicate and soft, yet make such a statement.

    Reply
  326. Trish Barberry on

    I can relate to Nicole’s journey a bit as I struggle to make the change from the 9-5, to the world of creativity! I’d say tulips are my favorite! Thanks for sharing this, Erin.

    Reply
  327. Amber Litzinger on

    What an inspiring read!! Two hardworking, talented women sharing their passion with others. Peonies are my favorite spring flower- love them?.

    Reply
  328. Kate Bassett on

    I’ve been needing some creative courage! Loved the interview!

    Reply
  329. Abby Olson on

    Incredibly inspiring, thank you for sharing your gift with us!
    I love hellebores! ?

    Reply
  330. Tanya Solmonson on

    You ladies are so inspiring!!!!

    Hard choice for favorite spring flower, but I’d have to say Peonies.

    Reply
  331. Aleah on

    I appreciate reading Nicole’s story. I have two little kids and right now flowers are my outlet, but I have a whole lot to learn before I could make a business.
    I think I would have to choose peonies as my favorite spring flower!

    Reply
  332. Deb on

    Thank you for continuing to show us such inspirational work! I live near a lush forest, I can’t wait to explore the foolish this spring. My favourite spring flower has to be anemone, white with purple ink in the centre, it can’t be beat!

    Reply
  333. Amy on

    Nothing beats the ruffled goodness ranunculus

    Reply
  334. Suzanne on

    Awesome article, thank you! Ranunculus for sure!

    Reply
  335. Casey on

    I love anemones! First time to grow some on my own…not so patiently waiting!

    Reply
  336. M Greenwood on

    Daffodils, they are so cheerful! Though really whatever is blooming this week in my yard or in the woods. I’m looking forward to the buttercups and shooting stars.

    Reply
  337. Amanda on

    Great piece! My favorite spring flower is ranunculus. This year any spring flower will do. Because we just need spring! ?

    Reply
  338. Julia on

    Oh wow, two of my favorite florists to follow talking about flowers? you are both amazing! I have to say, my favorite spring bloom to work with in arrangements would be sweet pea, but as far as growing flowers and for nostalgic reasons, definitely peonies. Growing up, my driveway was lined with fluffy pink peony bushes and I loved scooping up the petals and pretending they were ice cream, or snowflakes or even just confetti!

    Reply
  339. Lulu on

    I am so happy to have found this space with so many flower loving folks. I learn something new everyday, thank you for being so generous with your time and shared knowledge. Right now in my yard I am loving the freesias!

    Reply
  340. Tammy Makoul on

    What an amazing interview! thanks so much. Would really love to win the online course! My favorite flower is the ranunculus!

    Reply
  341. Sara on

    Ranunculus is at the top of my list of favorite spring flowers! ?

    Reply
  342. Megan Sisco on

    Oh man, so hard to choose! I think I would have to say Sweet Pea. In my mind and in my heart there’s nothing that compares to that scent. I’m seeing a huge resurgence, largely thanks to Floret, in all of the heirloom varieties, and it’s so exciting to new varieties each year at all of my favorite open-pollinated seed companies.

    Reply
  343. Emily on

    I’m new to this world and originally the tulip was my favorite but after experimenting with planting a variety of seeds I’m in transition of loving the sweet peas! This is the funnest journey I’ve been on in a long time. Flowers for the win!!

    Reply
  344. Cessie on

    So many, it’s hard to pick one, but peonies would be tops!

    Reply
  345. Kayla Roberts on

    So fun to hear her story and about all she has achieved! I had no idea that such a great floral designer was so close to me! Thanks so much for sharing!! My favorite spring flowers are definitely lilacs…oh, the smell!!

    Reply
  346. Lorena on

    My favorite spring flowers are anemones. Thank you!!

    Reply
  347. Liisa Von Ende on

    Thank you, this is such a wonderful opportunity! My favorite spring flowers are Hellebores, with lilacs coming in a close 2nd. And then there’s peonies… clearly impossible to pick just one ?

    Reply
  348. Shelly Wilkinson on

    I would love to learn more about arranging flowers! My favorite spring flower is the bearded iris! I have some passed from my grandmother to my mom to me.

    Reply
  349. Kara Yarrington on

    My dream job is to become a florist. I love following your page because it gives me so much inspiration. I love seeing all the work you share!!!! My favorite spring flower is easily a peony because of the shades they come in, and the texture they have.

    Reply
  350. Carolina on

    I really liked this interview, the background of this flower world is beautiful, ethereal! My favorite spring flower is peony, mostly because it’s so hard to find here in Mexico, so that makes it even more special.

    Reply
  351. Kendra on

    My favourite spring flower is now sweet peas! Thank you for the contest!

    Reply
  352. Deeana on

    BeaUTiful arrangements.! Love daydreaming about Spring and temperatures above freezing.. :) Thank you for the inspirational interviews and pictures. Peony is my favorite flower of Spring.

    Reply
  353. Morgan Sawyer on

    Thank you for sharing Nicole’s story. I can certainly relate to the challenge of saying “no” – it’s something I’m working on! One of the things I’m glad I said “yes” to was joining my church’s flower guild. I had never arranged flowers before, but found learning to do so to be such fun! And how wonderful it is to arrange His creations in thanks and glory to Him! These past few years I’ve garnered a love for all things flowers and I (gratefully) discovered Floret and the many resources Erin offers to novices like myself. I am in the process of preparing and planting my spring and summer garden, and I hope to use some of the flowers from my back yard in my altar arrangements this year!! (And my favorite spring flower…peony!)

    Reply
  354. Kari Jahnke on

    Has to be the peony! It doesn’t feel like spring without them!

    Reply
  355. Megan Mailhot on

    Do hard to choose a favorite spring flower! Love muscari, so unique.

    Reply
  356. Lisa on

    Lilacs! They smell amazing and are so fleeting!

    Reply
  357. Angie Croshaw on

    One of the first things I started designing with were blooming branches. It was winter, about four years ago, when I gained interest in doing floral design as a career. I vividly remember Spring approaching and the almond and plum blossoms sparkling in the sky as the days start to get longer and warmer after a cold winter. There is something so peaceful about laying in the grass and listening to the happy bee’s buzzing around all of the branches with the absolute sweetest scent scattering the air. To this day almond blossom branches are still my favorite. In fact, my fiancé and I are eloping next week and I plan on using almond blossom’s for my bouquet. I took Soil and Stems previous bouquet class and loved everything about her technique! Would love the opportunity to learn more.

    Reply
  358. Amie Bengtson on

    I can’t imagine the creative vibes when Erin and Nicole were in the same room!! Great blog! My favourite Spring flower is Fritillaria?

    Reply
  359. Irma Paetzold on

    My favourite spring flower is peony. Hard choice to make because I love so many!

    Reply
  360. Melissa Murray on

    Sweet peas are definitely my favorite spring flower. I would love to take Nicole’s online course. I am doing the flowers for my son’s wedding this summer and would love some inspiration!

    Reply
  361. Susie Stuvland on

    I am contemplating taking a leap of faith, thank you for your words. ❤️ My spring flower is the lilac, I love to go outside and take a big breath of spring lilacs!

    Reply
  362. Margaret on

    Thank you for sharing Nicole’s story; what an inspiration. I’m particularly drawn to her ability to honor the landscape in which she works. I’m feeling extra motivated for spring now and my favorite spring flower is, by far, sweet peas. They are lovely, just like Nicole and Erin and really all us flower lovers! ?❤️??

    Reply
  363. Rachel Falla on

    Poppies! Hoping this is the year I grow my field of poppies dream

    Reply
  364. Siobhan Calleja on

    What a beautifully heart warming story of Nicole’s journey? Her words have reached me at a time in life when I very much needed to be inspired in my floral journey. Thank you for sharing Nicole, and thank you Erin for creating this lovely platform for connection with fellow lovers of nature?☺️ My favourite Spring flower here in Australia would have to be Sweet Pea, though all flowers are beautiful in their own unique way ?

    Reply
  365. Kyler on

    Ranunculus of course!

    Reply
  366. Melissa M. on

    I enjoyed learning more about Nicole, thanks for sharing this interview. I really love hellebore in the spring, especially because they’re the very first bloom to emerge after a long winter. Ranunculus is a close second, because there’s nothing else quite like it besides roses, which we can’t grow very well here.

    Reply
  367. Ashley Gerczyk on

    Absolutely love the floral designs that Nicole created and how natural and wild they appear. Always brightens my day to see one of her posts with one of her stunning designs. One of my favorite spring flowers is Pulmonaria or Lungwort which can be found growing in south eastern PA on woodland walks.

    Reply
  368. Robyn Ward on

    Thank you for introducing Nicole’s work. Boy, if I had only known of Nicole last year. I lived in northern Utah for 6 months and would definitely have tried to attend one of her workshops. But will definitely sign up for an online course in the future. Nicole’s work is beautiful.

    A local, native spring flower here in Central Oregon is a sand lily (white with a yellow center) which has a very brief blooming time.

    Reply
  369. Rachel Damiano on

    Wonderful interview! I follow both your accounts with great admiration. It’s great to hear stories of new careers blossoming after becoming a mother. I think because it resonates with me so much at this state on my life- the “in between” when you’re still figuring out who you are as a new mother and what your next move will be. There are so many great spring flowers, but right now i’d choose cosmos for their colors and airy, whimsical vibe. Thank you! Rachel

    Reply
  370. Rachel on

    I loved reading this interview! Such a strong woman who creates beautifully. I would love to take one of her workshops. One of my favorites would have to be the blush toned Narcissus. It lights up my heart when I see them growing everywhere around here.
    Love,
    Rachel

    Reply
  371. Emily on

    Muscari is my favourite spring flower!

    Reply
  372. Mary Anne Komar on

    Having lived in England and Ireland and now Skgit Valley, the first Snowdrops and Blue bells were enchanting,peeking out from the roots of huge oaks in the woods. The aubretia tumbling down the old stone walls were lovely too. My love of loose floral design was so influenced by seeing the use of so many natural elements. Seeing hop vines and BlackBerry vines draped over the ends of pews for a country wedding in a centuries old church set such a magical sense of times past. Thank you for the opportunity to win this lovely treat!!xx

    Reply
  373. Erin Urton on

    Spring fritillaria are my favourite! Checkered or snake’s head lily in particular.

    Reply
  374. Marilou on

    Loved reading this interview! Nicole is one of my favourite floral designers and I often look to her work as a source of inspiration. It’s my dream to one day be able to take a course with her.
    I love pretty much all spring flowers, especially after a cold Canadian winter, but my favourite right now is the fritillaria meleagris.

    Reply
  375. Amanda on

    So wonderful reading this interview! Theres something so magical about hearing someones beginnings. I would have to say that the bearded iris is my favorite flower— the variety of colors and the shape of the petals are what drew me to flowers from the beginning. I hope to grow some this year!

    Love,
    Amanda

    Reply
  376. Sonia on

    Thank you for sharing this story with us and giving us this amazing oportunity to learn from Nicole! She is truly one of the best florists I follow! My favourite spring Flower is lilly of the valley! As a small child I remember going out to the forest with my parents and picking them for my very first bouquets ;) These were also flowers my future husband gave to me asking me on a date one day! I love their delicate shape, movement and emotions they evoke!

    Reply
  377. Christiana on

    Feathery parrot or lovely double tulips are a seasonal favorite, they resound springtime vibes in an elegant way.

    Reply
  378. Heather Serry on

    I love Nicole’s natural approach to designing beautiful arrangements. Such great information and pictures to drool over! My favor spring flower is the tiny Crocus. We have ended up with a splattering of these across our yard, and I love they way they persist and peak up through the grass. Cheery yellows, purples, and blues in delicate little blooms!

    Reply
  379. Courtney Seamons on

    What a fun read! I have found that the flower-centered community (worldwide) has the greatest people. All wanting to inspire and be inspired. I am particularly impressed with Nicole’s eye for interpreting nature. It’s beautiful and real. Thank you!

    Reply
  380. Jewel on

    I love hearing the different directions and niches that people go in and have found with flowers. It’s so inspiring and comforting as I try to find mine! Daffodils would have to be my favorite spring flower. I was blessed with inheriting many unexpected varieties at the first home my husband and I purchased and that’s where I first discovered how much joy it brings me when I’m able to surprise someone with a bouquet of fresh, home-grown flowers!

    Reply
  381. Jennifer Reardon on

    There’s a profound similarity between Nicole’s story and me. It is clear like truly attracts like in the universe. In my quest to balance emotions from being a stay-at-home mom and my desire to be a business woman with creative talent, I dabble in as many mediums as possible while the baby sleeps hoping one artistic touch will stick. Painting, drawing and 2-D work doesn’t compare to becoming a cut flower farmer. I am collecting clay from our property, sifting and filtering the soon-to-be earthenware pottery for our flower farm. The everyday cardboard and paper from products found around the home is becoming paper mache seedling pots. The discoveries in the resources around my home keep me focused, persistent, and trusting that these textures are not only revealing my character, but captivating and nuturing my purpose. I find ease, freedom, joy, and happiness in my concept of cut flower farming. Thank you for sharing your story because it provides me more focus for today and adds more confidence in the knowing that I’m going the right way.

    Reply
  382. Janet L on

    Thanks for another inspiring and gorgeous post! Daffodils would have to be my favorite Spring flower. You can’t help but smile when you see one of their cute faces popping up on the most drap day of late winter. Plus I’m a sucker for a double, like Butter & Eggs, Bridal Crown and Sir Winston Churchill.

    Reply

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