It’s been a full week since returning home from Philly and I finally feel like I’m settling back into a bit of a comfortable routine here at home. I’ve never been gone for such a stretch, two whole weeks away from Chris and the kids and the flowers.
By the end it was a little tough, but I’ll say the journey was certainly worth the uncomfortable spots because what I witnessed was so overwhelmingly wonderful, I’ll be inspired for years to come!
If you’ve been following along here for awhile then you’ve likely seen links to photo posts and class announcements surrounding a collaborative blog launched this spring with grower/designer Jennie Love titled The Seasonal Bouquet Project.
For the full back story on how it all got rolling, you can read this post.
In a nut shell, Jennie and I dared each other to make a bouquet every week, for the entire season using only locally sourced flowers. Living on opposite coast, in very different climates, with very different taste, we wanted to see what was happening in each others garden and keep creatively connected during the roller coaster that is the flower season.
Some weeks the project felt like pulling teeth and others it was my favorite creative endeavor. Every seven days, the garden had something new to offer and it was our job to showcase that magic in the most beautiful light possible.
All in all, it was one of the most rewarding processes I’ve invested in so far.
A few months in and dozens and dozens of sweet emails later, it was obvious that our small flame of an idea was catching fire in the lives of others. Growers and designers from all over the world we excited and eager to not only participate in the weekly ritual but to also come together and learn more in person.
I give Jennie full credit for being the brave force behind launching the workshop series. She went to great lengths to bring us all together in one place and put so much of her heart and soul into nurturing the idea all the way into form.
Sixty six sweet souls left their farms, floral businesses and lives to travel from all corners of the globe and be part of this new movement. There was so much excitement and enthusiasm present in the group that it was impossible not to leave completely inspired. Change is underfoot indeed and I cant wait to see what happens from here!!!
In the coming weeks we will be sharing many more details from the classes, beautiful photos of the experience captured by some of Philly’s best photographers and our plans for the future on The Seasonal Bouquet Project blog. I will be sure to link to any and all of the new developments here as well.
While knee deep in the workshop series, Jennie and I sat down with author Debra Prinzing for a fun interview about the local flower scene, The Seasonal Bouquet Project and the new and growing movement of farmer/florists coming onto the scene.
You can jump over to Debra Prinzing’s blog to hear it for yourself :
Slow Flowers Podcast: East Coast / West Coast meet Jennie Love and Erin Benzakein
Now, I’d love to hear from YOU!
Are you a budding flower farmer?
Are you a floral designer wanting to use more seasonal material in your design work?
What resources do you feel are lacking and what do you need in order to soar?
I’d really, really love to know more about your journey and any of the roadblocks you’re experiencing in the comment section below.
Kasey Cronquist (@kaseycronquist) on
Congratulations on the success of your Seasonal Bouquet project in PA. Clearly you’ve captured the hearts and minds of many, yet there are so many more who have not yet been touched by the work you and Jennie are doing.
I hope your effort continues and I hope we can continue to support you in your mission to help people think more creatively, regionally and locally when designing with flowers.