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Home Blog The Farmer & the {Florist} Interview: Re-connecting with Ariella Chezar
February 7th 2019

The Farmer & the {Florist} Interview: Re-connecting with Ariella Chezar

Written by
Floret

Ariella Chezar has inspired flower lovers and floral designers around the world with her organic, seasonally-focused approach to floral design.

In addition to designing spectacular events and weddings, Ariella teaches floral design at workshops and retreats across the globe and grows seasonal blooms on her farm in upstate New York.

The author of three gorgeous books, Ariella’s 2002 title Flowers for the Table was considered pioneering in its approach to floral design. Perhaps more than almost any other, this book opened my eyes to the beauty of natural and seasonally-focused floral design. More than 10 years later, Ariella released The Flower Workshop in 2016 which showcased gorgeous photos and recipes for her signature floral designs. Her newest book is another feast for the eyes and soul. Seasonal Flower Arranging will be available from book sellers everywhere starting February 26, 2019.

Seasonal Flower ArrangingAriella has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement throughout my own floral journey. I was fortunate enough to attend one of her floral design workshops in 2013, and her philosophies and approach to color have greatly influenced my own design style.

I recently had a chance to sit down with my dear flower friend to chat about her recent travels, her new book and our mutual love of seasonal blooms. You’ll find an excerpt of our conversation below. I do hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Dahlias by couch photo Ariella Chezar and Floret interview

Ariella workshop on Floret blogAriella workshop photo on Floret blogErin: I’ve so enjoyed seeing the gorgeous photos you’ve posted from your teaching travels in China, Mexico, The Netherlands and France. From these experiences, I’m really curious to know how you perceive the local and seasonal flower movement in other regions of the world. Did you have much difficulty sourcing flowers locally for your workshops?

Ariella: I choose locations where the local flowers are the stars. Pretty much everywhere you go there are always out of season flowers available, but I pay them very little attention and focus on the seasonal flowers because they are always the most vital. That being said, I have found myself challenged by my ethos when I am in a place where the season isn’t totally clear. When I was in China, I remember thinking- What season? Whose season? Where am I!? In the end, it was the produce that guided me more than the flowers, and the final table I designed was predominantly focused on produce.

Pretty much everywhere I’ve been, the imports are still the lusted after starlets, and I have done my best to ignore them. In Mexico particularly, Dutch flowers feel utterly out of place.

Citrus flowers and cobalt blue tableclothErin: Were there any interesting flowers that you discovered or re-discovered on a recent trip?  

Ariella: One of my happiest moments was finding mountains pansies in Mexico City last January. I had intended to go in a totally different direction, and when I saw those, they became the stars. This past fall at Flower House Mexico City, I saw a yellow amaranth that blew me away. The funny thing is, I am not an amaranth fan by a long shot, but this was different!

Whenever I go to Holland I find new and exceptional varieties. It was there that I first spotted martagon lilies three years ago, and last year I saw calanthe orchids which I had never seen before. And tulips! It’s heaven, really every time I go.

Erin: Any new floral materials you’ve found that have made you say, “I have got to try to grow this at the farm!”

Ariella: Nothing new, particularly, just new varieties. Suffice it to say I want almost every Itoh hybrid peony- and I want thousands of them!

ariella

Erin: I’d love to hear the latest about your farm, Zonneveld, in upstate New York. At the time of our previous blog interview, you were still in the beginning stages of getting the farm set up for flower production. How has your farm operation grown and evolved over the past few years?  

Ariella: Lets just say I’m learning a little more every year (hearty laugh). My biggest frustration is that the farm is but one piece of a pretty full and varied schedule, and as such, it never gets the time and attention it deserves. It also happens to be one of my favorite places to be, and I never feel I’m there as much as I’d like to be.

The successes feel monumental and sadly, so do the failures! Perennials are my best investment, though keeping them weeded is a constant challenge. The peonies are doing great, as are narcissus, hellebores and all the woodies. The dahlias have been great and many of the annuals as well. The dalmation peach digitalis never lets me down!

I am working on plans to build a studio at the farm- aiming to be completed this fall. Once I am at the farm full time, it will be much easier to give it the attention it demands- and I am deeply excited for that. I literally can’t wait to create a place where people can study at the farm with me and with other teachers, as collaboration is hands down where it’s at.

Floret and Ariella ChezarErin: What flowers have you found grow really well for you in your climate? What are a few of your favorite spring and summer blooms from your garden?

Ariella: Sweet peas! I had one glorious first year and then the last two were a bust. I’m planning for success again this year! I sure love the Sahara rudbeckia and Senior’s Hope dahlia.

Floret and Ariella Chezar InterviewErin: From a floral designer’s perspective, what flowers and foliage do you recommend that flower farmers grow this season? What about color palettes?

Ariella: I keep meaning to plant Stephanandra incisa versus snipping it from others. It gets such great autumn color and has fantastic, arching gestures. I’m also mad for wild raspberry foliage.

In general, palettes in-between muddy tones still reign supreme as they have such a magical ability to blend colors.

Erin: What are the flowers you can never seem to get enough of when you need them for your weddings, workshops and other events?

Ariella: I’m pretty sure my list isn’t very different from everyone else’s:

Fritillaria
Narcissus
Tulips
Pansies
Hellebore
Digitalis
Poppies
Peonies
Sweet peas
Dahlias
Rudbeckia
Cosmos (though I abhor harvesting them- so stressful!)
Japanese anemones
Some Lisianthus
Antique Chrysanthemums

Seasonal Flower Arranging by Ariella ChezarErin: Ok, let’s talk about your new book, Seasonal Flower Arranging, which comes out February 26th. I know now much hard work, time and effort goes into writing, photographing and editing a book, and this is truly a work of art. Congratulations on such a stunning creation!

Ariella: Thank you!

Erin: One of the things I really appreciated about this book was the inclusion of your lists of favorite trees, shrubs, flowers and foliage used in your designs. In fact, I already noted a few cultivars that I would love to add to my collection. In addition to including a focus on using seasonal flowers from your cutting garden, what are other ways this book is different than your past two books?

Ariella: I would say it is geared more to the flower enthusiast versus the professional. It’s for someone who shops a farmers market and wants thoughts on what do do with the juicy bunches they can find there. It also reiterates my thoughts on color and form, and it encourages people to find seasonal beauties versus imports.

Ariella Workshop on Floret BlogErin: Finally, I’d love to learn what’s next for you. Any other books, workshops or online courses in your future?

Ariella: Online courses, assorted workshops and a new teaching studio where a variety of flower and food classes will be offered from a variety of teachers.

Erin: Sounds wonderful. Thanks so much for taking the time to catch up with me today, Ariella. I hope our paths cross again soon. 

To celebrate the release of Ariella Chezar’s new book and the 5th Anniversary of The Farmer & the {Florist} Interview series, I’m giving away three copies of Seasonal Flower Arranging

For a chance to win a copy, simply post a comment below. In your comment, please share your favorite flower arrangement to give–or to get.  The deadline for entries is Friday, February 22nd.

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

UPDATE: The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winners: Carol Pope, Charlotte Wise and Nancy.

Ariella design on Floret blogSee more of Ariella Chezar’s beautiful work with seasonal flowers:

2014 Farmer & the {Florist} Interview with Ariella Chezar

Floret at Ariella’s Chalk Hill Clematis Workshop Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3

The Flower Workshop feature

Ariella Chezar Website

Ariella Chezar Instagram

Photos reprinted with permission from Seasonal Flower Arranging: Fill Your Home with Blooms, Branches, and Foraged Materials All Year Round by Ariella Chezar, copyright (c) 2019. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photographs (c) 2018 by Erin Kunkel.

931 Comments

  1. Hannah Moffet on

    What a lovely interview, I can’t wait to read Ariella’s newest book. My favourite kind of arrangement is one made from locally grown and seasonal flowers! In particular, I love arrangements with cafe o lait dahlias, red hibiscus and celosia, so pretty!!

    Reply
  2. Heather Serry on

    So fun learning about different growers and flower artists around us! My Mother-In-Law gives me a bunch of giant, beautiful tree lilies every year when they bloom and I so look forward to it. They make the house smell so good and are so pretty all on their own!

    Reply
  3. Cheryl Carlson on

    Thank you for sharing! Such a lovely interview and collection of photos! ahh !! – to die for! We are moving this year and it looks like I may finally have a little extra space to finally dedicate time (and space) to growing my own flowers, I cannot wait. I love any arrangement made from what can be found at a local market or from a friends garden. So simple but somehow extra thoughtful!
    – Cheryl

    Reply
  4. Jewel on

    Last year was my first garden and I only had a few things planted so my favorite thing to give was zinnias, celosia and globe amaranth!

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  5. Val Taylor on

    Erin,
    I so enjoy your website and ideas. I’m looking forward to Ariella’s new book. I just gave a presentation last night on cut flower gardens, to grow arrange and more. I highly recommended your book as the most comprehensive on the subject.

    One of my favorite flowers is the Angelique Tulip. Bernadette Roozen recommended them to me in 1989 to have at my wedding. I grew up in Mt. Vernon and have fond memories of working for the Roozen family. I miss the great Skagit Valley soil. I plan to have a huge arrangement in May to celebrate my 30th anniversary!

    Reply
  6. Marie Kaylor on

    What fabulous writing Erin. So great to bear witness to two women loving there craft and sharing it with others through your interview.This year I’m finally moving forward with my dream of having a cut flower business here in Colorado. I only discovered you a month ago and I feel it Fortuitous .

    Reply
  7. Brandie Orchard on

    Wow! Thanks for sharing this interview! I completely connect with Ariella’s philosophy of finding what is seasonal and local versus imported flowers. This is my inspiration (along with Floret’s Workshop 2018!) to grow thousands of Peonies, Specialty Tulips, Raspberries and Perennials in the mountains of Wyoming. Jackson Hole, WY is a wedding destination in our very short summer months and we really should be using as many locally grown flowers as we can! I, too, am working on creating a place where flower enthusiasts can come to relax, connect & learn in nature.
    My favorite flower arrangement to give is whatever is growing in my garden at the time. Last year, my favorite arrangement given was a mixture of sweet peas, raspberry greens with some ripe raspberries still attached (which were promptly eaten by the kids! – who could not resist), a beautiful dahlia and some lilies.

    Reply
  8. Karla Monti on

    Local flowers, blooms from my garden, and incredible roadside finds are my favorite staples in my arrangements. Thanks to both of you passionate flower ladies it is the new vogue! Looking forward to Arielle’s new book to brighten my snowy and gray Chicago days. Favorite flowers? Got to be peonies and violas!!

    Reply
  9. Paula on

    Thank you Erin so much sharing your interview with Ariella. I really enjoyed reading all about it! I am just starting off my very first season in Cut Flower farming and I’m so looking forward to see what the Lord has in store this season for us! I’m looking forward to digging in the dirt with my three little princesses ages 4, 3 and newborn! I want them to enjoy it as much as me and that I wouldn’t get so worried about stepped on plants/flowers and dumped over buckets or seeds but that I would just enjoy the beauty of God’s gorgeous Creation with them!
    Whether receiving or giving a bouquet I do believe I would love it filled with either ranunculus anemones or tulips and plenty of bells of Ireland!

    Reply
  10. CAROL KRAUSE on

    It is so nice to hear such a prestigious voice in floral design look to seasonal local flora, there is something special and sweet about using what is available and waiting for something special in the coming season. To me its like waiting for our own local Northwest strawberries which to me are the best in the world, they are here for a few short weeks and we eat them till we are nearly sick. Hurrah Ariela!! And for us at Flower Farmer Girls it has to be Peonies!

    Reply
  11. Tiff Corbett on

    We’ve just started season two of our flower farming journey in rural Shropshire in the UK, having given up my job as deputy head of a large comprehensive school. Erin, your blogs, videos and website have been a source of so much valuable information and inspiration, thank you. We love to create natural looking bouquets using british blooms.

    Reply
  12. Delaney Rockrohr on

    This was a lovely interview. Thank you for sharing! My favorite floral arrangements are poppies, Dahlias, lots of greenery/sprays, and I LOVE love love sunflowers. They’re just so beautiful and timeless.

    Reply
  13. Robyn Ward on

    I appreciate Ariella’s comments and experience regarding finding season florals in various parts of the world, and the questions that arose regarding seasonality. I loved that example of her using produce as a focus during one of her travels because of the lack of seasonal florals during her time there.

    Football mums – white, I love including these in a bouquet.

    Reply
  14. Carol Pope on

    When I was a young girl (early 70s), my dad was in the Navy and we were stationed in Japan for a couple of years. My mom and I took Japanese floral arranging — I am still attracted to the simplicity of Ikebana floral arrangements. I’m so thankful for my mom instilling a love of flowers (and gardening!) in my soul at such a young age. We always have fresh flowers or greenery on our dining table — just as my mom did before me. Thank you, Erin, for bringing so much BEAUTY! I am inspired!

    Reply
  15. Teresa Stanfield on

    I enjoyed the interview with Ariella. My go to flower arrangements are english roses, dahlias, hydrangeas, and lots of greens, and happy sunflowers.

    Reply
  16. Joan B. on

    I’m always inspired by any type of local farm movement with flower farms at the top of the list. I love any mixed bouquet with deep color and a wide variety of textures.

    Reply
  17. Sarah Wood on

    Flowers make me happy. This year, thanks to you Erin, I have taken the cut flower garden plunge. Normally I would be impatiently waiting for my foverite bulb bouquet of parrot tulips to dress my spring table. But this year, I am sowing seeds from your Amethyst Mix Cut Flower Seed Collection and am focused on all the wonderful possibilities to come. Thank you for teaching me how to make my world more beautiful. Your book and How To articles have truly inspired me. I would appreciated winning Ariella Chezar’s new book, Seasonal Flower Arranging. Thank you, Erin, for making my cut flower garden adventure so doable.

    Reply
  18. Linnae Harper on

    Sorry if this comment posts twice. I got an error message, so not sure if the first went through or not! In any case, I’m happy for the chance to learn more from Ms. Chezar. Her designs are inspiring!

    Reply
  19. Abbi K. on

    I love the insight here! My favorite flower arrangement always has poppies, I love their color!

    Reply
  20. rebekahulsaker on

    Awesome interview! I love arrangements with beautiful English roses, with a wild (not stuffy) look.

    Reply
  21. Mary Murphy on

    My daughter is taking floral horticulture classes and I would love this book to inspire this new avenue for her! I absolutely love that she often comes home from classes with beautiful arrangements. I am learning to appreciate designs that are very different from what I have traditionally enjoyed.

    Reply
  22. Rachelle Houska on

    I always learn something when I check in with you Erin. Everything you do is such a treat.

    Reply
  23. Marie Skoog on

    Thank you both for the inspiration you give!
    I love bouquets with wild or locally grown, in season flowers. I love to give away flowers from my own garden mixed with things I find in nature and maybe some bought local seasonal flower that I don’t have in my garden. I love White and green shades and have always loved the pink hues. But this year I will grow annuals in peach and yellow.
    I love bouquets that look wild but always when I try binding they become to tight and too perfect. I will keep practising!
    Thanks again for all your super advise and isnpiration!
    Marie from Sweden

    Reply
  24. Lisa Kuhl-Thomas on

    I can’t wait for this new book. The fact that it’s geared more towards the enthusiast and not the professional really excites me; right up my alley. My favorite flowers to receive is anything in purple. Thank you for such a wonderful interview!

    Reply
  25. Anna Regele on

    I borrowed Ariella’s first book from the library this winter – what a great way to get your flower fill in the depth of winter!! Looking forward to her new book and all the amazing arrangements inside! My favorite arrangement to get is a bunch of sunflowers! So bright and cheerful!!

    Reply
  26. Kara Wilkinson on

    Wonderful interview! If I can get my hands on an urn of lilacs, chocolate lace and cat mint I am the happiest camper!

    Reply
  27. Brittany Masino on

    This is such an inspiring piece to read. Thank you Erin and Ariella! My favorite arrangements always include Dahlias.

    Reply
  28. Charlotte Wise on

    So excited to learn about the Seasonal Flower Arranging book. Recently retired and want to start a long awaited for flower garden. I truly enjoy arranging and working with flowers and gardening . I missed my calling in life and want to enjoy the next few years gardening and sharing my flowers with others.

    Reply
  29. Brenda Horne on

    Great interview, thank you! My favorite: lilacs and viburnum. Swoon

    Reply
  30. Christine Tigges on

    Thank you for sharing your love and how-to’s of all things floral with us so graciously! I am a B&B hostess and music teacher and we have a wedding venue barn in northwestern Virginia. My garden is my outdoor joy and you have given me so many new ideas for this spring! My favorite flower to give is either a bouquet of happy zinnias or a perennial that a dear friend can plant in their own garden.

    Reply
  31. Nathalie Driver on

    I love that Ariella’s flower-lust focuses on local beauties. We often overlook our common plants and flowers because they are, well, common, but of course each place has unique and beautiful things to offer. Reading the interview has inspired to go out tomorrow, find a local beauty and make it centrepiece.

    Reply
  32. Christine B. on

    Thank you for the wonderful interview! My favorite arrangements always include sunflowers.

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  33. Jill on

    Peonies, or tulips. Predictable :)

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  34. kathleen matson on

    These gorgeous arrangements Ariella creates just pull my eyeballs right in. I love them. I love flowers and anything that Erin recommends I always look. My favorite bouquet to get are yellow tulips – but masses of them, 3 or 4 dozen. I arrange them and draw them, then paint them. I get lost in them. What a wonder flowers are to me…total love.

    Reply
  35. Colleen Kirkendall on

    A beautiful bunch of daisies with a few spikes of ornamental grass….what a cheerful bouquet to give or to get! Always uplifting.

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  36. Marissa on

    Loving the variety of flowers used.

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  37. karen tranmer on

    My favourite arrnagement would be full of sunflowers

    Reply
  38. Michele on

    Such a lovely interview, just had to pick up a copy of Flower Workshop! Would love to add her newest release to my reading table. Thank you for the opportunity. Irises are my absolute favorite; they remind me of home (Louisiana, my grandmother) and fill me with joy.

    Reply
  39. Maisie on

    Oh my, this book looks lovely! Let’s see, right now I am dreaming of a simple bouquet of rununculus, in creamy, salmony colors. Mmm, can’t wait to give and receive those!

    Reply
  40. Tina Farthing on

    Arillea and Erin, thank you both for sharing your talents and ideas. This time of year when it’s nonstop rain here in the Pacific northwest, I can’t wait for spring. I took in to the ladies room at work a simple arrangement of hellebores last week (thank you Erin for teaching me the perfect time to harvest) and was touched by how a single addition of flowers to a dreary sterile space lifts the mood and reduces stress of my coworkers. I would enjoy learning more and improving my arrangement design skills, as I’m much better at the farming process than arranging!

    Reply
  41. Molly Myers on

    What a treat to sit down and read. Thanks for hosting this interview Erin, as usual I find myself breathing more slowly and deeply as I read about flower farming and the myriad of choices. My most beloved arrangement I ever got was from a friend who brought a 5 gallon bucket of fresh summer peonies from his yard in Pennsylvania all the way to me here in Nashville on a road trip. They were stunning!

    Reply
  42. Jaime on

    Another fascinating interview. I’m always blown away by how much others seem to be able to cram into life: book-authoring, growing, floristry, teaching, blogging…! As a mother of young children and pregnant with #4, I struggle just to piece together enough time to keep my small cutting plot alive! Bravo. It’s actually a relief to discover that even successful professionals like Ariella find time restrictions a challenge.
    I’m usually the one growing and giving the bouquets these days… My favourite bouquet to receive smells as wonderful as it looks, and is arranged ‘au naturel’, using seasonal ingredients, and with tendrils seeming to be escaping over the sides, while blooms nestle in companionable gaggles. I like a bouquet to look like a snippet from a slightly overgrown garden :)
    There are no flower markets where I live now, so I crave the blooms not available here: snapdragons, carnations, paeonies, anemonies, ranunculi, sweet peas, callas…and ferns, ferns, and more ferns. A wish list that informs what I grow in my own little plot!

    Reply
  43. Molly on

    I think right now, I would have to say that my favorite arrangement would be something that includes daffodils. I think the snow where I’m at is really making me wish for spring! I’m not a huge fan of the traditional bright yellow variety, but I love the more uncommon varieties that include peach, cream, and coral.

    Reply
  44. SandyG on

    I really enjoyed the interview and the beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing! My favorite bouquet is lilacs, but I love them all!

    Reply
  45. George Yang on

    I work for 1800flowers and I’m leaving it. The sales have been down. The “older” corporate hunchos just need to retire. The mass corporate floral industry is dying. I’m venturing out on my own with local and sustainable flowers and veggies. I’m not looking to become a millionaire but to help inform my local customers that local is better.

    Reply
  46. anne on

    Thank you very much for this updated interview, Erin! I just got back from the local library after learning about Ariella through your blog posts with two of her books, The Flower Workshop and Flowers for the Table. I can’t wait to read them and learn more about her and her approach.

    We are a brand new flower farm in the Western NC mountains and I can’t wait to bring local flowers to our community as we are pretty much a “flower desert” when it comes to our neighbors being able to purchase seasonal, local flowers. As I passed all the shipped in flowers for Valentine’s Day in our local grocery store I was even more determined, excited and inspired to grow the best flowers, organically and seasonally, we can for people. Flowers are good for the soul. We all need them and it is our job as growers to educate people about the possibility of seasonal, local flowers. I believe in this movement so much.

    Reply
  47. Erin S. on

    Thank you both for your beautiful thoughts, shared experiences, wise advice and inspirational photos. I would adore hydrangeas and their full blooms that can fill an entire breakfast nook. I love to give mixed wildflowers with lots of green foliage because it can be an unexpected yet beautiful arrangement. But, on a romantically sappy note – my most favorite “bouquet” is the one my father has given my mother every year of their 53 year marriage – a single green carnation. It will always represent their love and friendship to me.

    Reply
  48. Hillary Krapf on

    I would LOVE to win this and share with my Mom (would be a bright spot…like a summer bouqet…in a very LONG and COLD winter here in Maine)! We have had a mini urban flower farm on our family plot for years, but this year it will double in size and beauty. So many tulips. And then the Poppies! I cant wait!! (Seriously)

    Reply
  49. Kathleen Devericks on

    Thank you for the interview–so inspiring as I look out my window and see my gardens buried under the snow. I am hoping the flowers are sleeping restfully so they can leap forward this spring!
    Not sure I can pick one flower over another for designing—I am in love with so many. At this time of year, I bring in forsythia and cherry branches to quell the lust! In spring, nothing can beat an arrangement with Hellebores as the focus, supported by other spring ephemerals. As we head closer to summer, I enjoy featuring tree peonies (especially the foliage), no matter how fleeting the bloom….In the height of the growing season, I enjoy working with zinnias and the beautiful foliage of Hosta. Fall is spectacular with many dahlias, I can never get enough of them—and they are always a favorite for those who view them or receive them in a bouquet. And then there is Queen Anne’s Lace, readily avaialbe for rescue from the side of the road! Yes, I am a flora-holic and proud of it!

    Reply
  50. Deanna Byrne on

    I’m a florist so I very rarely get flowers given to me!!! Many years ago I lived in Australia’s outback and my then husband brought me a bunch of wildflowers, hand picked from some of the most remote and wild areas in Australia. That was pretty special :)

    Reply
  51. Belinda Olsen on

    I love monochromatic arrangements. Especially made of poppies, ranunculus, Dahlia and anemonies.

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  52. Laura K. on

    A beautiful and informative interview, thank you very much for posting it!
    My favourite flower arrangements to give are combinations of english roses, planted by my grandmother decades ago, with a few fresh herb sprigs – mainly thyme, rosemary and bay leaves, and for pops of color adding zinnias and borage flowers.

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  53. Amanda on

    I love to give and receive peonies. They are so magical and elegant.

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  54. Sara B on

    My husband and I just bought our first house together in the fall of 2017 and little did I know that the previous owner had planted peonies on the property. Needless to say, a short, extra large wine glass full of fluffy pink peony blooms has quickly become a favorite and I am just dreaming of having them again in a few short months.

    Reply
  55. Katie Scheer on

    Ariella is such an inspiration. I love how her unruly arrangements remain elegant. The palate and tones and plethora of textures bring me such joy. I have two feet of snow to here and while I am enjoying the recreating.. I am on pins and needles for my blooms to arrive! My favorite arrangements to give are the ones for no particular reason. I love puttering around my yard collecting apple blossoms and sprigs of rosemary and raspberries… mixing them with anemones and ranunculus and surprising my neighbor with a creation. She puts up with my very “adventurous” (as she calls it) yard so I try to keep her happy when I can.

    Reply
  56. Katie Lila Broadbent ? on

    My Grandma Lorna would gather all of us littles after a family picnic in the beautiful canyons of Utah. We would go on nature walks and she would encourage us to notice and name each wildflower. She taught us the rules of how many you were allowed to pick and which ones were to be left untouched. These wild bouquets of found treasures are still my favorite to give or recieve. She always had a sign in her house that read, “may all your weeds be wildflowers”. I have found it to be true wherever I wonder, and have often thought if weeds were just bigger they would be some of the most Sought after blooms. Thank you for your vibrant voice for flowers and those that love them, thank you for connecting all of us. You have awakened a seed that was dormant in my soul and I am embarking on a new flower journey. ???? (how do we get more flower emojis…know anyone at Google;)

    Reply
  57. Lois Ridgdill on

    I love the expansive way she makes her arrangements looked like they are reaching out at you. Almost like some of the stems are floating in the air. Beautiful. I love Zinnias and Asparagus fern.

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  58. Joy Collazzi on

    Thank you for introducing me to Ariella Chezar! I’m not 100% sure where or how I found your site, however so very happy I did, because a whole new beautiful world has bloomed and looking forward to sharing it with others! My favorite flowers are white and pale cosmos and zinnias, with different plumes and green vines twirling and swirling all around a beautiful clear vase.

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  59. Ashlee on

    Someone gave me a bouquet of dahlias, all diffeeent kinds, when my dahlia plants didn’t survive. It was the best!!

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  60. Jess on

    A handful of dandelions from my kids!

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  61. Samantha Hennigan on

    Thank you for sharing this interview. It’s always so inspiring to hear of others challenges and triumphs in the flower industry.
    I am one who loves to give a receive Orchids.

    Reply
  62. Alexandria Schroeder on

    This was such a wonderful interview. It’s always nice to discover new sources of inspiration!

    As a cut flower grower, its hard for me to choose just one type of arrangement. I love natural arrangements, but I also love anything with Ranunculus, Tulips, Dahlias, Sweet Peas, Poppies, Peonies, Sunflowers, Old-Fashioned Roses, Zinnias………yeah, I kind of love everything.

    Reply
  63. Anna Congdon on

    Love the interviews. So great to read about flower professionals favorite flowers. I love putting together a bouquet of a big allium (globemaster or the like), Ladies Mantle, and white or creamy Bearded Iris. Here in Maine these are all some of the first big blooms we get in early summer.

    Reply
  64. Abbey Judd on

    The book looks beautiful! I enjoyed the interview as well. I’m not much of a green thumb but since my move to WA I have fallen in love with flowers and I am eagerly awaiting my spring blooms!

    Reply
  65. christina Lueking on

    I love to use celosia, lisianthus, zinnias, dusty miller and double click cosmos to give it some airy movement.
    Thanks for inspiring everyone to grow more quality flowers.

    Reply
  66. Nicole Morouse on

    I loved this interview! Thanks so much for introducing me to Ariella and her work.

    My favorite arrangements to give are foraged ones combined with my own farm grown annuals and perennials. My very favorite was made with dahlias, snowflake Vibernum along with some foraged feathery grasses.

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  67. Nicole Morouse on

    I enjoyed reading this interview so much. Thank you for introducing me to Ariella! I plan on following her through Instagram and will be ordering her books immediately!

    Reply
  68. Chelsea Russell on

    Zinnias and sunflowers! I’m always amazed that it doesn’t take a bunch of flower varieties to make a beautiful bouquet. I love that Ariella Chezar’s book is geared toward the backyard flower lover!

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  69. Sylvia Battram on

    Last year I grew cosmos, zinnias and sweet peas. I loved quickly cutting bouquets for friends when we went visiting or when someone came to see us. In October at the end of the season we had a big party and I gave everyone snips and directed them towards the flower patch. How lovely to see the enjoyment on their faces, and we still had so many blooms afterwards! The gift that keeps on giving ❤️

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  70. Jill Love on

    I love them all. But if I had to choose, my favorite bouquets are brightly colored with opposing shades in them like purple and yellow. I also love a real variety of different shapes in a bouquet. The visual interest really juices me up and I photograph them ad nauseum not caring so much what the pictures look like but just wanting the memory to linger long after the bouquet.

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  71. Christina Cover on

    Enjoyed reading this interview! My favorite bouquets are English roses and sweet peas- they smell heavenly!

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  72. Janine L Lidell on

    sweet peas always but really any surprise bouquet left on a friend’s porch is my favorite to give…!

    Reply
  73. Dinah Holsinger. on

    I guess i would maybe have to say a bouquet of lilacs! Besides just looking pretty, they also smell wonderful!!

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  74. Leslie Fishman on

    I loved hearing about Arielle’s seasonal experiences in different countries! Pure Joy!
    Peonies are my favorite blooms!

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  75. Aaron Kuhns on

    I have only attempted arranging flowers a few times and only for my wife. I enjoy arranging them but need a lot more practice. My favorite attempt involved driving around the area we live and foraging for wildflowers!

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  76. Kathy G on

    Japanese anemones are my favorite

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  77. Johanne Jacobs on

    I love all flowers but the “oldies” my parents used to grow always make me happy . Peonies, English roses and camelias wee always beautiful! Sweet peas and Lilly of the valleys were a favorite .
    Good job will keeping us informed .

    Reply
  78. Carolyn on

    The new book sounds amazing. I love when my children give me flowers; they come up with the most whimsical combinations!

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  79. Anne on

    Love, love, love bouquets of ranunculus!

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  80. Jackie on

    Sweet Peas! Last year was my first year growing my own. Looking forward to getting back out in the garden.

    Reply
  81. Colleen Raney on

    I’m always interested to hear what other New England growers are doing – thank you for the interview! I’d love getting a bunch of sweet peas any old time. They remind me of the Market at home in Seattle!

    Reply
  82. Mary Cantler on

    There is so much joy in sharing our beautiful flowers in such a creative way.

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  83. Robin Habing on

    I love bouquets of wildflowers. I stop and cut from ditches . But it is hard to beat the smell of peonies!!

    Reply
  84. Simone Torpey on

    A great interview with one of my floral heros – Ariella’s designs are my go-to for inspiration. ‘The Flower Workshop’ is always on my bedside table, and is so well loved it’s falling apart! I can’t wait to see her latest book. And Japanese anemonies are one of my absolute favourites too – they are totally under rated!

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  85. Hannah Grimm on

    I will put this on my to read list for my next vacation. Thanks for your time ladies of the industry.

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  86. Lori Cassaro on

    After 23 years in the wholesale floral industry, I still revel in seeing beautiful flowers artfully combined…it recharges my love for them and makes me happy that I get to sell them every day.

    Reply
  87. Becca on

    I love an arm load of pussy willows mixed with some lovely hellebores and witch hazel this time of year.

    Reply
  88. Robyn R. on

    Thank you for sharing. I love the photos that accompany your articles and the “favorites lists” of flowers. I am the seasonal arrangement provider for all family get togethers. My favorite floral arrangement to get is peonies, lilacs, snapdragons, tulips, and bleeding hearts. It tells me spring has arrived and reminds me of the bouquets my boys picked these for me and put next to my favorite chair and nightstand.

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  89. Silveria Scudieri on

    I’m new to floral design but my favorite arrangement to get and to give are sunflowers with bells of Ireland it’s a really simple arrangement but it’s just stunning. And whenever I give those to people they always say it’s light a ray of sunshine in their home. Can’t wait to learn more about floral design from the two of you.

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  90. Karen on

    Loved the photos and interview. Excited to get in the garden when this snow is melted!

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  91. Lois Toogood on

    LOVE the arrangements in this piece! I’m really looking forward to putting together bouquets with the pale yellow zinnias, cosmos and nasturtiums I got from Floret, with the addition of my own pale yellow and white dahlias! (Filler yet to be decided) I haven’t actually put it together accept in my mind, but it looks amazing up there!! :) Thanks, as always for continually inspiring us xo

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  92. Lori Bochner on

    I’m totally new to floral design, so this is exciting! My favorite flower arrangement to give or get would be anything with stock in the spring because I love the scent. In summer there are too many to choose from, I love the mix of textures and colors you can play with. And in the fall, I adore the dahlias! :)

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  93. Chatham Flower Farm on

    Our favorite flowers to use are Dahlias with snaps and some nigella. Can’t wait for the new book to be out!!

    Reply
  94. Kate Meyer of Chatham Flower Farm on

    I love her books and was so inspired by her process and beautiful creativity. She inadvertently pushed me to go from just a flower farmer to a farmer florist. She is one of the reasons we pushed design and small events into our business model at the farm. Thank you for this interview. Can’t wait for the new book to be out!!

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  95. Candace S on

    Lilacs, peonies and hydrangea for sure!

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  96. Kathleen on

    One of my more unusual bouquets was composed of jack-in-the-pulpits, a birthday gift for a male friend. Some fern fronds and a few leaves from the jacks, along with Solomon’s seal made an interesting composition focused on green and the dark purple of the jack’s spathe, with little white accents from the Solomon’s seal. I look forward to seeing Ariella’s book and getting more ideas and inspiration!

    Reply
  97. Ana Gabriela Rosas on

    Thank you so much.
    I love flower arrangements with a lot of movement. Resembling a garden

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  98. Lorna Burley on

    I enjoy reading about success stories with florist. Ariella’s Travel experiences are inspirational and I love how she embraces and respects what’s locally grown and organic, as does Erin. So many arrangements to choose from but I love the romance and femininity of soft colored peonies and ranunculus. I live in Northen New York where growing season is so short. I’d like to know where in upstate NY Arielle lives and how she works with a short season. Thank you for all you do- your site moves me to tears often.

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  99. Magdalena Zamarreño on

    I love to fill the house with sweet peas. I use all the jars of jam I got as possies and enjoy the smell all over the place. I know it is easy to arrange but the result is always fantastic.

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  100. Shelia Blevins on

    Truly enjoyed the interview! Such beautiful color and delicate blooms! I love so many, flowers, but hydgrangea and daliahs are a favorite.

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  101. Beth R Sinnenberg on

    What lovely arrangements! I live in Richmond, Virginia and have a lot of luck growing zinnias in my front yard every summer. They are such happy flowers! Probably my favorite flower is Hellebores, mine are starting to bud as I write this comment. We have 43 acres in Hanover, which is known for it tomatoes, I would like to turn into a flower farm. I have spoken with a local flower grower and I am going to get together with them for advice. Can’t wait to see your new book!

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  102. Jane Powell on

    It’s hard to pick a favorite! I love walking out to my flowerbeds and finding whatever is blooming at the time and bringing a few into the house. Love, love, love lilacs in the Spring! Peonies in June and hydrangeas in the Fall! I’ve mostly grown perennials, but this year I have MANY Floret Flower seed packets!!! Very excited to incorporate annuals into my bouquets ?

    Reply
  103. Lisa Washington on

    I was happy to read about Ariella’s floral excursions around the world! Those are a story in themselves !! I am inspired to do the same!
    I love the traditional Dutch inspired arrangement but with an interesting twist!
    I am a southern Maryland grower who is still finding the best blooms for my region!
    Live the journey!!
    Thank you!!
    Lisa W

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  104. Kathryn on

    Love this interview, two passionate and wonderfully inspirational women. You demonstrate that ‘collaboration is where it’s at’ and I would be one of thousands who are thankful for your willingness to share your knowledge and creativity so freely!

    Reply
  105. Patricia on

    My favorite flower is the peony and I have several plants. I love the ITOH peonies, too, and have plans to plant several (over time) in a section of our property near our house. So far I have not grown any other flower that enchants me to the same degree as peonies. So a bunch of them in a simple white stoneware pitcher is incredibly beautiful and satisfying to me.

    Reply
  106. Kris Koponen on

    Three types of bouquets come to mind… Since I live in the Skagit Valley (near your farm in Bow) where our farmers plant field after field of the most colorful tulips I like to make up Tulip bouquets in Spring.
    My daughter is a foral designer in SCAL (Julep Bloom Design) and I love to help her make wedding bouquets of Peonies, Lisianthus, anemones and more for her brides.
    And third, from my backyard garden in the summer I enjoy making Dahlia bouquets for friends and family mixed with annuals.
    Can’t wait to plant my Floret seeds this Spring! Cupcake Cosmos my favorite!

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  107. Susan on

    My favorite flower for arrangements is crocosmia!

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  108. Kate Harrison on

    A dear friend of mine gives me a bouquet of her garden flowers every spring. They come in an old 5 lb coffee can and they are the most wondrous mix of gorgeous vanilla colored roses, tiny violets, larkspur, bearded iris, pansies and several shades of nasturtiums with their sweet round leaves It is a priceless gift of friendship that brings such a feeling of gratitude to my heart for friends and flowers.

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  109. Amy on

    I forgot to mention in my comment one of my favorite flowers to give….a summer bouquet of Giant Benary Zinnias mixed with green young umbels of dill.

    Reply
  110. Kathy Osborne on

    My favorite has got to be a bouquet of Peonies as they are a family rememberance of those that have passed. And they cherished the flower, maybe its why I’m beginning to fill my fields with them. Makes me think of how much I miss them and how happy they would be at the sight and smells that fill the air on an early June day.

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  111. Kate johnson on

    Looking forward to this book! Sifting through books on floral arranging is helping this Midwesterner get through a dreary winter! Peoniy arrangements are my favorite!

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  112. Emma on

    I love making bouquet with what ever is leftover from our previous wedding. I rather share those flowers then letting them faith away, it always makes people happy and smile!

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  113. Alexandria Russell on

    I am greatly inspired by the two of you ladies. Thank you so much for sharing. Compotes are my favorite to make with no floral foam. Love your books!

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  114. Melody Richards on

    I love any bouquet my husband gives me, especially if he picked the flowers himself. I am a sucker for ranunculuses.

    Reply
  115. Aga Jones on

    Inspiring read about Ariella and her plan to move to Zonneveld farm. Flowers I love to receive; any flowers my children harvest. They are usually weeds, of the minute variety, only the inquisitive child’s eye can see.

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  116. Paula Egermeier on

    I love to make arrangements of anything that is in bloom in my garden. I love when the cosmos, poppies or dahlias are blooming.

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  117. Holly Dyrland on

    Very inspiring! A beautiful bouquet of peonies is truly breathtaking for me.

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  118. Joanne Johnson on

    I have always instinctively chosen to eat fruit and vegetables that are in season. It follows that the best blooms are those that are in season as well! I love Cafe au lait dahlias mixed with purple palace heuchera leaves, ivy and mist flower.

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  119. Jaci on

    So much beautiful inspiration. My favorite flower to give is sweet peas. A few years ago I planted some french varieties and they were so prolific! I gather them into large bunches and place in pickle jars. It seems that everyone that receives them is always so excited and say they bring such fond memories of Moms and Grandmothers who also loved them so!

    Reply
  120. Lee Billings on

    I have a tiny flower garden, and I try to give away at least one arrangement per week. My favorite spring bouquet: Any roses (I have 15 bushes crammed together in a raised bed), wild blue phlox, mint, and blue Baptisia. All except the roses have moved with me three times over the last 30 years, so they have a lot of sentimental value as well.

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  121. Jessica McPherson on

    Excited for the book! My favorite arrangement is anything that’s seasonal and full of color. I love variety!!

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  122. Cindy on

    Thanks for all the inspiration! I love to get any arrangement made by Abby @ Cottonwood Floral but especially one with coral charm peonies. Abby is my very talented daughter and owner of Cottonwood Floral. I enjoy working and learning from her during her busy wedding seasons. The best bouquet I gave last year was to her on her wedding day filled with ranunculus, sweet peas, geranium, lisianthus, and garden roses. It turned out so beautiful and she ? it.

    Reply
  123. Laura Thorne on

    I am always looking for ways to improve my flower arranging skills – I love to have your book help me!
    As always, Erin, thank you for your endless, selfless sharing of information- I’ve learned so much from you!

    Reply
  124. Mel Savone on

    Dahlias are always my favourite to give and to get… In my small flower journey, there was never another flower that made me feel prouder… every time I include them in a bouquet for my mom, her face lights. I can tell she’s proud and she too can’t believe I cared for them since they were tubes – You really grew these yourself!?! It feels so good to get that reaction. Dahlias are just so stunning and they bring so much joy to both of us.

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  125. Lynette Mattke on

    Thanks for the article – the name Zonneveld popped out for me because Ariella’s mother, Famke, was my painting teacher many years ago. My favorite bouquet depends on the season, but I love pansies and hellebores in the winter, columbine and lily of the valley in the spring, zinnias in the summer, and gourds in the fall.

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  126. Jennifer Nguyen on

    My favourite arrangements are whimsical country cottage, sweet pea, full of peonies and other sweet smelling blooms!

    Reply
  127. Sarah Barkhouse on

    As a farmer-florist I love to make all kinds of arrangements and if anyone gave me flowers I’d be pleased! When I used to sell my flowers at our local farmers market when my children were little, I’d make baby bouquets in the glass jars from their baby food. I’d peel off the label and glue a ribbon or lace around the jar. Each one would have one large bloom and then some little supporting characters. They were super fun and quick to produce and people loved them!
    Fingers crossed I’m picked to win a copy of this beautiful and inspiring book!

    Reply
  128. Darcanne Nixon on

    This time of year I’m grateful for the sarcococca. The scent of the tiny flowers fills January and February with a heady scent. The glossy foliage is so lovely too, mixing well with long pine needled boughs for outstanding contrast.

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  129. Nicole Montesano on

    From my own garden — before we moved and I left most of my roses — I loved to give bouquets of David Austen and old-fashioned roses. For my cousin’s wedding years ago, I didn’t have much money and wanted to give her and her new husband something special, so I bought two wineglasses, and filled one with a bouquet of miniature orange roses and herbs, all from my garden; am happy to say they loved it. If I’m buying flowers to give away, dahlias are my favorite, with sweet peas close behind.

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  130. Erin Lafon on

    My favorite flower arrangement to give is multi-colored zinnia. I love picking them in the heat & dew of morning when the butterflies are keeping me company.

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  131. Riana on

    I love any arrangement that looks slightly wild and homegrown, or foraged. Sweet Peas, Lilacs and Peonies are some of my special favorites!

    Reply
  132. Donna Arsenault on

    Ariella, thank you for your inspirational work! Gathering seasonal blooms, greens, budding branches, just my style. I love to create and give bouquets that are natural & wild! Raspberry & blueberry branches with berries, wild roses, lilacs, bleeding hearts, bluebells.

    Reply
  133. Kathie on

    I love to give away my dahlia bouquets! It makes me happy to see how special someone feels when they receive one.

    Reply
  134. Jayne Tiehes on

    Give me a big old bunch of tulips and I am in heaven! Giving would have to be wildflower bouquets. Btw, lovely photos!

    Reply
  135. Julie Mann on

    Can’t wait for the book! I love giving a summer mix of sunflowers, cosmos, zinnia and basil straight from my field!

    Reply
  136. Linda Dwyer on

    This book sounds like a must have. I already added it to my Christmas wish list.
    This spring I plan to add arrangements of flowers I have never thought of as bouquet appropriate and so am very excited since I have these gems aplenty.
    I want to try small nosegays of lily of the valley, violets, grape hyacinth, creeping veronica and Siberian iris along with anything else that presents itself as greenery in jelly jars.

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  137. Kim on

    Flowers are my hope and saving joy – home grown connection to generations. My favorites are wildly bright colors (coordinated or not) and those with fragrance!

    Reply
  138. Myrth Mehl on

    I love to make flower arrangements. By no means am I a professional or claim to be good at it but practice makes perfect!! I love arrangements that have color and bring joy. Almost any flower will do!

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  139. Shari D on

    I love to give arrangements with Sweet Peas in the early summer and with dahlias in the Fall. I love to receive any floral arrangement–the wilder, the better.

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  140. Julie Tetter on

    I love all the arrangements Ariella makes! My favorites lean toward Itoh peonies! Thanks for sharing with us!

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  141. Lark Staples on

    Beautiful! I would love to devour her new book! I love arranging and sharing dahlias and am really excited about the new varieties I get to grow this year!

    Reply
  142. Gail Ditmore on

    As a “retired” florist (does anyone ever want to retire from living with flowers?!), I think this book will be right up my alley. I can’t wait to have time to browse the farmers markets this summer for some inspiration and also to begin to develop a cutting garden for myself and my new neighbors. We are moving to Sequim soon and building a new house and of course, with that comes a blank pallet for landscaping and all of the fun that brings! My favorites are peonies, hydrangeas, cosmos, tulips and sweet peas—just to name a few! Love your blog! Think spring! ?

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  143. Nanette Pearson on

    Last April, starting my second year of walking away from a six figure job that left me less than inspired, but too young to “retire”, I bought Erin’s Cut Flower garden book and lost myself in the love of growing, harvesting, arranging and giving away flowers every day ! I gave away over 100 arrangements and it was just so much joy! So my favorite arrangement is the one I have cut, lovingly arranged and presented as a gift. This year I ordered enough seed to double my space, but hello…. I am retired! My plan this year is to take buckets of flowers to the local senior center and women’s shelter and share the joy that way…. let people who otherwise would not get a chance to enjoy the energy of flowers have some of this pure joy! I look forward to learning more about arranging from this book and perhaps a visit to the farm someday! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  144. Angie Leazer on

    Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of her new book!!!! My favorite arrangements to give/get???? That’s easy, ANYTHING fresh from the field!

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  145. Melody on

    What an inspiring interview! My favorite bouquet to share is a simple farm fresh bouquet delivered in an old canning jar! Delivered after hospitalization, delivered for a special occasion, or delivered just to say “I’m thinking of you.”

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  146. Alex on

    Can’t wait to read!

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  147. Lacee King on

    What a wonderful interview! I kept googling a lot of the plants she mentioned! Thank you for all your wonderful content! My favorite flower arrangement right now would be anything that had fresh double tulips in it.

    Reply
  148. Dee Dee Acquisto on

    I love to get (and give!) bouquets of peonies. The fragrance reminds me of my mother, who loved them so!

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  149. Pam Fry on

    So inspiring, I loved the comments and responses from Ariella a true inspiration. Thank you for the update.

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  150. Abbey Lucas on

    Ariella Chezars The Flower Workshop was my inspiration to convert my acre in the city to a cutting garden. For me I love the simple beauty of a posie. A bunch of parrot tulips, or a handful of hellebore in a favorite vase.

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  151. Nicole Ropars on

    I love making fall arrangements, using the changing foliage of everything around me, makes for arrangements that feel familiar and new at the same time!

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  152. Sarah on

    Favorite bouquer is ‘Lady of Shallot’ roses with nepeta?

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  153. Lela Sisk on

    Tulips – One of the first signs that we have survived yet another winter!

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  154. April H. on

    As someone who has seen Ariella’s work in person, and also lives in such close proximity to her, I would love to get my hands on her new book! It will help our crazy up and down winter go that much quicker!

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  155. Kendal on

    Absolutely stunning photos. I can’t wait to start researching the flowers mentioned that I have never heard of before. Your blog and interviews are always such a wealth of information, I really appreciate and enjoy reading each one!

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  156. Carlie on

    Erin, have you ever considered putting together a podcast? I would subscribe and donate funds to that in a heartbeat! You are so inspiring and forthcoming with great information. I tend to make arrangements with whatever flowers I have in my garden and I forage for other bits to fill in the bouquet ♡ Looking forward to reading the book that was mentioned in the interview.

    Reply
  157. Kristin on

    I love buying myself flowers to remind me of my mother. Anything yellow, which was her favorite. Just last week, I went to the florist to have her design me a bouquet with yellow in it. I went home with a lovely bouquet in a black pitcher that had small sunflowers, deep purple statice, pink tulips and wax flower. I think of my mother every time I walk into the kitchen and see it.

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  158. Aimee Enriquez on

    I love to arrange flowers and deliver them to ill members of our church group or new mothers. Of course, taking flowers to my mom is nice too. I’m not picky about the flower, though I do love loose arrangements.

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  159. Brooks Barwell on

    I have Ariella’s list of favorites from her last book as a list to work toward growing, and will add these new varieties to the list! I can’t wait to see the new book! My favorite flowers to receive are pale pink or white peonies, straight from the neighbor’s garden. They bloom the two weeks between my anniversary and birthday and make me feel like the whole world is celebrating with me. My favorite to give are hellebores. At the closing when we bought our very first house, the seller told me the neighbors were great, and to take care of the hellebores, because they were special. Indeed!

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  160. Amy Jo Dailey on

    What a great interview. I didn’t know about Stephanandra incisa… now I’d love to plant a bit of that. My favorite flowers to gift are loose arrangements in some sort of recycle/reused jar as a vase. I cut blooms from my small cutting garden and forage for greenery and fillers in the forest (mostly ferns and berries). I love receiving any sort of arrangement… never picky in that department :)

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  161. Deby Brooke on

    my favorite arrangements to receive include peonies – such a beautiful flower!

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  162. Ashley on

    I just adore peonies! A couple of years ago, I did zinnias and basil. They make the most beautifully casual arrangements and smell heavenly!

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  163. Ruth Garry on

    Thank you once again for a lovely article, j really enjoyed reading about what varieties she’s most interested in and I appreciate how important seasonality is to her business.

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  164. Christine R. Nelson on

    Thank you Erin for doing this interview! I’m a newbie to floral arranging, but oh so interested.

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  165. Tyann on

    Giant bouquets of flowers picked fresh from my garden. Sunflowers, iris, dahlias, amaranth, what ever will bring joy to my friends. The library lady shares her arrangements with everyone. My Alzheimer’s friend smiles so much at the flowers that speak so clearly to her gardener’s heart, it makes me grateful to bring cheer.

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  166. susanna todd on

    I absolutely love Ariella’s ethos and work.The favorite arrangement for me would be peonies and garden roses.

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  167. Lydia on

    I love to hear people’s stories from the Netherlands because that where my great grandparents came from. I especially love to hear about the flowers because it’s such a big business for them.
    Thank you for sharing this interview!
    When I send a bouquet to someone I always say “pack it full of color!” I want the room to brighten when those flowers come in ?
    When making my own bouquets I follow the same principle; lots of color and not much greenery.

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  168. ES on

    So happy to be referred to you by Erin at Floret Farms!

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  169. Tiffany Weinbender on

    I cannot wait to see this book. It always stretches my creative juices working with whatever flowers are in season. The flowers are so much happier when they’re in season and so are the customers.
    My favorite arrangements are anything that looks to be freshly plucked from the garden and loosely arranged.

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  170. Susan on

    I love to give away bouquets of my fragrant light purple iris mixed with mock orange blossoms. So lovely, and they smell heavenly!

    Reply
  171. Anna Post on

    I love to give bouquets of peonies—I grow lots and lots so I can see them in my garden, have them in my house, and still have enough to give away. They feel so lush and special—I’ve started getting requests!

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  172. Sherry Smith on

    As I sit here looking out at the (more!) snow on the Olympic peninsula the interview with Ariella and all of the enchanting photos just warm my heart. I want flowers!! Having first discovered you, Erin, I am so very grateful for the world of flowers, farmers, authors and arrangers that you have opened up. Your blog is such a joy!
    I think my favorite flower arrangements have come from Farmgirl Flowers. They source local, seasonal flowers and the bouquets are always different, unusual and stunning.

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  173. Joan on

    I love an arrangement that is made with a variety of bright colors, berried twigs and seedpods. I enjoyed meeting Ariella and look forward to learning more about her. Thank you for including the beautiful photos!

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  174. Lisa on

    Thanks for sharing this interview with Ariella. She is so inspirational. I love arrangements with whatever is fresh from my garden but garden roses and dahlias are special favorites.

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  175. Carolyn Hunter on

    Ariella’s work is stunning! I look forward to learning everything I possibly can from her book.

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  176. BrittanyG on

    Ah, what a wonderful and inspiring interview! Thank you for sharing! Ariel’s Chezar’s book “The Flower Workshop” was the first book I ever borrowed in the library of a new town I had just moved to and it ignited a fire in my soul to grow, cut, arrange, and share flowers! That same year I planted as many flowers as I could fit in our tiny community garden plot, and would nurture them, cut them, arrange, and give them to my neighbors. Ariella’s style, color palettes, and photography are so dreamy and I love that she advocates for locally grown + loved, seasonal blooms. My favorite bouquets to give are definitely little zinnia bouquets in the summer. Bright “mini” designs, with varying foliage. Somethin I can just quickly put together and place in a small repurposed glass pepper shaker, carrying it in hand over to my neighbor’s house (now, my grandfather-in-law), to bring some extra cheer to his kitchen table and also share a harvest of tomatoes or zucchini.

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  177. Anna on

    Another great interview – thank you for this series! My new favorite is hosting a late garden party so I gather late summer blooms for my centerpiece.

    Reply
  178. Tacara Howe on

    Lots of first time flower growing this year, thanks to a beautiful bouquet I received after having my newest baby. It had Lillies….but I’ve looked at so many flower between now and then I can’t remember exactly what else. My girls 4 look forward to having bouquet making competitions all season! We’ve planted 8 David Austin Roses, tulips, ranunculus, yarrow, eucalyptus, stock, snaps, cosmos, lots of carnations, the list is long!
    Thank you so much for sharing all your flower knowhow with us!

    Reply
  179. Karen Holmes on

    Flowers and two blooming ladies together: stunningly inspirational! Thank you, both!
    My favorite bouquet? Forever and always, the petite sweet garden bouquet of roses and irises my gramma would set on my nightstand whenever I visited her. Although she went heaven-bound some time ago, my own little flower garden and gestures reflect her love that is eternal. (And to think there are some who don’t realize that cut flowers can last forever :). Thank you for asking, Erin.
    All the best to both of you,
    Karen

    Reply
  180. Holly on

    I am so excited for this book! I loved the comment by Ariella abt how this book is more for the Flower Enthusiast (me) not necessarily the professional! I am a serious home flower gardener…and arranger and Love growing, foraging my own materials. I supplement just a bit from the markets. I wish I could live in flowers!
    I hope I am one of the lucky winners! Good luck to everyone!

    Reply
  181. Heather Wight on

    I love what Ariella said about sourcing her flowers locally and seasonally no matter where she is working in the world. Her arrangements are absolutely breath-taking! I am so looking forward to spring, and the first blooms and foliage for early bouquets. And I am so excited to soon start my Floret seeds, to tend the seedlings, and to plant them in my own, my mom’s and my aunt’s flower gardens to harvest and arrange for my dear cousin’s early July wedding! I am taking inspiration from you both, and am sending much gratitude your way. Blossom blessings, Heather Wight

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  182. Stephanie Mills on

    I love to get any flower arrangement, but I would say a bouquet of sunflowers makes my day a happy one.

    Reply
  183. Jill Love on

    Inspiring. Wonderful! Thank you. I can’t wait for spring and playing in the dirt.

    Reply
  184. Shalon on

    I love Ariella’s designs! Absolutely beautiful! and such a talent. I love to give flowers to my friends or to the local Nursing home. To give flowers that you have grown is a wonderful feeling. Thank you!

    Reply
  185. Darcy on

    This is enjoyable interview and timely. As I start my flower business and narrow down my services, this helps even more. I am rapidly getting up to speed on table-scaping and describing my look. It is so nice to bring a little arrangement to friends. This has given me even more ideas. Thank you for sharing Erin and Ariella.

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  186. Laurelle Birk on

    I really enjoyed how Ariella mentioned how her ethos are sometimes challenged when selecting flowers in places where the seasons are not so clear. I am so inspired by people who stick to their ethics when making decisions, but sometimes those decisions are not easy. Thank you for continuing to make this blog a beautiful wealth of information and knowledge sharing. I grow flowers in a pretty challenging climate and I am always amazed by the beauty and resilience of the lupin. I love giving bundles of these flowers in early summer to a close friend.

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  187. Tamie on

    Erin, a million thanks for all you do. It’s such a wonderful reprieve to visit with you on line. Life has not allowed a garden in a couple of years for me now. I am brought to tears just looking at all the beauty you share with your readers. My daughter recently purchased the garden diary for my birthday and I am hopeful I will be journaling about my flower garden this year. My favorite bouquet is every bouquet! I especially love the ones my daughter hand picks for me, whether it’s a handful of wild daisies or something more elegant it always lifts my heart.
    Thank you again

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  188. Krayl Funch on

    Oh to be a fly on the wall when these two Flower Powers get together!!!
    Both so inspirational to the flower community, no matter what side of the fence you are on.
    After years in the event styling space and creating seasonally inspired tables + arrangements, as well as container gardens + decorating, I am RE-energized to start flower farming to intertwine my loves in a new way.
    Thank you both for being female leaders in this beautiful space.
    {as for my favorite arrangement … As there’s currently snow in the ground I am dreaming of flowering branches in tall vases on my counter. A sure sign spring is here!}
    ~ krayl

    Reply
  189. Connie on

    Camillas, forsythia and daffodils in the very early spring. It’s wonderful to see different designs and combinations. Thanks for continued inspiration.

    Fresh flowers anywhere in my house make me happy. Camillas, forsythia, and daffodils in the early spring are always welcome. Thanks for sharing and continued inspiration.

    Reply
  190. Mary on

    What a great way to kick off spring and dreaming of flower arrangements! I haven’t made or received a ton of arrangements, but I’ve got some plans for a cutting garden this year. I’m really looking forward to growing cosmos, clary sage, carnations and larkspur the most, and can’t wait to play around with arrangements of those throughout the growing season!

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  191. Cathy Wells - Unity Farm on

    I love designers like Ariella Chezar who are just so genuine in whatever they do. Her style really appeals to my own sense of using natural materials, foraging, the movement of her materials, celebrating what’s in the moment. I love the Lady Gaga aspect of her arrangements with the unexpected thrust of a branch of something, or clematis tendrils or fruits dripping off the vase. Haha, I wonder if Ariella would like to be compared with LG! Her work brings to me the sense of abundance, love, joy and exuberance I experience as a flower farmer and steward of my land. Thank you!

    Reply
  192. Nancy on

    Photos are such inspiration. Hydrangeas, pansies and salad.

    Reply
  193. Paula Knutson on

    I am in the planning stages at my own property as well. Trying to decide what shrubs and trees to plant. I like adding seasonal greenery to seasonal flower arrangements. That way I can swap out the spent flowers for fresh ones. The list of must-have‘s was helpful. Looking forward to using the knowledge gained from your posts into my own garden.

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  194. Pauline on

    The book looks wonderful. I love a simple spring bouquet with tulips, ranunculus and anemones.

    Reply
  195. Jennifer on

    I love to give sunflowers. They always make you smile. ?

    Reply
  196. Sharon Laggis on

    Thank you for this interview, Erin. I’ve now been introduced to Arielle and am excited to read more!
    As I enjoy my morning coffee and watch another 8-15” of snow come down in my corner of Vermont, ANY arrangement of flowers would make my heart sing! I enjoyed the photos; the colors, the delicate arranging, all of it is lovely. Thank you for a chance to receive Arielle’s newest book.
    On to Spring…

    Reply
  197. Mary Jac Meadows on

    This interview is wonderful and informative! My favorite arrangement to give and receive is made up of peonies and anything else! I have just become a follower and customer of Erin, who has inspired me to new places. I would love to own this newest book of Arielle’s.

    Reply
  198. Kristin on

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge, insights, and experience! I have a small yard and in the past I have focused on flowers for their appeal in the landscape. After being inspired by your blog posts and interviews with flower farmers and florists, I am going to try growing flowers for cutting with the aim of having blossoms to share with neighbors, friends, and family. Thanks again for all the inspiration!

    Reply
  199. Emily Norris on

    I was so excited to learn that Ariella is coming out with this book, I bought her last book (The Flower Workshop) and was blown away by how informative and beautiful it is. I have learned so much about arranging, and select flower varieties from her last book that I will no doubt be wanting to add Seasonal Flower Arranging to my library.

    Reply
  200. Malin Lüth on

    The arrangement I would love to give is made of larkspur- and delphinium- blue. It is an airy bouquet for a white room with open window. Like a summer breeze.
    I would be glad get inspired by Ariellas new book.

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  201. Susie Armstrong on

    Wonderful interview. I was intrigued by her persistance to find local flowers to use in her travels. I would love to learn flower arranging in my future days. I especially appreciate the dahlia arrangements although they seem simple, they are not.

    Reply
  202. J.Morris on

    A free, fragrant, seasonal arrangement makes me happy. Wonderful to promote the celebration of a time of the year with seasonal flowers. I always find it so silly to see tulips and narcissus being sold in December.They’re still beautiful of course but so out of place, no anticipation, nothing to look forward to.

    Reply
  203. Laurie on

    I have to choose?! So hard!
    I think my arrangement would have to be those lush and magnificent peonies in spring, and then the voluptuous dahlias of late summer for their pure glory.
    Thanks so much for your inspiring work!

    Reply
  204. Fiona Forbes on

    My favorite arrangements definitely change with the seasons , just now it’s narcissi with willow buds , muscari or a tiny arrangement of snowdrops. Loved your interview with Ariella, thank you

    Reply
  205. Liza on

    Nice interview. My favorite is always that brief window of fresh cut lilacs and some peonies. Heaven

    Reply
  206. Rhonda Rodgers on

    I remember when I was a child my father was the gardener. He would grow flowers for my mother to pick and she would make floral arrangements. This was their passion. I am so glad I came across your blog. It has awaken those childhood memories and I can’t wait till spring to grow flowers and make flower arrangements just as I remember my father and mother did.

    Reply
  207. Olesya Sobchuk on

    My birthday is in September. In childhood, for each birthday, dad present me a huge bouquet. He collected dahlias, asters, asparagus and other plants in the garden and put them in a huge beautiful bucket. It was so cute. Now my husband gives me such bouquets.

    Reply
  208. Pat L. on

    Thank you for these interviews. I’m so ready to grow sweet peas with my grandchildren–and I have many of them. I grew sweet peas years ago with my two daughters before the internet. We had fun but now the blogs and new books give a whole new way of looking at flowers. It will be entertainment with new eyes for me and my grandchildren.

    Reply
  209. Lauren on

    During the stuck-inside-winter months, I’ve loved the Floret tutorials and posts to get the creative juices flowing! I’m planning a complete overhaul of my front bed next to my front door. Would love a cutting garden, yet also somthing that has year-round structure and color as not to look a scabby neighbor. Any and all inspiration appreciated! #bigdreamssmallspaces #montydonnetflixbinge

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  210. Skye on

    My all time favorite type of flower is the Queen of Sweden rose! When blended with sweet peas and seeded eucalyptus I really can not be more enthralled. I like tucking in little grasses into them as well to give it some pazazz but with the David Austin roses, not much pazazz is needed :P love both of your works! Hoping I can win this incredible book! Much love from New Mexico!

    Reply
  211. Pamela labbee on

    Wonderful interview !! Love her work !! My favorite flower arrangement to give is peonies, roses with iris!! The fragrance is so intoxicatingly delightful!!

    Reply
  212. Morgan on

    It’s interesting to think about local flowers world wide and how native flowers go so much more with the place than imports.
    My favorite flowers to give are what’s blooming in my garden. It feels super special to give a bouquet I grew myself.
    I love flowers and am happy to get whatever anyone gives me.

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  213. Christina Boucher on

    I am new to flower growing but I really loved growing my own sweet peas last year and would just sit and admire how pretty they were in a vase in my room! I look forward to learning more and growing more variety this year.

    Reply
  214. Lana on

    I love arrangements with a wildflower feel, like Larkspur and Asters and Sun flowers. I can’t wait for this growing season, thank you for all the great blog posts and tips!

    Reply
  215. Cathy DeLozier on

    Loved the interview! Enjoy hearing about the latest floral trends & seeing her list of favorites. Such inspiration! I love any arrangements with peonies or dahlias – such show-stopping flowers.

    Reply
  216. Andrea on

    I love to receive and give a bouquet of dahlias and sweet peas. You just can’t beat all the different, beautiful colors and textures of a dahlia or the scent of sweet peas!

    Reply
  217. Mary on

    Thank you so much Erin for your own inspiration and knowledge, and for sharing this interview. I started my first cut flower garden last summer with just a few zinnia plants and I couldn’t believe how many flowers they produced! When it came to arranging, I took my cue from your book and learned to create my own version of a market bouquet. This has definitely become one of my favorites both to give and receive. Now I can’t wait to see what this coming spring and summer will hold!

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  218. Kimby on

    Favorite bouquets: whatever I’m growing!

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  219. Sabrina on

    Thank you. It was so interesting reading about Ariella’s carreer, I didn’t know her. I particulary like arrangements with light colours and a touch of blue or light blue. I find plumbago and Salvia Farinacea Victoria really useful in bouquets or arrangment with dahlias or roses. I’ve bought seeds of Queen Anne’s lacy blue from you and I think they’ll look great (if I get to get them bloom).

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  220. Becky on

    Thanks for sharing your ideas and inspirations! My favorite arrangement is roses cut from my garden.

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  221. Robyn McLeay on

    Thank you Erin for your incredible generousity with the knowledge you share. I have also learnt a great deal from both yours and Ariella’s books and look forward to owning the next two. A bouquet for me to give would include whats in season in my garden generally considered to be a cool mountain climate in New Zealand. The last of the sweet peas, roses, dahlias, phlox, scabiosa, cosmos, nigella and zinnias with a palette of pinks, peachy coral tones, lemon, white and touches of green garden foliage. Wrapped in brown paper and string…favourite things!

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  222. Trish Barberry on

    It’s funny to hear both the excitement and frustration of growing flowers! The vowing to improve with each season is common thread it sounds like, even at a “mastered level.” A variety of tulips and daffodils would be an arrangement I’d love to both give and receive. I especially love how many varieties there are and want others to know! Thank you sharing this special moment, Erin.

    Reply
  223. Shari Kruyswijk on

    I loved reading this interview and hearing the hopes and dreams of flower farming! I so enjoy mixing dahlias with other foliage that’s in season. So beautiful!

    Reply
  224. Nicole on

    All my life I ws a die hard crocus, tulip and rose girl. All my bouquets were packed with blooms of the season and minimal old school filler. As I reach middle-age, I realize I am much more intrigued now by encompassing all of the woodsie, rustic and even what was classified as weeds decades ago, now BELONG in the season appropriate designs I give.

    I would love to have a copy of Ariella’s new book to open my gift designs even further!

    Reply
  225. Crystal on

    Thanks to you both for generously sharing what you’ve learned :) I love a simple bouquet of what’s in bloom: tulips, peonies, zinnia, hydrangea.

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  226. Kate C. on

    I just can’t resist the blooming branches!

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  227. Christina Onstott on

    There is something beautiful about receiving a bouquet picked lovingly from the roadside by your children. As wonderful as a planned cut flower garden is, there is a magical quality to flowers growing in the wild. A true testament to the organic and seasonal movement. Looking forward to the inspiration in this new book.

    Reply
  228. Kelly Stephens on

    I love an arrangement with some color – burst of the different colors of sunflower. They are a ray of sunshine. Enjoyed the interview and pictures of different arrangements! Always looking for enspiring and creative ideas.

    Reply
  229. Mary on

    I am excited to grow some sweet peas this year! I loved reading about your travels, especially to the Netherlands, the country of my ancestors.

    Reply
  230. Cynthia on

    Everything Ariella touches exudes a natural yet sophisticated look. He color combinations and textures delight my senses…. always. She, as well as her arraignments, are so beautiful. I’m so looking forward to her new book release.

    Reply
  231. Curt Maine on

    I rarely see it, but I enjoy the colour, texture and drama of thistle, wild meadow grasses and woody plants, like red and yellow dogwood

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  232. Jill on

    I’m so interested in foliage for arrangements and this new book piques my interest. I would love to also see Ariellias design techniques! Thank you for the interview Erin and the wonderful pictures.

    Reply
  233. Arwen Notobartolo on

    Can’t wait to plant my dahlias and for spring to start on the east coast. Dahlias are my newest flower obsession! They make the prettiest arrangements. Truth be told there are too many beautiful flowers to have just one favorite. Would love this book for some more floral arranging inspiration.

    Reply
  234. Heidi Danielson on

    I enjoyed the lists! Great intwrview!
    The latest flowers I enjoy are coral bells. The dainty flowers are so delicate. I keep little vases of dried ones over winter.

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  235. Jillian Ihloff on

    My favorite is probably anything with a peony. And then really loving some antique carnations also!

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  236. AnnChristine Johnson on

    Loved reading about flower arranging! I have only ever been able to arrange the flowers you get at the grocery store, but I’m hoping that with the garden I’m growing this year, I’ll get to arrange my own! I also really love Rose of Sharon flowers and would like to know how to incorporate those into arrangements.

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  237. Hollie Holden on

    I love to give a fall flower arrangement to my mother-in-law for her birthday in September. My cut garden usually has a nice array of sunflowers (yellows and browns and some ombré colored) along with my favorite orange, red, and yellow zinnias! Wrap them in some dollar store craft paper with some twine! Thanks for sharing your interview and a chance to win!

    Reply
  238. Sarah Myers on

    My 11 year old daughter has a small cutting garden that she grows a few different varieties of flowers in. But the favorite to wrap up and give away are zinnias. They are bright and happy and always leave friends smiling.

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  239. Vanessa on

    My favorite flower arrangement to give is anything that I can carry in the front basket of my bike! I feel like flowers like some wind in their hair. ;) I love giving tulips and dahlias though because of the surprise and when people say, “That’s a tulip?!” So many people have only seen the lackluster ones from the grocery store! I really liked the list of flowers she can’t do without and it’s also nice to know that someone else has had a bust on sweet peas.

    Reply
  240. Judith Dechat on

    What a journey! Makes us wish we could be stow aways and tag along in her travels. Thanks for bringing this interview to us.

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  241. Carolyn on

    Your love for your work, and the excitement of Ariella’s travels come through in the interview. I’d love to learn more from her lovely book and am eager to wander through her Instagram posts of her visits abroad. Thank you!

    Reply
  242. Angela Grandgeorge on

    My favorite flower arrangement to get is when my husband goes out to my flower field and picks and arranges a bouquet just for me!

    Reply
  243. Morgan on

    Love the inspiration! I love giving anything out of the garden, but since the daffodils are the first to appear here in Ohio after a long winter, there is something extra special about taking them to a brighten someone’s day!

    Reply
  244. Brenda on

    Erin thank you so much for such heart warming interview. I’m new to growing followers and have found so much inspiration through your journey and Ariella’s as well. I’ve always had a little garden but plan to dedicate this year to some serious flower growing. My favorite arrangement to receive is the bouquet of lily of the valleys all pulled from my garden and gathered by my 10 year old son, the thought of the heavenly scent is pure joy!

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  245. Kim on

    Thank you—I enjoy these inspiring interviews :) Right now, I am enjoying hand-tied bouquets of tulips, accent flowers, and interesting foliage. My preferences change with the seasons.

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  246. Kelly Thommes on

    Thank you for the inspiring interview. I appreciate the list of must have varieties. I’m excited to try new varieties from floret seed such as Pansies!

    Reply
  247. Shelley Shelling on

    Those books look delicious!!! My favourite flower arrangement to get is a messy handful of seasonal “weeds”, artfully arranged in whatever mug or jar is available, offered with love from one of my 12 children (yes, even the boys! ?).

    Reply
  248. Katie on

    Such gorgeous photos! Maybe I’ll treat myself to her new book for my birthday (unless I win it of course!) :) I love gifting zinnias–especially the queen limes mixed with mints or basil.

    Reply
  249. Ruth Ann on

    I am so excited to be planning my garden for the spring. I had a beautiful baby in September 2018, but it was a hard hot summer for me. Looking forward to 2019, mostly anticipating growing dahlias for the first time. I love you book Erin. Thanks for all the inspiring blog posts.

    Reply
  250. Jaminda on

    I try to keep fresh flowers or foliage year round in my home, sourced mostly from my urban zone 6 yard. I love new inspiration! Love ninebark, white peonies, blackberry branches, darlowes enigma rose, amaranth, phlox, artemisia.

    Reply
  251. Melissa on

    Zinnias with a side of salvia, rosemary and perhaps some butterfly bush keep my table happy during the summer months. I haven’t quite figured out zone 9a yet, but I love it that something will grow year-round and that February is the month in which the natural landscape bursts into color. I’m looking forward to trying sweet peas next winter and hope to have an opportunity to look at this beautiful book.

    Reply
  252. Theresa Quintana on

    Thank you for the chance to win one of these books! My favorite flower arrangement would be anything with tulips. Love them!

    Reply
  253. Kathy Purser on

    I met Ariella after her first Book was published in 2002. After buying her book in my local bookseller, I called her up and invited her to come to North Carolina to speak at our garden symposium. After she agreed, I was doing some research as I needed to introduce her and found out she had just celebrated her 30th birthday! Amazing that she had accomplished so much in so little time! The talk was a success and I enjoyed taking the floral class and learning how to emulate her naturalistic style. I happened to be traveling to San Francisco the next week and Ariella invited me to go to the flower market which is something I had always wanted to do. She was so generous with her time and a delight to spend time with. I am so happy to follow her all these years and watch her success in an even bigger market. Can’t wait to see her new book!

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  254. Angelica Rojas on

    I like country bouquets. Congratulation for your new book.Thank you for this beautiful gifts. ?

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  255. Helen on

    I thoroughly enjoyed your interview! We’ve experienced bitter cold and are between winter snowstorms, so the photos and discussion about exquisite flowers feeds my soul. I especially delight in autumn bouquets with warm, muted colors and sweeping sprays of crabapples, dahlias, and whatever else is available late into the season.

    Reply
  256. Karla on

    What an enjoyable interview to share, particularly the encouragement to highlight what is in season! The book sounds intriguing, with more of the same wisdom from a skilled and experienced florist.
    Because I’ve always enjoyed the creative process and problem solving with what I have on hand, our seasonal arrangements might include greens from our hostas with our oak leaf hydrangea as a focus. Azaleas, lavender, and peonies grace our bouquets. Stems from our burning bush in the autumn with some mum blossoms and roses. Cypress cuttings and birch branches compliment many of our winter displays.
    What fun to consider the season we’re in and anticipate the next! Eager to hear of others’ experiences and tastes.

    Reply
  257. Anna Faye on

    My wild raspberry foliage drives me mad! I’ll certainly remember to find the beauty in them come weeding time next year, may become inspiration for a Colorado wildflower arrangement. My favorite arrangements are the ‘these made me think of you’ surprises from a friend.

    Reply
  258. Sue on

    I’m very excited for Ariella s new book because it’s geared towards the enthusiast instead of professional. I love flowers but have a limited area to grow them. I also
    loved the “flowers I have to have” section. Very informative emails!! Thank you!!

    Reply
  259. Ruth Gonzalez on

    As a child every Fall my entire extended family would go into the woods and pick armloads of wild flowers. The flowers would come home with us and my grandmother, my mothet, and my aunts would all make huge arrangements for their homes. My grandmother’s massive arrangement was always particularly striking sitting in the wide Victorian front hall of her home. They were displayed on a mirrored hat rack as you came in the front door with the bay at your back in an unusual vase that one of my aunts still uses. These memories, these loved ones, that bay, these flower arrangements and the flowers we picked all hold a special place in my heart – liatris, golderrod, deertongue, and red sage especially.

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  260. Donna Thompson on

    Thanks for this info. I sell plants at farm markets and am adding cut flowers as a trial this year. If this go well I will also start talking to florists about what they could be interested in. So, I need and enjoy all the info. you put out. Especially all of the varieties to check out. This book could entice me into attempting arrangements for the markets. My favorite bouquets are simple like sweet peas, or lilacs with little added. But summer abundance gets all crazy mixed bouquets coming in the house.

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  261. Matt Buchanan on

    Visually stunning. Warms my heart. My favorite flowers are anything Wild (they take you in many directions and seem to grow naturally out of the top of the vase.

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  262. Ruth on

    This interview is a gold mine of recourses. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  263. Karen V on

    My favorite flower arrangement to give is always the one from my garden and I particularly love sneaking in something surprising or unexpected that they would not expect; whether it be the smell of something faint and lovely like mock orange, or the secret desire to promote breathing wellness by adding hyssop. I think the best part is trying to intuit what flowers or colors someone loves or needs to make them feel wonderful or have wonder in the world. I love to come up with a theme if helping a friend out with flowers like an Emily’s list fundraiser my neighbor did with what I like to think of as Women’s March Pink theme. Ariella I love your style and arrangements as well as philosophy and Erin I feel so inspired by your blog. I am grateful our library has your books but I confess to not wanting to return them.

    Reply
  264. Judy Hetherington on

    As a relatively new flower grower, I cannot get enough information and ideas on what to grow when and how to display my successes (hopefully)!! Although I live on the other side of the world, flowers speak a common language and the hopes and dreams of all growers are the same. I would love a copy of ‘Seasonal Flower Arrangeing’’ to further my growing and feed my soul. Many thanks.

    Reply
  265. Ann Rode on

    I’m excited to be doing the flowers for my grandsons wedding this summer. I’m hoping your book will give me inspiration!

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  266. Barbara Warren on

    Such floral inspiration! I can’t wait to see her new book and hope it has photos of my favorite flower for arrangements-the stately peony!

    Reply
  267. Susan Hall on

    I love the show my flowers give to me. Peonies, dahlias, roses, oh how I love them, sunflowers with their perky faces, zinnias, gladiolus, my lovely hydrangeas, flowering quince, lupine, iris, poppies, my peachy snapdragons – all of them in their own season!

    Reply
  268. Linda Baron on

    Another trailblazer for the beauty of in season flowers! Thank you Ariella and Erin for sharing your thoughts on the beauty that surrounds us every day and your generosity in sharing your expertise. Although I like many flowers my favourite flower arrangement would be David Austin roses William Shakespeare 2000 (a lucious burgundy) coupled with Pat Austin (rich apricot tones) dressed with foliage from Malus Profusion (crabapple). If you wish to add trailing foliage you can add honeysuckle, grapevine or ivy to the mix. I used this arrangement as a gift for a friend’s 70th birthday which was a sumptuous afternoon tea and she liked it so much it became the centrepiece on the table surrounded by lots of lovely platters of delicacies and food!

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  269. Angela on

    This like such a gorgeous book -I am a.complete neophyte when it comes to arrangement & I am always looking to learn about form &.color -all aspects of design . I love to pick up some bunches from the local farm market in season -they grow them all on their farm and see what I can do with them -i have a great collection of containers off season it’s fun to see what can be done with grocery store bunches . I love using ranunculus & snapdragons but I’ve ordered a good variety of seed from Floret this year to see what I can do myself. I love cosmos too curious what is it about harvesting them that Ms. Chezar doesn’t care for?

    Reply
  270. Jeanna Stipes on

    I love flowers . The bouquets that are my favorite to get usually are single flower bunches. Anything in mass is stunning – even when they are slightly wilted Dandelions. I love to give bouquets with flowers that actually smell nice. The first thing everyone does consciously or not is put their nose in the bouquet . If my only option are greenhouse types, I include a bunch of herbs tucked in– rosemary , sage , or mint usually, depending on the flowers.

    Reply
  271. Rebecca Davis on

    I love woody stems with spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils. So inspiring and the prelude to many more favorites to come throughout the summer.

    Reply
  272. Tracy bocklage on

    Loved the interview. I can’t wait to include some of your favorites in my cut flower bed. My favorite spring arrangement is an abundant amount of yellow daffodils—one of the first blooms in my garden.

    Reply
  273. Cathy Murray on

    I’ve been a small scale flower farmer for 20 years. It feeds my soul! I am So inspired by many talented people like Erin and Ariella! Thank you both for sharing your love and knowledge of beautiful blooms with all of us. There are gorgeous flowers everywhere but my favorite flower is the simple zinnia…it has always been my favorite to share. Looking forward to another season filled with sunshine and glorious colorful blooms!

    Reply
  274. Nancy on

    Cant wait to hear more about the farm opening and workshops, we are located not far away and would love to meet up sometime. Great interview, Erin, always enjoy what you share and can’t wait to plant my seeds!!!!

    Reply
  275. Mary on

    Ariella’s book sounds so inspiring with new & fresh ideas. I look forward to getting my Floret seeds in the ground & making pretty arrangements to share with family & friends. Thanks to you & Ariella for your inspiration. To win the book would truly make my day!

    Reply
  276. Rhonda E on

    How lovely to open a blog centered on our natural world creativity and beauty. A respite from the stream of negative media that comes into our lives thank you for including the titles of all three books in the interview

    Reply
  277. Emily Knuth on

    I love dahlias! I can never decide if I want to cut them for arranging inside or leave them sparkling out in the garden!

    Reply
  278. Anna Duffy on

    I love seeing the photos in this article and I especially love the lilies under glass arrangement. So simple but so stunning! I need to remember to utilize a frog more often for arrangements. However, my very favorite flower arrangements have a lovely scent as well as looking beautiful, so my very favorite bouquets would include some fragrant flowers, such as sweet peas, honeysuckle or old fashioned roses. Yum!

    Reply
  279. Amy Virus on

    Thanks so much for all the information!

    Reply
  280. Kristin Hill on

    What an inspiring interview! Thank you for sharing. I especially liked the discussion of colors. Arielle’s ideas about blending colors by using palettes in between muddy tones inspired me. I am a painter and am always thinking about how to design my garden so that I can make paintings of it. I love to receive a bouquet of freesia. They are not native to my home on the Pacific Northwest, but the scent is divine!

    Reply
  281. Beth Stansell on

    Thanks for letting us flower farming newbies know of her beautiful work. Her arrangements looks so natural, like Mother Nature arranged them. My favorite arrangement to give is a simple mason jar of zinnias. They are so cheery and colorful and they always make the recipient smile.

    Reply
  282. Jessica Ferguson on

    I love to give bouquets for other people and to hear the story behind why someone wants flowers delivered to another. I love making bouquets with peach tones and always get excited when people appreciate the color of my bouquets. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  283. dawn kuznkowski on

    well, I don’t “win” a copy of Ariella’s book, I’ll certainly be purchasing one! I can’t wait to pour through the gorgeous photos.

    my favorite flowers to give are the ones I grow myself…at the holidays I make a cornucopias with my small apples, rosehips, and flowers from
    my yard, mini gourds or pumpkins…whatever I have growing.

    I have ever met a flower I didn’t love! So being gifted any plant or flower is always such a wonderful delight!
    Dawn Californina

    Reply
  284. Linda Firdham on

    I love when it’s still cold and rainy and my Lenten Roses start appearing, along with daffodils and camellias. This year I added Narcissus Thalia, a beautiful white bloom that looks like it has wings. The green is just showing tips coming up, and I’m so excited. A few years ago, I was fortunate to travel to France with my sister. She and I walked through Monet’s garden and I simply could not get over seeing pansies that I had never seen before! I still look at the pictures on my phone and dream of going back one day. ❤️

    Reply
  285. Madeline on

    I work on a non profit educational farm and my role is to increase the cutting garden and add new varieties of flowers. I have a lot to learn so I would love to have a copy of Ariella’s new book !
    I love to give and receive woodland arrangements that I can harvest from the farm !

    Reply
  286. Lucinda on

    Wonderful interview with the goddess of floral arranging! I love how the women who appear to have reached the top of the floral game still strive for more! Thank you Erin and Ariella for always raising the bar! My favorite flowers to give away are always homegrown and in season. Living in zone 5 is a challenge and February is the hardest month! It’s all seed catalogs and lots of big dreams right now. The luscious floral picture books and Instagram keep me going! Needless to say, I would love to win Ariella’s newest book. Thank you for all you do to make the world a more beautiful place.

    Reply
  287. Suzanne Cheverie-Pugh on

    Posies of home-grown flowers are always the best to receive, grown and picked with love by the gardener! Starting our own small dahlia field here on Cape Cod, very excited to move towards being a flower farmer in addition to our garden design/maintenance company!

    Reply
  288. Reba on

    Always inspired by creating out of the garden
    A lush compote with Japanese anemones, Palapalai fern, Dahlias, camellias and other treasures I find around walking the land.
    Beautiful interview with the finest!
    Mahalo,
    Reba

    Reply
  289. Eiddwen Thoas on

    Great interview, thank you Erin and Ariella! Ariella’s masterful compositions and design have inspired me for a long time. One of my favourite arrangements to receive or to give is voluptuous garden roses, clematis, mock orange, sambucus green and white, sweet peas, and other things. Can’t get enough of garden fresh flowers!

    Reply
  290. Heather Powell on

    Goodness what inspiration from across the pond! It is so uplifting to hear your stories and read your books all of which set my heart aflutter with desire for seeds and plants, and my fingers itching for sewing and planting. Now I need to work on my displays, but you guys take me through it step by step. And here in UK? Well Sarah Raven of course where I read bout you Erin a few years back. We may all be miles apart but we have so much more in common. Now off to wash and prepare my stored Dalia tubers, with your guidance of course!

    Reply
  291. Raechel on

    Before I even started reading I was thinking back to the magical in Mexico when Ariella found the pansies – and then she referenced it! It was such a lovely moment. She is a true color palette genius. Anything in those muddy purply gray tones are a sight for sore eyes and I’m becoming so fond of yellow! So happy for her new book and so thankful for this lovely interview!

    Reply
  292. Stefani on

    I’ve been growing sweet peas for about 10 years. My husband is, sadly, allergic to them so I enjoy them in the garden and in outdoor vases. But I also grow them so that I can give luscious bouquets to my neighbors, friends and teachers. I always reserve the very first bouquet for my neighbor friend who shared with me that the scent of sweet peas reminds her of fond memories of her grandmother. I also like to tuck the sweet peas into hydrangeas and roses from my garden and give them to the teachers at our school in May. It’s such a joy to bring beauty, sweet memories and lovely scents to others through flowers. Thanks for all the inspiration you bring to us flower lovers!

    Reply
  293. Carley on

    I would love to read this book! I greatly enjoy flower arrangements with dusky pink, peach, and golden hues– nothing too hot in color. I love really delicate flowers like Japanese anemones and cabbage roses next to fruits and vegetables. I love extra-terrestrial-looking flowers in ruddy colors combined with others that look similar, but smaller. I’m also increasingly drawn to all-green arrangements! Basically, if it looks like it’s come out of one prairie or field, I am very drawn to it– so I love this idea of seasonal arrangements and would love to learn more!

    Reply
  294. Gail wynne on

    I think my favorite arrangements come in the fall when the dahlias are blooming the Annabelle hydrangeas have turned lime green or muddy pink and the echinacea is still blooming. I belong to a small church and I take flowers there every week for our services on Sunday. I think those are my favorites. So many people seem to enjoy them

    Reply
  295. Robbie Bennett on

    Sweet peas, lavender particularly, are my favorite bouquet to receive. I love giving them away as they evoke some special memory of the recipient. Thank you Erin, for this series, Ariella was a delight. I sat down with a cup of tea, intending on reading just one interview, ha ha, an hour later I’m still reading.

    Reply
  296. Jena Halme on

    Wonderfully inspiring interview. Thank you! I’m am so excited for the coming season. I absolutely love all bouquets that are fresh and local but I must say a big bouquet of peonies takes the cake over any other for me!

    Reply
  297. Hillary on

    Eucalyptus & Lisianthus (maybe some Sweet Peas too)

    Reply
  298. Nanette Morency on

    I love Ariella’s designs, been following her for years. I try to implement her style when my customer permits. I source from my own garden whenever possible. I grow hellebores and use them when ever possible, Ive ordered 5 more plants this year for my small garden.

    A few years ago I found Summer Dreams dahlias in MI. I was happy to get my order filled when hurricanes hit and the wholesale order was not coming in. The bride never knew what almost happened.
    I have her Flower Arranging book, and watch for possible events near me when I might be able to tell her in person what a fan I am.

    Reply
  299. Lynn Tertychny on

    I love arranging Hellebore and ferns in late winter when everything else outside seems dreary. I love foraging for anything outside that is still green or interesting and trying to create interesting compositions. I can’t wait to see your new book Ariella!

    Reply
  300. Teresa on

    I love giving a couple or even a single gerbera daisies. They are so colorful and happy and yet simply elegant.

    Reply
  301. Flip on

    I run a produce CSA in New York. I remember years ago, my first farm job up in Maine. I went there to learn commercial veg production, and to my colossal surprise and annoyance they put me on flowers. Hours of harvest and bouquets for market. Now 15 years later I’m so glad I was nudged into it. Each year flowers take a bit more of our field space and they bring our csa members (and us farmers!) such joy.

    Reply
  302. ruth on

    I love to crest an arrangement of dahlia’s and a few other flowers and greens that are available in my garden at the same time. thanks for this chance at Ariella’s new book!

    Reply
  303. B Gilding on

    This new book sounds amazing! My favorite flowers to give are dahlias. They always get a very welcome reception!

    Reply
  304. Carly on

    Can’t wait for the new book – she’s so talented! I love anything with sweet peas. :)

    Reply
  305. Mandy Hess on

    I love simplicity; a bunch of a single variety. Peonies, hellebore and ranunculus are my ultimate faves!

    Reply
  306. Jane Jardine on

    I might have to go against the grain and replace my vegetable garden with flowers. (“Man doesn’t live on bread alone” ?) My favourite bouquets? Tulips from the grocery store in January, and then from the garden, peonies, sweet peas and dahlias. Oh, and forced branches. And hydrangeas! The new book looks sumptuous. I will recommend the previous book to my local library :).

    Reply
  307. CHARLOTTE GALBRAITH on

    I love hearing Sweet Peas are some of your favorites. There is no smell more wonderful. I also find encouragement you also have years that were a bust.

    Reply
  308. Anne on

    I loved the interview. In the heat of summer, I love to make and gift bouquets of hydrangea and the queen lime zindarella zinnias.

    Reply
  309. Leah Busch on

    Ariella is always so inspiring! I love going through her Instagram. Someday I would love to attend one of her workshops–the cost at this time is a bit prohibitive–but we have savings for a reason! Flowers I love to receive include any arrangements with Japanese anemones–esp robustissima. Simply gorgeous with a wild grown look.

    Reply
  310. Marilyn Ryman on

    I have gone through your flower seeds yet again. We don’t seem to have the colours in the varieties you have here in Aus and I look forward to my order time. I am starting anew at 64 because flowers are my world. So to begin I have planted a few natives as our water is still short for the other varieties. I love seeing wedding bouquets with white King Proteas and colours of pink Kangaroo Paw with the delicate grey of young eucalypt leaves we have here. My daughter is a wedding photographer. Amaranth in deep reds and browns mixed with pink or russet Dahlia and delicate vine tendril or sweeping flow of passion flower with twigs. Oh it is so hard for me to pick just one. Much love as is with flowers. Marilyn

    Reply
  311. Julie Thorpe on

    Very inspiring arrangements. I live in Kansas and we have had a long cold winter. Looking forward to spring. I love daisies in all types of arrangements. Such a happy flower. I am sure your book will do well. Thanks for the invaluable information.

    Reply
  312. Alma Herrera-Sanchez on

    I love receiving peonies and I love giving dahlias, along with anything else that’s blooming in the garden! Great interview and an amazing blog! I’ve learned so much! Thank you!

    Reply
  313. Carole Bate on

    Very beautiful flowers and love the list.

    Reply
  314. Jan Mayo on

    Loved reading this interview! Your posts are always so helpful and inspiring. Just starting our farm this year and have just bought your book cut flower garden it has not been out of my hands this week as we make plans for the Farm! Thank you! Daffodils are my favorite to use they remind me of my grandmothers house she had them in her front yard, a path of sorts leading to her door. My great grandmother actually planted them when she lived in the house. Great memories and fun to give!

    Reply
  315. Laura Wheeler on

    I have been delivering messy arrangements in canning jars of sweet peas, snaps, and cosmos to friends for a couple years and the reaction they get has been so fulfilling. The flowers aren’t placed incredibly intentionally and the colors were not planned out well, but each time, the recipients were so grateful, felt cared for, and always knew it was me even though I left no card. The joy of brightening someone’s day with garden blooms is what makes me want to grow on a larger scale. I’m looking forward to learning more about the art of arranging this year.

    Reply
  316. Karouna Thompson on

    It is hard to pick a favorite type of bouquets to give or get, but this time of year around my birthday, the daffodils and narcissis are staring. From a very young age my mom and I would go to a special spot and harvest big bouquets of them for my birthday. Their smell is so nolatalgic and wonderful to me that I can never give or get enough.

    Reply
  317. Barbara on

    This is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos. So vibrant with the pop of colours setting off the opposite tone in the flowers. It is wonderful to celebrate seasonal, local flowers. I love snipping a bunch of beauty fresh from the garden to take to homesick daughters living away from home. They miss the old roses very much and one particularly loves philadelphus, so I love giving them a heartfulful of fragrant memories that money can’t buy. It also makes me happy to grow flowers I can make into gift posies to welcome a new baby. There’s always pink, so it is fun to put together forget-me-nots, delphiniums, blue butterfly bush and hydrangeas to welcome little boys.

    Reply
  318. Michele Rund on

    I love using spring flowers from the many bulbs I have in my home garden. And when the trees are leafed out I use the ferns and hosts that grow so well here in the eastern rain forest. I am doing the flowers for my daughters wedding in April so can’t wait to get this book!

    Reply
  319. Dianne Lollar on

    Thank you for sharing this inspiring interview!
    My favorite flower arrangement to give from my garden is
    zinnias and gomphrena with white dill wrapped in a
    vintage canning jar with lace ribbon.

    Reply
  320. Brianne on

    I love anything with tulips! I love the feeling of spring they always bring! Great interview, thank you!

    Reply
  321. Meri Hayes on

    We’re so lucky in Australia to have such a wealth of choice when it comes to locally grown flowers and foliages, often just outside major cities. In my country area just outside Melbourne there are at least 8 small flower farms and of course the big commercial growers throughout the state. I dream of the day when all flowers and food are grown organically. Thank you for your inspiration. Looking forward to enjoying your new book!

    Reply
  322. Laura Price on

    This was a fascinating interview. Really makes me happy to see so much love for seasonal and local flowers. My favorite arrangement to give myself and others would be fresh cut flowers from my backyard garden, especially if peonies or roses are involved because fragrance is everything!

    Reply
  323. Christina Andersen on

    Thank you for sharing the interview! It’s incredibly inspiring for me to learn from you successful ladies as I begin on my own floral and herbalism journey. My favorite arrangements involve fresh cut flowers from my garden mixed with some medicinal, fragrant herbs. I would absolutely love to win a copy of Ariella’s book to help guide my journey. Thank you!

    Reply
  324. Joyce on

    Such exquisite talent you both have, Erin and Ariella! There’s nothing more breathtaking than walking into a room with flowers, be it a small or a large bouquet of any variety. I have no particular favourite, as they each have their own beauty. Even a single stalk can make you smile!

    Reply
  325. Kathy on

    I love your arrangements! I am learning so much from you. I love to create and give bouquets of peonies to my mom, who will be 83 next month!

    Reply
  326. Emma on

    Thanks for sharing some really interesting thoughts! My favorite arrangements always have a little bit of everything – foliage, fluffy little flowers and a few big beautiful stars! But there are so many beautiful flowers I don’t think I could name them!

    Reply
  327. Trudie Simpson on

    Great interview and such a visual feast to see all those beautiful arrangements – my favorite arrangements are always those picked fresh from a friends garden whatever is blooming – Marvelous!

    Reply
  328. Vicki Fowlkes on

    I loved the pictures in the article, they were beautiful! My favorite flowers to get or give are hands down peonies. My favorite colors are all the pinks but the old fashioned ones are the best. I got my love of flowers from my grandmother, who I spent my summers following her around. She sure had a green thumb. I don’t have a farm, I just love to grow and arrange flowers. Just starting out fresh at 62 with a new house, so I am loving buying all new flowers, some tried and true and the fun part of trying out new ones. P.S. my first daffodil bloomed today!

    Reply
  329. Cynthia Bujold on

    Firstly, thank you Erin and Ariella for the interesting article. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

    Secondly, in terms of my favourite flower arrangement…I’d have to say I simply adore anything created by my local flower gardening guru, Kate Fraser Hominick, aka The Urban Farmchick. Kate’s bouquets are beautiful, natural, sweet and simple…anything BUT formal. I have purchased flowers from Kate’s roadside stand, and they’ve brightened my space and lifted my heart. I believe Kate did a workshop at Floret Farm; she, in her infinite wisdom, told me about your farm and your online site (thanks, Kate!).

    Picking a favourite flower arrangement is difficult…from a solitary Lily of the Valley or a grouping of tulips in spring to a trio of fragrant peonies, a big bold bouquet of colourful in-season summer flowers to the glorious nodding heads of sunflowers in the fall…the joy each brings is welcome. I’m grateful for the bounty nature and flower farmers provide.

    Reply
  330. Margaret Gino on

    Thank you so much for all the inspiration through seasonal color and texture. As a novice and learning from the cream of the crop I eagerly await the first blooms of spring and early summer to create and share floral magic. Some of my favorite arrangements always bring me back to edibles….. love to include them as much as possible in the vase as well as the recipe!!!

    Reply
  331. LaRonda on

    I would love to read your book. I appreciate you sharing the list of your favorite flowers. I love arrangements with peonies.

    Reply
  332. Andrea Stevens on

    Enjoyed the interview and perspective from another flower farmer with such creativity and talent! Would love this book to complement the knowledge gained from Cut Flower Garden and putting all those future Floret blooms to beautiful use! I’m dreaming of a late simmer Dahlia/ zinnia bouquet.

    Reply
  333. SOPHIA SIKORA on

    Can’t wait for this book to come out! Love giving clients arrangements with high contrast colors and textures – poppies, mimosa, bright pink and lavender variegated anemones – butterfly ranunculus. Just gorgeous.

    Reply
  334. Jacqueline on

    Am very tentatively taking steps to grow my own flowers for my floristry and reading this interview is timely and inspiring… thank you ?. I am very interested in reading Ariella’s book …

    Reply
  335. BeeBee ??❤? on

    Simple and sweet, sweet peas! Always a sign of a brand new promising year for me.
    Their scent and that of orange blossoms take me back. And forward.

    Reply
  336. Traci Castro on

    Really looking forward to some spring arrangements of tulips and daffodils!

    Reply
  337. Katelyn on

    Thanks for the post, Erin. Such a breath of fresh air as I’m currently surrounded by snow and ice in PA. I too LOVE working with and receiving hellebores! Their playfulness is so welcoming and their colors are so breathtaking!

    Reply
  338. Lindsay Rojas on

    I totally get it about the perennials; my plum, kumquat, and roses bloom super reliably and now that I’m becoming a serious “flower enthusiast” I’m becoming more serious about annuals! I would say that my favorite arrangement is the one I’m giving or getting at the present moment because they’re all so lovely! I’m the same way with salsa; if the ingredients are fresh, my favorite salsa is the one I’m eating in that moment!

    Reply
  339. Melinda Lee on

    I forgot to post the answer to your question about favorite flower arrangements. Hmmm….. That’s a tough question, but I will say a whimsical Spring bouquet.?

    Reply
  340. Andrea on

    What an inspiring interview! I don’t do much arranging myself, but she really breathes life into it for me.

    Reply
  341. Kari on

    I love to give arrangements straight from my garden in the late summer, full of colorful zinnias, rudbeckia, and dahlias, baptisia foliage.

    Reply
  342. Melinda Lee on

    The first tiny buds of our redbud tree have begun to peep open. The robins are here. I spied a lone daffodil budding out this week. Oh, and a jonquil! They bring me the hope of Spring ?!

    Reply
  343. Kendra on

    Peonies and ranunculus have become my favourite to receive! I can’t wait to read this book when it’s released. Thank you!

    Reply
  344. kim~ The Cultivated Bloom on

    I believe five years ago was about the time I found you, and became a follower. Shortly after I found Ariella, and was so in love with the dreamy designs.
    My favourite time to get a design is the end of spring/beginning of summer with those heavenly fragrant snapdragons tucked in, just because with no special occasion ~ Kim

    Reply
  345. Cami on

    What a lovely interview. I’m just so blown away with your generosity of knowledge and your work to bring other growers and floral designers together. Thank you!

    Reply
  346. Vannessa Osbourn on

    Great interview Erin. I love to share my tall bearded iris arrangements with family and friends who are having spring time events.

    Reply
  347. Diana Scott on

    It’s wonderful to see so many new books. Since 1978, my inspiration has been Ronaldo Maia in Decorating With Flowers, written by Denise Otis, publisher H Abrams. He is the father of us all. Looking now, those designs are very tall, spare and sculptural, so you appreciate the stems too. My favorite is a trug basket of berries on moss, with tall wavy stems of Queen Anne’s lace soaring above like clouds

    Reply
  348. Kryzana P. on

    Hello! I just recently began reading your blog. I am an entrepreneurship student from Connecticut currently, and eventually plan on starting my own flower based business. I found your site to be very inspirational and I love your photography. I would love to have one one those books. Also my favorite type of flowers are sunflowers and was wondering if you have any tips on growing those, or which varieties are best? Thanks a bunch!

    Reply
  349. Marja Bond on

    This book looks amazing! I too am a lover of sweet peas, peonies and dahlias. If I’m not a lucky winner I’ll search it out at my local book store!! Thank you for more inspiration!

    Reply
  350. Dolores Vlad on

    We visit family and friends a lot in Chicago and I try in the summer not to leave the house without arranging something from the garden for our friends and family. The flowers all depend but for sure zinnias are usually in each arrangement since they are flowering all summer long.

    Reply
  351. Ellen Patterson on

    Love the calming muted color palette arrangements ..would love to peruse her new book.

    Reply
  352. Gladys Yoder on

    I am excited about Seasonal Flower Arranging. I’m needing insights into possibilities of producing and arranging at our “Bluebird Gardens.”
    Thanks for sharing. Gladys Yoder

    Reply
  353. Kris on

    Arielle Cezar is one of my favorite floral designers! Her first book set the bar high and I believe changed the direction of many floral designs (in the best way). Her classes that she offers look magical! Thank you for posting the interview!

    Reply
  354. myca on

    I always personally lean toward a specific color scheme when I get to pick for myself – a peachy-pink sunset color with accents of yellow and deep purple. Whether it’s ranunculus in the spring or dahlias in the fall – it works year round!

    Reply
  355. Lois Carrier on

    Thank you so much for sharing. I enjoy lilacs in an arrangement and they grow well in my yard. My favorite annuals to grow are larkspur, cosmos and zinnia.

    Reply
  356. Yvonne Rose on

    Its such a Pleasure,to read all the great ways Farm Fresh Flowers are in use.I had been a florist for 30 years. I always supported my local Flower Farmers,still do.If I were to give an arrangement to someone or to receive, for that matter.It would be Springs Ardant Bulbs ! All those Bright Colors bursting from the Soil. Thank You Both, for all the Passion Farming & Design Work has given to others.

    Reply
  357. Rebecca Lay on

    My journey down this winding flower path has been inspirational and life changing. Thank you Erin for introducing and guiding me to all things flower, including the luminous Arielle Chezar. I have several times loaned Ariella Chezar’s previous book, The Flower Workshop from my local library, always reluctantly returning it by the due date. It would be an honor to hold a copy of her latest book in my hands so that I may share the beauty with family and friends.

    Reply
  358. Catherine on

    I’m just starting a flower garden and hoping to eventually sell to local florists, so this is very inspiring. I’m sure Ariella’s new book will help guide my path. My personal favorite bouquets are a mix of white flowers, but don’t worry, I’ll be growing a very colorful flower garden!

    Reply
  359. Vance Voetberg on

    What a terrific and informative interview! Just the inspiration I needed to get me going for a floral-filled 2019!

    Thanks for sharing this with us!

    Reply
  360. Jennie on

    My Favorite flower arrangement to get is anything with big pastel colored roses. I get such beautiful mixed bouquets from my yard I really love the simplicity of those roses.

    Reply
  361. Elizabeth Eason on

    Thanks for the interview series! I would love to learn how to include seasonal branches from trees and shrubs in more of my arrangements.

    Reply
  362. Amanda Inman on

    I love finding bunches of flowers at farmer’s markets or unusual seasonal varieties. And I love making my own arrangements at home! We don’t live in a place now where I can really grow much of my own, so I have to rely on picking up bunches elsewhere. I LOVE giving and getting peonies or ranunculus. So many layers of petals.

    Reply
  363. Joann on

    Loved reading this and how to plays up various flowers together with others. Interesting interview, and of course, LOVED all the beautiful photos! I’ve been a gardener for more than 40 years and I’m always learning something new.

    Reply
  364. Diana Davis on

    Ariella, and Erin, thank you so much for sharing your love and life of flowers and especially your travels. How exciting. I am new to the flower world but and am definitely hungry and can’t get enough. I love everything about them, the beauty, the creative expression, but especially the joy. I am blessed.

    Reply
  365. Lisa Banasiak on

    I have always loved gardening but found floret farm and trying my hands at cut flower gardening. So learning all I can from floret and now Arielle! Love all of the flower arrangements! Looking forward to all the workshops!

    Reply
  366. Stacie on

    Very inspiring Ariella & Erin x

    Reply
  367. Pat Maitland on

    Excellent interview. I can’t think of any particular arrangement that stands out as the best, I love them all. My love of flowers started very early living on a farm, we would put flowers in a vase almost daily during the summer. We even used dandelions. Lol

    Reply
  368. Kathy Fliegauf on

    I have followed Erin and Ariella since the beginning of internet days and today they are both rock stars of the flower world. Wish I was a “stock” picker way back when. One of my favorite lush arrangements is mixing peonies with the blooms of Virginia Sweet Spire.

    Reply
  369. Shannon on

    I follow Arielle on IG and get mountains of inspiration from her travels and photos. Thanks thanks thanks. My favorite arrangements to give have found bits of things I find on walks and hikes. They make the arrangements unique and fun.

    Reply
  370. Emily M. on

    Can’t wait to read this book and be inspired!!

    Reply
  371. jan beck on

    The sight and smell of flowers lowers my blood pressure, increases my awareness, and soothes my soul. Thank you for sharing your expertise Ariella!

    Reply
  372. Vanessa Sanchez on

    Thank you so much for sharing the wisdom… I am a big fan of dinner plate dahlias! I really love nigella and statice for foliage, they last so much!

    Reply
  373. Barb on

    Great interview and what beautiful flower arrangements, I love the deep red dahlias in the turquoise bud vases!

    Reply
  374. Anne Marie Bowen on

    Ariella is one of my flower heroes; her ethic of using seasonal and local flowers brings incredible freshness and honesty to her designs.
    Flowers are like children, especially when you grow them – very difficult to choose a favourite. I would say giving a huge handful of fragrant
    sweetpeas to an unsuspecting visitor to my garden is a very big thrill!

    Reply
  375. June deMers on

    Because we are covered in a foot of snow at this time (very unusual for greater Seattle ) we can only be patient for our flowers to appear . I love to see a beautiful arrangement of home grown flowers , knowing that they will be found here in a few months also, for arranging.

    Love your emails

    Reply
  376. kate brunson on

    My favorite arrangements are always gifted from a child. They see beauty everywhere and what they pick to put into a bouquet always surprises me.

    Reply
  377. Jackie Brown on

    So many flowers, so few seasons but if I was to bust a gut it’s got to be a big fat bunch of PEONIES because they make my heart sing and make me squeak mmmmmm. X

    Reply
  378. Deanna Petit-gas on

    Thank-you Ariella and Erin! I so appreciate learning about your flower philosophies, favourite varieties, and arranging tips. They have been very inspirational for me over here on my little flower farm on Vancouver Island. It is a dream of mine to one day attend one of your workshops. Here’s a photo of a small, simple bouquet I made for a friend last summer./Users/deannapetitgas/Desktop/IMG_0103.jpeg

    Reply
  379. Anna Truessel on

    What an inspiration. I‘m starting to garden at a new location and I‘m really curious where this new place is taking me. My list for flower varieties is constantly growing?. Would love to win oneof these gorgeous books.

    Reply
  380. Courtney Tautges on

    so much goodness! I love the tip about muddy tones, and the vibrant display of colors. So inspiring – thank you so very much for sharing this! I always feel like a little kid when I get to read about what the professionals are using. Even in my little Wisconsin garden, it is a pleasure to grow flowers within sucha beautiful community around the world!

    Reply
  381. Sally Rowden on

    Thank you for an inspiring, uplifting interview. Over here in England we call a couple of your plants by different names so I’ve had to do my homework, but most of them I know and love as much as you do!
    Thankfully I heard of Floret through my daughter who lives in Vermont and my seeds for this year are heading over the pond as I speak and they are admired each year by friends and family as the colours and forms are slightly more special than our usuals here. And I’ve gone a little mad and bought 50 dahlias to try out for this autumn when the garden went a little flat last year. Very exciting if a little over the top but I’m looking forward to using the blooms to experiment with the lovely ideas in Arielle’s book. Thank you.

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  382. Lisa Hawley on

    Great interview. Enjoyed the short read. I really love to get potted perennials that I can enjoy year after year. My kids and husband have learned this about me and I always get gifts that continually reward me year after year.

    Reply
  383. Heather Simatic on

    I am so excited for this spring! I will be growing my first cut flower garden. I have all my seeds from Florets and I can’t wait to get them started. A question I have about the interview. Cosmos are on her list but mentions they are difficult to harvest? I am very new to flowers and harvesting them but grew Cosmo’s last year and will be growing a few more this year with the hope of adding them to bouquets. So I am wondering why it’s stressful to harvest them and what the best technique to harvest them would be? My favorite bouquet to receive is anything with bright oranges, apricots, pinks, yellows, and reds. I love flowers that remind me of a beautiful sunset.

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  384. Jessica on

    This article is fantastic and great timing for the upcoming spring season of people longing for fresh new life just around the corner. Especially for us farmers who have been planning and nurturing plants and bulbs for months in our greenhouses. As a farmer who grows mainly veggies and is scaling up and stepping up my flower game I love seeing other bad ass farming women who inspire, educate and work hard through individual creations. Great questions and your blog is getting me so excited to have the best flower garden this year. Thank You!

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  385. Chrissy on

    Your arrangements are beyond gorgeous. “Symphony” of beauty played out in a visual feast. I am so excited about acquiring your book and gaining some confidence in my bouquets from my very own gardens! It is refreshing to have such talented people share there ideas so everyone can “listen” whether it be from a book, a video or a fresh arrangement displayed in there own home! Thank you and I look forward to reading and learning more about you.

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  386. Francesca Schroer on

    Wow! Thank you for introducing us to Ariella! Her traveling journey sounds so adventurous; it’s funny how the “local” effect can be so strong even with flowers.

    I think the most special arrangement to receive is ANY… just knowing that they saw flowers (or a plant) and thought about me makes me feel SO special! I think the most special arrangement I like to give is a foraged, wild one- the look on their faces to know that this came out of the woods is priceless!

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  387. Donna Townsend on

    well hello Donna Here . Watching pretty cardinals and titmouse on there feeders reading your email While the snow falls swiftly to the ground I would love to win a inspiring book,Thank you for all your tips and photos Peace Donna

    Reply
  388. Cristin on

    Feeling way out of my league since I just started growing flowers, but this was such an inspiring interview! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  389. Ann Forrester on

    Great interview and love the photos. Looking forward to seeing the new book when it comes out. I completely relate to the trial and error of plants and flowers growing amazingly well one year and then not so well another. Gardening by guessing is what I’ve always referred to as my style (master gardener courses and all, lol!~)

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  390. Nadine Timmons on

    This is a great time of the year to rev our engines, about spring flowers in arrangements. Winter is just dragging on this year.
    Would love to see pansies in a arrangement, as I’ve never seen it here in Colorado. Also would love to get an arrangement with Sweet
    Peas in it…can’t wait to plant my new seeds, with new colors this year!

    Reply
  391. Connie Tesene on

    I loved the interview with Arietta. I hope I win her latest book. It looks fab.
    Connie Tesene

    Reply
  392. Bonnie Gribschaw on

    I love all flowers, but prefer ones with beautiful fragrance, such as old fashion roses, lilacs and gardenias.

    Reply
  393. sheryl kellner on

    Great Interview. The floral arrangement pictures are fabulous! My favorite arrangements are those that are free flowing and do not look forced.
    I like the softer colors the best, with a dash of dark.
    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  394. Jeannine L Bindl on

    Thank you for the inspiring interview. We just got 8 inches of snow, this is going to keep me hopeful for the rest of the week!

    Reply
  395. Barb Wagner on

    Ariella’s book sounds like it will be amazing and full of inspiration for any flower-lover. An arrangement of fresh flowers, vines, and branches does so much to create a welcoming feeling in a room, and to add a colorful spot of natural beauty to any area of a home. I like to give roses – everyone seems to like them. The ones I like to get are the local and seasonal blooms. I would love a copy of Ariella Chezar’s new book!

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  396. Camille P on

    I love to give what’s growing in my garden – right now the violets are plentiful. When sweetpeas arrive I adore giving them. Roses when they are blooming. As to getting – all of the above but tulips, peonies, and dahlias are always favorites.

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  397. Kathleen on

    I loved her last book and this one looks very special. Great interview!

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  398. Julia Condit on

    Fabulous interview! I am growing all my own flowers for my upcoming wedding this summer, with Floret being my main resource for information and seeds. Although it is stressful and a bit crazy with several shelves of seedlings in my closet right now, it is so fun! I’ve had great success in the past years with dahlias and snapdragons, which are always a big hit when I bring small arrangements to all my coworkers or to brunch with friends. Ariella’s arrangements are stunning and I love how much greenery she uses too! It looks like an amazing book that would be of endless use to me as I harvest and arrange all my own flowers for my wedding!

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  399. Wendy on

    I love a bouquet that is filled with white freesia. It’s all about the scent and that asks for intimacy with an arrangement ?.

    Reply
  400. Yuleidy Lopez on

    Wow! What an inspiring article. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I love the list of flowers and foliage given. I’m planning on planting some for my garden. I love pansies in flower arrangements. They are so beautiful and delicate.

    Reply
  401. Linda on

    I enjoy giving and receiving arrangements made with fragrant flowers, foliage, and branches that trail, create movement, or add height to an arrangement. The arrangement should cause one to pause, to take in the flowers’ ethereal beauty.

    Reply
  402. Kendra on

    What a fantastic read. I would love to hear about the upcoming online courses she has planned!

    Reply
  403. Georgene Becerra on

    Inspirational!!!! A wonderful piece to read. One of my favorite bouquets I made was for a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I put together yellow roses and violet and it was beautiful. The only anniversary that includes two different flowers the colors complimenting each other, just as the couple has done for 50 years.

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  404. Carin Morgan on

    I used to love picking flowers for a bouquet from my garden when I lived on 6 acres….keeping them for myself or giving to a friend. Now I have moved in the last 8 months and can’t wait to create a new cutting garden of smaller stature. I know your new book will be an inspiration. Peonies and sweet peas will be a must.

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  405. Audrey Posl on

    So inspiring. I’m a brand new farmer/florist getting business going this spring. I was actually writing out my goals for this first year and at the top of the list was focusing on floral seasonality and getting my community to understand and embrace it too. Favorite arrangement/bouquet to give is an edible one! Herbs, edible flowers like volias and snapdragons, alpine strawberries, tomatoes, rainbow chard, etc. Leave it on the kitchen counter and use all week.

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  406. Leslie Burke on

    The list of flowers is so helpful! While I’ve at least dabbled in growing many of them, it gives me new ones to try!!! Thanks for posting this interview!

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  407. Laura Joy Wilson on

    I loved hearing Ariella’s favorites for seasonal bouquets! Whether we have lived in very warm, or mountainous colder climates I love gathering and arranging locally grown flowers. I have knocked on neighbors doors for permission to snip hydrangea, and roses. My daughter and I have slogged through wet land for beautiful pompous grass, and trimmed budding trees for wedding centerpieces. Areiella’s love for wild raspberries is an exciting addition to my own favorites :)

    Reply
  408. Mary on

    Just purchased a new place that I can plant a cutting garden. The new book would give me inspiration. I like to see the list of flowers to collect and keep especially the roses you use in the arrangement. I can’t never keep them arrange the way like your photos. Thank you for sharing

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  409. Terry from California on

    PS: My favorite flower arrangements have a casual, country look and contain a variety of blooms amongst sprawling foliage. I love dahlias and zinnias the best, but truly love all flowers. Usually I am drawn to fall colors in shades of orange, gold and deep reds. Last year HS Flame and Karma Gold literally took my breath away! American Dawn, HS Date and Purple Haze where also winners. My Giant Benary’s zinnias were super prolific and lasted a long time, loved those!

    Reply
  410. Denise Brown on

    It is so exciting to hear about the work of those who deal with local flowers. A gift for us and for planet earth. Thank you

    Reply
  411. Trish on

    I look forward to some great inspiration in the pages of your new book! My favorite arrangements to give friends and family are those with unique additions from my vegetable garden and orchard. Using seasonal flowers, seed heads and buds with a few surprise elements in a fun container always brings a smile. My favorite flower to use as the “stunners” are dahlias .

    Reply
  412. Lisa Woerner on

    Great interview. I would love to win the book-as I am also a farmer/florist.
    My favorite arrangement to give is anything that looks miles different from what you’d find at a typical florist’s shop. Including interesting foliage, wildflowers, and dahlias always look good.

    Reply
  413. Kim on

    I love flowers! Inspired by all of the beauty from Floret, (Ahh!) I intend to start a little cutting garden with a few herbs this spring. To Ariella, the very best of all that is good with your new book!

    Reply
  414. Sylvia O'Loane on

    Thank you, for sharing your heart with such Beautiful flowers. Looking forward to reading more of your articals and books.

    Reply
  415. Tracy on

    This interview was very inspiring! I have Stephanandra all over my property!! I love to use it in arrangement too! My favorites are the simple old time classes such as Lilly of the valleys, lilacs and peonies! Each spring I can’t get enough of these in my house and office. Thanks so much ladies for all of your creativity!

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  416. Molly on

    Thank you for the list of flowers you are always looking to grow more of. I will have to find some antique chrysanthemums to grow next year.
    I love getting any flower arrangements but lilacs are a favorite of mine. Their scent is a main reason, they also remind me of my mom because she loves them and would always fill the house with them as soon as they started blooming. When you have a bouquet of lilacs in your house you feel like- Yes, summer is coming!

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  417. Tetyana on

    I have developed from someone who liked flowers, to growing just a few in between my vegetables, to now almost entirely growing flowers for arranging just for me and my friends. My enclosed garden isn’t big, but it gave me so much joy and so many flowers last year and I can’t wait for this season. I am already sprouting all the early bloomers, like snap dragons, sweet peas etc. I never learned about flower arranging and this year I want to focus more on that and getting a book to help me learn more about it would be amazing. Deep down in my soul, I want to become a flower farmer, but life…. Who know, maybe one day, I will :).
    Tetyana

    Reply
  418. Tanya Siska on

    Ariella is such a big inspiration! We get peonies blooming here in Chicago for only a short two weeks so a simple hand tied bouquet of Chicago grown peonies makes a big statement and is definitely one of my favorite flower arrangements to give AND receive!!!

    Reply
  419. Beccy on

    I love love love a big bunch of pink tulips! One year I had the largest tulips I ever saw grow in my garden and I got to take them on the airplane to give to my mother in law in a state where they were still having snow. They brought so much happiness to everyone at the airport, too!

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  420. Haley S on

    So beautiful! I wish she could do my wedding in September! Love the list of necessary flowers.

    Reply
  421. Lara on

    My favorite arrangement to give (and receive!) is a simple bunch of fragrant fluffy white peonies with black and white anemones tucked in amongst them, and a few sprigs of greenery.

    Reply
  422. Jennifer Thomas on

    My absolute favorite flower is the oak leaf hydrangea. I love the sweet fragrance of the blooms and the color of them as they fade. I even love the texture of the peeling bark in the winter. I have a variety of Anabelle in my home garden and cut it frequently throughout the year to bring in the house. I have built a substantial amount of narcissus and jonquils in my home garden and brought my first two bouquets in this week. I also just pruned my peach tree and am anxiously waiting for some of those stems to bloom. I am looking forward to growing more and learning more. Thanks for the information and beautiful photos!!

    Reply
  423. Marie Perkins on

    Thank you Erin for this interview. I can’t wait to read Ariella’s New book. Thank you for the list of her Favorite flowers To use in arrangements. The flower I love that is in bloom right now in Texas is the tulip. I have an arrangement on my dining table right now. They are starting to pop up all over my garden. But as spring comes I love roses. Any type. My Favorite in My yard is an old antique, Marie Pavie. Summer will bring wild flowers. Cosmos and zinnia and coneflowers.

    Reply
  424. Carla D. on

    I forgot to add my favourite flower to my earlier above comment. I love to give and receive simple bouquets of freshly cut lilacs. I used to cut lilac bouquets for my mom growing up from our back yard — the nostalgia is timeless.

    Reply
  425. Terry from California on

    I love my flower garden! It’s my oasis and my happy place where I can forget about life’s problems and enjoy peace and serenity among my flowers. I am always thinking of ways to make it better, spending rainy days indoors thinking of spring while perusing catalogs, websites, and of course Floret’s latest posts!

    I am interested in Ariella’s lists of favorite trees, shrubs, flowers and foliage she uses in her designs. I grow flowers but admit my knowledge is lacking when it comes to the best foliage to use with them. If I am chosen as a winner of one of her books, that area would be of great interest to me, as would her favorite varieties of flowers, which I might want to add to my own garden.

    I agree about using seasonal flowers, and as a hobbyist (rather than professional) I experiment with adding native plants (beneficial to birds, bees and butterflies) mixed in with my flowers. I cannot wait until the weather warms and I can sit in my garden, marvel at this years blooms, and and watch all the activity flying, fluttering and buzzing around me ;-)

    Reply
  426. Sandy Bettin on

    Loved reading the interview & looking at all the beautiful flowers, gets me excited to start ordering my seeds.
    I’m inspired by both of you ladies for your love of sweet peas, I will definitely try them again this year!
    Erin, I thank you for all your posts & your wonderful book “Cut Flower Garden!” Can’t wait for your new one…

    Reply
  427. Polly SMITH on

    Very inspiring. I love the peonies too. To make bouquets in the summer you can’t beat sweet peas with various greens to set them off. Thanks for all your inspiration! I so appreciate how you willingly share your knowledge.

    Reply
  428. Mindy on

    The accompanying photographs are so beautiful! I’m a flower floozy and love all bouquets, but my favorites are the ones picked and brought in by my kiddos.

    Reply
  429. Debbie Woodbury on

    Erin, thank you for sharing your conversation with Ariella Chezar. Along with the photos, it was a perfect inspiration as I sit at my desk with a window to the backdrop of deep, white snow. I totally relate to Ariella’s desire to make her farm all that it can be, and how all the creative directions flowers can take you often makes it a challenge to focus on just one goal. What a wonderful “problem” to have!

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  430. Coralie on

    Asking a flower grower/lover to pick a favorite bouquet is like asking a mother to pick a favorite child. I have always preferred flowers that continue to develop while in the vase. So this time of year, watching tulips swell, color, and do their windy dance, is almost enough to distract from the snowstorm threatening out the window. A cup of tea and a flower book with fabulous, inspiring photos helps as well!

    Reply
  431. Tina on

    My favorite flower arrangements to give AND get are those that come directly from someone’s garden! It’s a personal stamp of beauty that is loved and shared with those that are special. Everyone’s take is so different and heart felt…it just makes me so happy to give and receive!

    Reply
  432. N.N. on

    I love picking bouquets from my garden, especially little flowers and greenery that wouldn’t be grown commercially. Last year we had a bunch of lavender sweet peas self-seed and it was heavenly to pick a massive bouquet of them. Loved having them at the house and giving them away. I love receiving old-fashioned garden roses, tulips, peonies, and camellias.

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  433. Andi Durst on

    I have to say that I Love the way ranunculus feel in an arrangement, like they have their own aesthetic.
    I can’t wait to see Ariella’s new book! The last one was one of the most exquisitely beautiful tributes to seasonal flowers that I have ever seen.

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  434. Don on

    Interview was just what lt should be, a catalyst for inspiration, planning, and dreaming for the upcoming season.

    Reply
  435. JENNIFER HARLEY on

    I love arrangements with fruits added. Tried during one and it did not go well at all. Keep inspiring.

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  436. Dorene on

    This interview is a lovely inclusion into an otherwise soggy, gray February day – thank you! 36 days until spring!

    Reply
  437. Laura on

    love this interview, thank you for sharing!! I love giving away little bundles of sweet peas from the garden! Our neighbors, and my kid’s teachers love when they are in season.

    Reply
  438. Denny Crowe on

    So incredibly refreshing that there is such a strong interest in local seasonal materials. So smart for so many reasons. Working with flowers and foliage from our yard or farm reminds us that there is always something beautiful at our hands. I believe it stirs our creativity beyond the ordinary. Appreciating and sourcing seasonal material is also of course a wise economic choice! Can’t wait to see all of her books!!!!

    Reply
  439. Melanie Tremelling on

    Wow, what a wonderful interview. Especially being in the depths of winter at the moment, the thoughts and memories of all the amazingly beautiful colours of plants to come is heart warming. A favourite floral arrangement is something with seasonal flowers and plants, along with interesting branches and leaves and such. Or more often, a gathering of wild plants (what many would refer to as weeds) is something to cherish.
    Thanks for sharing this lovely interview. Enjoy these wonderful winter days.

    Reply
  440. Kristy N. on

    Looking forward to this new book !

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  441. Rowena McDermott on

    Thank you all so much for paving the way for us just entering the wonderful world of organically grown small farm flowers. We are a small farm in the High Desert of California and are paving our own way here slowly, but we could not do it without the constant encouragement and wealth of information that we receive from the pioneers of the industry like all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and job well done!!!

    Reply
  442. Patricia Starkey on

    What a great interview and inspirational for beginners such as myself. I really like that Ariella touched on the varieties she cannot get enough of and also the importance of perennials. I plan to plant quite a few varieties of perennial’s this year in the fall. As far as an arrangement goes, I absolutely LOVE daffodils and tulips. I grew up in a tiny town called Orting at the base of Mt. Rainer in Washington State. Growing up in the middle of a small community that had such an enormous love for these two blooms, having performed in the annual Daffodil Parade marching band for years and seeing the beauty come to life every Spring in farms as far as the eye could see helped mold my love for both blooms. I enjoy any arrangement with these blooms and also straight bouquets of the same variety. There is something magical and nostalgic that is in each tulip and daffodil which crosses my path.

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  443. Alli B on

    Lovely work, thank you for sharing!

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  444. Carla D. on

    Thank you for sharing this interview! Beautiful, informative and inspirational. I so much enjoy all your blog articles. I am looking forward to reading Ariella’s new book and would love if I won a copy of my very own.

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  445. Peggy on

    It is refreshing when a professional flower farmer and arranger can make an amateur flower enthusiast feel…Wow, I can do that. I love the fact that Ariella’s bouquets rely on seasonal and indigenous flowers and foliage. How many times have I looked at a beautiful arrangement to find that the components are from different seasons? My favorite bouquet was given to me on my birthday last summer. it came from a local organic farm and oozed simplicity. It was wrapped in brown paper and consisted of Chinese forget-me-nots, pink and white cosmos and dill weed for foliage. It was a true bouquet of posies.

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  446. Jennifer McDonald on

    I can’t wait to get my hands on these books. Thank you Erin for bringing us all of these inspiring artists! It’s so hard to choose my favorite flower arrangement. Definitely something straight from the garden with dahlias, peonies or garden roses.

    Reply
  447. Vicky on

    I am just beginning to start a flower garden , I have receive seeds from you and can’t wait to try my hand , I may have order to many different types. Some I love to have in my home are sweet peas, nasturtiums, cosmos, poppy, calendula, tulips, Zinnias….well there are just to many, thanks for all the info you give.

    Reply
  448. Krystal Lynn on

    I smiled and nodding eagerly to the mention of studying with others and Collaboration, this is key! After the Flowering in the Northeast Confernce this year I am just gushing with delight at all the great information that was shared there!
    What joy to be around like minded flower nerds who genuinely want to help each other succeed:) I’m excited for spring to roll in, because really my most favorite arrangement is that of fresh spring flowers, the joy the colors bring, it gets one super excited for what’s to come in next!
    Thank you!

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  449. Susan Randle on

    I live in France where they have a special day devoted to Lilly of The Valley. My Father always used to grow these and the scent is heavenly. Such simplicity and delicacy always touches my heart and reminds me of the garden of my childhood.

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  450. Gwen Brass on

    I’m looking forward the seeing this new book. I’m also looking forward to starting allnthe new seeds I bought from you this year. I’m a new customer, just discovered you, and I’m afraid I went a bit overboard. I love to receive bouquets that match the colors in my house – yellows for my kitchen and burgandies for my living room. But truly I love receiving just about any bouquet. I’m looking forward to making bouquets out of the flowers I harvest in my garden this summer. I like to arrange flowers mixed with seasonal greens and I especially like the woodland sort of wild arrangements.

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  451. Maureen deBruyn on

    Thank you so much Erin for this wonderful post and opportunity to have one of Ariela’s lovely books! The interview and all the photos warmed my heart and made me smile, remembering what a special time Chalk Hill Clematis Farm was and how fortunate I feel about having been able to meet all the exceptional designers at the workshop. Winters in Minnesota go on way too long, so I look forward to spring flower bouquets the most, daffodils and hellebores bring me joy! I am looking forward to planting some zinnias this year too. My Husband gave me two yellow peony plants last year for my birthday, I fell in love with them at the workshop and think of everyone that was there when they bloom! Thanks again!

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  452. Jackie Ryan on

    Ariella Chezar’s interview with Erin drew me into a special place, filled with color and texture! The two of you made it possible for the
    combination of soft feathery flowers with new shapes to pop into my mind with dreams of delightful colors which will take arrangements to a new level. Thank you so much!

    Reply
  453. Debbie Mann on

    Love the lists! Love sweet pea arrangements! Cannot wait for the newest book to be released! Love the interview! An upstate who loves your work — both of you!❤️❤️? ? need more emoji choices for ?!

    Reply
  454. Nicole on

    Wonderful interview to read. So much wealth of knowledge between you too!! I love love love working with peonies in arrangements. I participated in a peonie and champagne workshop before here where I live. It was sooo much fun!!

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  455. Jan K on

    How wonderful to see such passion for flowers! You and others encouraged me to plant blooms and foliage which I can use to create flower designs for my friends and neighbors. Floral designing is a hobby and I so enjoy viewing Floral Designs created by others who grow flowers. I also participate and create a floral design each year for our local Art Museum’s annual ART ALIVE event where floral designers represent an art piece or sculpture in flowers. A fun, creative process. I always try and select flowers grown locally so museum patrons and guests can feast their eyes on spring blooms in an artful way. Well done ladies, well done. Congratulations to all the flower growers large and small.

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  456. Sara on

    I really enjoyed this interview, especially the beautiful images. My favorite arrangements are the small bouquets that our children bring to me from our yard; mixtures of a rose or two, a hibiscus bloom and whatever tiny wildflowers and honeysuckle they can find outside. The combinations are always unexpected but absolutely lovely and they bring such joy to our sunny kitchen. We all together planted spring bulbs from Floret and we are starting our seeds this week. I can’t wait to see what they’ll do with the blooms this year!

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  457. Heather Staten on

    So very excited about Ariella’s new book. I’m mad for peonies. I love arrangements with fragrant flowers –I grew carnations for the first time last year and I never stopped swooning for the clove scent.

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  458. Jess on

    I started getting into flowers because of the big focal flowers – ranunculus and peonies. Recently, I’ve been so impressed by the variety of colors that lisianthus comes in, including many dreamy, vintage-inspired, muddy palettes that Ariella describes. This year, I’m excited to see if my fall bulbs (tulips, narcissus) will bloom. Also hoping to plant cosmos – sweet, simple and strong!

    Reply
  459. Cheryl Herle on

    I love mixed bouquets!! The blend of colours and greenery can be spectacular! There are so many beautiful flowers wether they are annuals or perennials! I love to try new seeds or perennials! Very intertwining reading your blogs for your take on what’s new. Especially enjoyed your series on dahlias from growing to storing.

    Reply
  460. Jenna thompson on

    Thank you for sharing this!
    Last Valentine’s day my husband sent me big bunches of magnolia branches, hands down the best flowers I have ever revived!

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  461. Myriah Strivelli on

    My favorite flower arrangement to give or get would include anemones with delphinium and ranunculus. Thank you!

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  462. Nada on

    I’ve only recently discovered Ariella and the magic she performs. Thanks to both of you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  463. Jeanne Williams on

    I especially love sweet peas, they remind me of several loved ones who have passed on, so I grow them in their memory. My favorite spring arrangement is a bunch of Silvery blue and cream sweet peas mixed with cream colored ones, a sprig of lavender, and a wispy sprig of someth8ng green like asparagus fern.

    The photo books are beautiful! I appreciate the knowledge you both share.

    Reply
  464. Christa Brassington on

    What a fun interview! My favorite flowers for receiving are tulips, they’re just so graceful and classy! But my eyes have been opened up to so much beauty I didn’t even really know about – like dahlia and ranunculus! I’m getting my amateur garden under way, and I’d love to get inspired on how to arrange what I’ve got growing. This book looks wonderful!

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  465. Tiko Heaps on

    Living at a high elevation in Wyoming, my favorite flowers have always been springtime blooms. Tulips, daffodils and lilacs mean the long winter is over!

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  466. Carolyn on

    I absolutely love spring arrangements full of lilacs!

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  467. Victoria Burkhardt on

    I can always count on you for inspiration! The flowers I love to give and get are simply what I find along the roadside on walks in the country, arranged in a canning jar of course! I have very simple taste. :)

    Reply
  468. Jessa Nimer on

    I inherited a large and diverse iris patch when we bought our house almost two years ago, and right now I’m longing for a bucket of those blooms! Their frangrance is often spicy and citrusy which I love! And this book looks gorgeous, I can’t wait to dive into it and be inspired.

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  469. Lourdes on

    I’m always amazed at how simple beautiful things are! The flowers speak!

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  470. Luckylostdog on

    WOW!! I want to learn how to arrange, compose beauties like Ariella! Floret flowers, Ariellas book of ideas…perfect combination for amazing arrangements!

    Reply
  471. Anne on

    The various greens in my garden are a beautiful backdrop to my succulents. The partnering of these elements always make me smile when I arrange them for indoor arrangements.

    Reply
  472. Lenore on

    I would love this book as I am starting a cutting garden this summer here in the great lakes. My favorite arrangement to give and to get is one of country roses, wild Queen Anne’ lace with spicks of foxgloves. I have the Floret book which I love and can hardly wait for it to warm up and get started in the garden. We started a new garden 2 years ago and placed it so I can look out the kitchen window and enjoy it while I am working at the kitchen sink. It brings much joy. I would like to see Arilla’s garden as she is in a similar garden zone as mine and pick up tips. Thank you for sharing this.

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  473. Stacy on

    Great interview and your new book looks absolutely stunning! My favorite flower arrangements usually include tulips, peonies, sweet peas or dahlias.

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  474. Cheryl L. Pickrel on

    Such a wonderful gift to bring the beauty of nature to all of us.

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  475. Carrie Bunch on

    Great interview and so inspired by the beautiful pics!
    My favorite flower arrangements come from my garden, what ever I have in season. I also like to pick up market bunches and play until I see the bouquet come alive! I love contrasting colors, the pop of color excites me!! I love any arrangement that I receive and when some of the flower start to fade I like to rearrange and see what I can do with the leftovers. Always having fun!!
    Thanks for the interview.

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  476. Ben Lyons on

    As the farmer here at Lockewood Acres I look forward to inspiring my wife to become the florist. With Floret’s fantastic Online Workshop and inspirational, educational blogs, posts and books we are well on our way! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  477. Leslie Cuma-Fontaine on

    I have always enjoyed fresh cut lilac in my home, but with more experience I am starting to open my mind to new things.

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  478. Autumn Welch on

    What a great interview! Thanks for sharing. I love giving (AND GETTING HA HA) arrangements with peonies. They are definitely one of my favorite flowers!

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  479. Violet Hayes on

    Gorgeous and inspiring! I love giving seasonal, impromptu arrangements–last year was a tremendous year of foxgloves in my garden, so I gave away several huge bouquets with their speckled spires as the main feature. I love to get seasonal farmer’s market arrangements with flowers that I can’t grow in my cool, sheltered garden–anything with sunflowers.

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  480. helen on

    You two are both such an inspiration! Thank you ??✨

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  481. Susan Davis on

    I would so love to have your book! Your arrangements are spectacular, with some many flowers I love!

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  482. Katherine Wolman on

    Wow, this looks like a beautiful book! The world of Floret’s Farm, and all of your offerings, is new to me. I enjoy being inspired by learning about books like this on your website and would love to get a copy. My favorite bouquet idea at the moment would be made up of spring blooms- yellows, whites, apricots, with a touch of some green foliage.

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  483. Andrea Heffernan on

    The colors in these photos and her work are stunning, and her growth in the world if flowers so inspirational! Thank you for sharing all this beauty!

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  484. Alison Scully on

    At our cabin on the west coast of BC, I have a small herb garden that provides me with wonderful additions to my bouquets of flowers – some wild and some not. We have beautiful foxglove in pinks and creams that look beautiful with lavender and kale leaves and sage. Weird combinations, but for some reason they work for me and I love how they come together so easily as I wander around my garden.

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  485. Linda Piper on

    Love the comment about Sweet Peas! My favorite too! So inspiring to read and see all this lovely information.

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  486. Britta Adams on

    I’m excited to read this book! Thanks for the introduction. Peony cut flowers do it for me every time. Swoon.

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  487. Amy Clements on

    Anything harvested from my garden – whether it’s magnolia branches in the winter, tulips in the spring, everything in the summer and dahlias in the fall!

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  488. Lydia on

    Very Inspiring Post! It is very cool to see how seasonal blooms can be showcased in unique ways! Peonies are by far my favorite bouquet to give and to receive; Bearded Irises and Johnny Jump Ups are not too far behind though!

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  489. Chrissy Lapham on

    Thank you Floret for sharing with us one of your inspirations, this is the first I have heard of Arielle and her books. I am interested in learning from her as well. As I am approaching my 6th year of small scale flower farming for seasonal arrangement purposes, I am still in love with combining some of the flowers I started off with—Zinnias (love the subtle color and shape variations of each type), snapdragons, celosia, bells of Ireland and amaranth!

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  490. Kathleen Harwood on

    An inspiring interview, to be sure. While I admire artful, informal arrangements by talented designers, my personal favorites are bunches of one flower; tulips or lilacs in spring, peonies a little later, zinnias through the summer, sunflowers and of course dahlias from August to frost. Thanks for making me think about flowers on a snowy February day in New England!

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  491. Molly Lovinggood on

    Your arrangements are so rich and full of color and movement. The arrangements are exciting. I gave and arrangement of pink carnations mixed with pink roses. So beauiful.

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  492. Maureen on

    This was very enjoyable to read. I love having flowers or greens on display in my PNW home every day, often in winter it is greenery and twigs from outside. My favorite bouquet are spring daffodils…..just the knowledge that spring is here is heartwarming! Thanks for a super giveaway.

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  493. Thea on

    I’ve been seriously considering investing in a workshop to expand my skills in design. I really admire those who take their cut flower business concerns to a whole new level creatively. Throw my hat in for this book giveaway!

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  494. Annai Smith on

    I’m an oil painter and have developed a love of painting florals. I started growing my own flowers the past few years, and am excited to try more varietys. I love to paint, receive, and give simple, seasonal bouquets. Loved the interview!

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  495. Lori Ann David on

    I love interviews between creative minds-they offer insight, perspective and inspiration; it’s how we learn from one another. Sitting here under 12” of snow constantly reviewing this upcoming season and trying not to stress about the greenhouses and 9000 starts in the propogation house I think about what to give or what I might get for V Day…. there was SO much about to pop…. but alas, the orchids inside who are tireless performers remind me of nature’s power outside and to be content with the moment and await all the seasonal beauties coming just around the corner. Bravo Ladies! Inspire on!

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  496. Gillian on

    As a British-based flower lover and someone aspiring to have my own flower farm; it is wonderful to read about the experiences of others; and so, so inspirational too. A lovely interview – and such an enthralling looking book!

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  497. Sarah on

    I love to receive loose flowers so that I can arrange them myself ?

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  498. Hannah Cain on

    Thank you for the interview, Erin! I’d love to learn more about Ariella’s techniques and tips! I love any arrangement but my favorites include Bells of Ireland every time. They are so fresh looking and add great height and texture to the arrangement. Have a great day! Hannah, North Dakota

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  499. Ann on

    Stunning images. Great to learn more about designing seasonally

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  500. Kate Anderson on

    Thanks for including Ariella in your series. My favorite arrangement is dahlia’s and roses with wild blackberry stems and berries.

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  501. Brooke James on

    Great interview! I’m hoping to do more arranging this season, along with growing beautiful blossoms.

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  502. Sarah Flores on

    Wow, it’s like you two were meant to work together! Even just reading it, the chemistry is well-sensed, great interview:)
    I am convinced I need to start growing my own beauties to use in my work now, LOL. I love using anything out of the ordinary, and I love all dark flowers! My favorite request is when clients ask me to ‘create anything’ for a special ‘Thinking of You Today’ arrangement. I love how flowers can convey your feelings to another person, and remind them every time they walk by and see them. What a gift!

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  503. Kathleen Jameson on

    Enjoyed the interview. Beautiful pics! I’m Participating in the floret online workshop right now. I love to give and receive monochromatic, organic, flowy type arrangements.

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  504. Kristel Lindfield on

    Wow what an amazing inspiring woman! Love your vision and passion.
    As a small scale flower farmer over here in NZ, who is about to host a collaboration retreat/workshop with a good friend and floral designer, I love your attitude towards collaborations.
    They’re truely where the magic happens right!
    I would love to add this book to my collection to share with our workshop attendees.
    With much respect,
    Kristel
    Raglan Buds Flower Farm

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  505. Erin B. on

    I recently read Ariella’s book, “The Flower Workshop” and it BLEW. MY. MIND. She’s so inspiring. Who else can go foraging in the forest in a fedora? My favorite arrangements always include daisies. They’re so simple and beautiful. I’d rather receive a handful of daisies than a whole bouquet of roses any day. I’m a cheap date.
    Erin, thank you for everything you do!

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  506. Annie on

    I really enjoyed reading the interview and hearing about Ariella’s desire and dedication to use seasonal flowers and foliage. Here in the UK we have so much potential to grow beautiful blooms but sadly the markers are full of Dutch and African imports. Stunning and perfect as they may be, using seasonal, native flowers are so much more interesting, have such wonderful textures and colours and of course are better for the environment. Ariella offers as does Erin inspiration to grow, experiment and be thrilled by what our gardens and feilds can produce. This year I added tomatoe foliage to my home made bouquets, dark rambling clematis and the striking large leaf of my cardoon. All added something special. I love being inspired to grow all be it in my back garden! Thanks for keeping me inspired.

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  507. Kathy Roeters on

    Simply beautiful. Stunning and enjoyed the interview so much!

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  508. Megan Dauenhauer on

    There is something really special when I can give or receive peony’s. Their season is so short, so it makes it a special gift and they make the room smell heavenly! I would love to have thousands on a farm as well! ?

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  509. Kristen Herman on

    You are truly inspiring forging a path in the local/seasonal flower industry.

    I love sunflowers. If I have an arrangement of sunflowers there is a smile sure to follow. My biggest problem seems to be growing them in my small urban garden. We have a very large deer population and they bite off the seedlings before they have a chance!

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  510. Naomi C on

    I love receiving flowers from the farmers market that are grown locally. Usually I just buy them for myself because they make me so happy to see them in my kitchen.

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  511. Lila on

    This will be my first Floret order. I am so looking forward to the blossoms and harvest! The Seasonal Flower Arranging book looks beautiful.

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  512. Juli on

    How I would love to get my garden “up to snuff” so that I could have seasonal bouquets. I had a huge perennial garden at my old house, but at the new place the elevation and soil are making this a challenge. Ariella’s photos inspire me to keep trying!

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  513. Maureen on

    I love giving sweet peas, but my neighbor, Joy of JOYOUS SPACES creates the most beautiful arrangements that are fun to give as well.

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  514. Towhee Huxley on

    Great interview!! Beautiful photos, look forward to seeing the book.
    My favorite arrangement to give is the one I harvest first thing in the morning for my daughter’s room. And to get? Any flowers from my mom of course! It’s a family thing for us!

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  515. Lois Goettelman on

    I would love to get one too! Amazing flowers designs and beauty. Love the flowers!

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  516. Britt on

    Love to share a bouquet of my homegrown dahlias with friends, they are not something that you can just easily grab at the florist or grocery store around here so they always feel special.

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  517. Kathleen Miller on

    My absolute favorite arrangements always include hydrangeas… they are just so romantic! Love that your new book is geared towards the flower enthusiast, like me!

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  518. Madeline Izzo on

    Lovely interview and photographs. I want to know the names of every single flower appearing in your images!

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  519. Jill Alban on

    My favorite arrangement to give is a fistful of grape hyacinth when I look out, see they are blooming in the orchard and random places on my property, and I run out so excited to move and gather these little beauties.
    My favorite to receive is also a random fistful of flowers from my children.

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  520. Kim Kada on

    My favourite flowers come in the spring after a long and cold winter…Tulips and Peonies with their fresh green and beautiful scent! That being said, I’m looking for something seasonal in my northern clime…its too bad I cannot put the frost covered branches in a vase as they are absolutely stunning!

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  521. Sue on

    My husband rarely gives me bouquets but always surprises me with lots of bulbs for planting in the fall and tubers for summer.

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  522. Shawn on

    Such a wonderful interview! I always fall for a sweet pea bouquet! It’s simple but they are always stunning!

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  523. Jeanine Powell on

    Would love to learn more about the online classes!! Great interview. Always love to see how others have made it in the flower farming business!

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  524. Sarah Zastrow on

    Oh my goodness! I can’t wait for Ariella’s new book! I have her Flower Workshop and have poured over it’s gorgeous pages, taking notes on which plants to invest in. I would absolutely be in heaven to take one of her flower arranging workshops. I’m going to look it up right after I post this. Thanks so much for sharing the lists of flowers and greenery. I will definitely be checking them out!

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  525. Karalee Martin on

    I don’t know if I have a favorite flower arrangement. I love so many. Some I don’t care for. I think maybe I enjoy most of all the flowers that aren’t cut. My canna lilies that grew taller than I, shielding my weedy vegetable garden from the curious passer-by. The crown of thorns that thrives in the summer outdoors and lives through the winter inside by my living room window. I love my tulips, especially the ruffly edged ones that grow beside my white fence. Why cut them when they last much longer outside? I love my geraniums that should be wintering over in my basement but are so cheery looking in my sunporch right now. Well.. not so much right now, it got a little cold in there a few nights and some are droopy, but such a ray of sunshine in this long cold PA winter. That being said, I love tinkering with flower arrangements. When buying flowers from a local florists, I always ask for just the flowers, so I can arrange them how I like. :)

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  526. Jessica Canty on

    I dont really know enough about flowers yet to really have a favorite. Its overwhelming at first, that is for sure. I plan on making a small garden this year and just seeing what I can do! I love pampas grass and anemones.

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  527. Peta Corbett on

    “Suffice it to say I want almost every Itoh hybrid peony- and I want thousands of them!” Me too, Ariella!

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  528. Megan on

    My friend Amber makes the most gorgeous bouquets that she gifts to friends. The love and style that goes into her bouquets makes them my favorite, regardless of flower type. Thanks for sharing the interview!

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  529. Morgan Schlich on

    I love the concentration on local, in-season flowers. Tulips are some of my favorite single flower arrangements, but they just don’t feel right after spring ends. I can’t wait for new inspiration from this beautiful book!

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  530. gwen on

    Your how to books on growing flowers is the BEST! The knowledge you share is so generous and detailed.
    I love so many flowers, Thank God we have seasons so they are not all blooming at the same time! Daphney is an amazingly fragrant winter treat, followed by daffodils and paperwhites to brighten springs promise. Your amazing sweet peas and my childhood favorite ever so hardy Cecile Brunner climbing rose buds top the list. Then Tulips, violas, pansys, ranunculus, anenomes, grape hyacinth all volunteering themselves. Scabiosa, just love these beauties, and never loved zinnias until I planted yours! Love love them. Japanese anenomes, hydrangea and black eyed susans, all fabulous summer blooms. The list is so long…. as a former florist and master gardener, I have been inspired and have learned so much more from you. Thank You ?

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  531. Kara on

    My favorite flower arrangement to get – without a doubt the posies my five year old picks fresh from our garden.

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  532. Mandy on

    I enjoyed reading the interview. Thank you. I love spring flowers in an arrangement especially this time of year when we all long for spring!

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  533. Barbara D. on

    Lilacs are my favorite, either in an arrangement or just a few in a vase. Beautiful scent that takes me back to my childhood backyard that had two huge lilac bushes (they looked like trees to my little self). Would love to have this gorgeous book!

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  534. Brenda on

    I am a new Flower Farmer. I’m starting small so I may be able to change direction if I discover a new bloom that brings big joy. Arielle mentioned she would like to have every Itoh peony, and lots of them! I’ve heard and read about Itoh peonies, but decided to start with 20 herbaceous peonies. It will be a few years until I get to know them. I would love to see photos of floral arrangements comparing the two types, Itoh and herbaceous peonies. They are such a huge investment! I call my arrangements “dis-arrays” instead of bouquets, the freedom is wonderful. Thank you for maintaining my inspiration.

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  535. J. Davis on

    Thanks for the article! I love seeing the pictures of flower arrangements; especially in the middle of winter! Peonies, roses, and ranunculus are some of my favorites.

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  536. Kathryn on

    What a wonderful interview packed full of inspiration. My favorite bouquet would have to be deep purple hydrangeas with bright yellow and orange sunflowers. I’d add natural greens or Bells of Ireland. Thank you for always sharing your talents.

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  537. Amelda on

    Love the interview. I just found Floret flowers and am beginning to grow in my backyard. Small but just the beginning. The book would really help with the arranging. I love all floral arrangement. They just seem to brighten any room you put them in.

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  538. Lori Mercer on

    At this time of year in the depths of gray skies in Seattle, I love to gather various white to lime green-hued hellebores and tight budded pussy willows and pop them into a small vintage glass bottle. It’s such a delight to watch the pussy willows emerge over the ensuing weeks as the daylight hours finally start to stretch toward spring.

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  539. Alicia Rodriguez-Nass on

    I love Love Lies Bleeding in arrangements. Amaranthus has been the most exciting thing I have grown in my garden by far for arrangements and for grain. Awesome interview, inspiring.

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  540. Amanda on

    Gorgeous photos! Can’t wait for the book ?

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  541. Elizabeth M. (Betty) Moore on

    As an artist, I found have found inspiration for oil paintings from the perennials growing in my garden, with its abundance of irises and peonies, planted by the former owner, another gardener. After reading your interview, I am so encouraged to think about my garden as a palette waiting to be discovered for its hues, shapes, forms and fragrance. Thank you for including the flowers in your thoughtful interview with this amazing woman. Look forward to her book, growing new varieties and painting more floral arrangements.

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  542. Cedar Petrick on

    I enjoyed reading the interview this morning while snuggled under my blankets in bed, outside still blanketed in glowing snow! Such a time of inspiration and dreams for all the blooms to come this year- and I can imagine that Seasonal Flower Arranging will offer just that! Thank you for sharing! I believe the best flower arrangement to get or to give is one cut fresh from the garden! So much love and hard work goes into growing!

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  543. KaCee Bloom on

    Loved the interview! The first thing I did when I was done reading it was look up the Itoh Hybrid Peony!

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  544. cathy yatson on

    I cannot wait for this book to come out!! So excited to see what trees, shrubs and foliage you recommend as I am renovating my gardens and yard to include more foliage and fillers for my bouquets. As for my favorite arrangement to give… anything that comes out of my own gardens that I have grown with love :) I think talking to all the flower babies and months spent looking at seed and flower catalogs shows in the final product. I am a sucker for the simplicity of zinnias (especially the buds with their curving black outlines) and Queen Annes Lace.

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  545. Laura Essex on

    Thanks for all that you do to make the world a little more beautiful!! xoxo

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  546. Deborah Svenson on

    Although they can be difficult to grow, a bouquet of sweet peas would be my favorite floral gift. I enjoyed this interview especially the discussion of flowers in China and Mexico. The photos were gorgeous.

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  547. Abby Elliott on

    Thank you for bringing pure beautiful joy from the earth and educating us!

    -Abby

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  548. Vicki Sakioka on

    I have your last book and I Love it! I’m very excited for your new one. Seasonally my favorites are Peonys and Lilacs My best friend who has passed away, always gave me Peony’s for my birthday knowing how much I love them.
    Carnations and Dahlias in Cafe au Late tones are dreamy.
    Stock in the brilliant purple tone is my bring home from Trader Joe’s. Too many to have one favorite

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  549. Lila Sweet on

    My mother says she almost named me “forget me not”. Lol
    I love flower power!!!!

    I still love a mini bouquet of lily of the valley, forget me nots and violets all volunteers.

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  550. Amy on

    What a wonderful interview with beautiful pictures! I am very new to the world of flower arranging. I just planted my first cutting garden this past fall (thanks too all the lovely and helpful information in your emailed series). I’m figuring out which flowers I love that tend to be in wildflower arrangements. I’m also coming to admire the staying power and potential variety with carnations.

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  551. Cessie Ramos on

    Peonies will always be my favorite! Double-flowered varieties (Camelias, Ranunculus) get me every time, too…old fashioned Stock (the scent!), and- straw flowers!

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  552. Gabby on

    There are some wonderful vessel inspirations in this post! Starting off, because they are cheap and found everywhere, I tended to always give mason jar arrangements. Recently I’ve been loving the special touch that comes from different containers. I hope to incorporate a wider variety of vessels this season.

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  553. Nicole Thorp on

    A great interview-thank you! I love giving away little posies- small enough to fit into a bud vase. Every home needs a spot of whimsy and the size adds to the charm!

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  554. Camille on

    Love learning more from different voices about flower arranging! What a great interview and beautiful book!

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  555. Anne Webster on

    My favorite flower to give from my garden is peony because they are long lasting, fragrant and I love that you can keep them in the fridge till you need them. I like any flowers that I receive and am always excited to get them!

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  556. Haley on

    I’d love to read her new book! My favorite arrangements to give are a mix of our garden flowers with herbs as greenery.

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  557. Nancy on

    It’s so exciting just to think about seeing my flower beds start and to bloom. My seeds and tubers from Floret last year were stunning. Now I have big plans for a new cutting garden, with Floret seeds naturally, and hope it will be a success and to have flower arrangements to sell with our bread bakery! I would love to have a copy of Ariella’s new book as it sounds magnificent. Thanks for all you all do to inspire us amateurs!

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  558. Elsa Powell on

    Love seeing Pansies in arrangements recently, it interesting how seeing one flower can change your whole idea of a design. Loved reading the latest update on what you are doing, Good Luck with your new book!!!!!

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  559. Mary Mitchell Turner on

    Great interview. Thanks so much for the list of flowers you can’t do without. Much appreciated.

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  560. Katie Pence on

    That’s hard. But seasonal is the only acceptable bouquet for me. My Austin roses packed with rose scented geraniums and some blue nigella next to my bed.

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  561. Lisbeth on

    The seasons change and as they do, so do my favorite flowers. When the first buds of spring unfurl, I can’t wait to bring some indoors, but as they die back, and a new love has sprouted forth and seems to bring with it a fresh palette for that season. Thank you for all the wonderful content in your blog. I look forward to growing and planting this year, and more so now that I have found this like minded community.

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  562. Nowelle on

    I appreciate this interview very much; thank you for sharing! My favorite flower arrangement to receive is hands down, any combination of flowers and foliage that the children in my life gather from the fields behind our house and put together in an old jar or cup for me. Timeless. Seasonal. Uplifting. Personally, those are my favorite kind to give as well.

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  563. Lyn Godsey on

    So very inspirational and I can visualize everything Erin and Ariella are talking about. Just shows how much I’ve learned as a 2018 Floet Workshop graduate. My favorite flowers, if I have to choose(!) are Peonies and Dahlias – gorheous!

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  564. Jenelle on

    It’s so inspiring to read these interviews. Thank you to all involved!
    I love ranunculus, snaps, cress, anemones…. I could keep going!

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  565. Erin Kuhn on

    I am fairly new to flower farming (second year). I love a peony bouquet with Bells of Ireland and Gypsophilia and assorted ornamental grasses. Thanks so much for your blog Erin, it is always a pleasure to read – food for the soul!

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  566. monica on

    I love your posts and only wish I could take your course. I live in Puerto Rico and most of the flowers sold here are imported and I’ve often wondered if developing a farm like yours here would be a possibility. Our winters are really nothing, which would allow for a longer production time I guess but the summers are tough, which might be too much for some. But just the idea of the possibility of growing locally excites me.

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  567. Eva on

    Love bouquets arranged with zinnias, carnations, and daisies. Hope to begin growing sweet peas and peonies in near future.

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  568. Gayle on

    I love ALL the flowers but a bouquet of poppies right now would be splendid.

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  569. Janli on

    Thanks for the great interview! I’m always on the lookout for new ideas & I can’t wait for Ariella’s latest book. My favorite bouquets to give are large bunches of tulips or dahlias, all by themselves.

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  570. Andrea on

    Peonies in the Spring, Queen Anne’s Lace in the Summer, Dahlias in the Fall, Hellebores in the Winter.

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  571. Lisa Leonardi on

    My sisters, mom and I have always loved flowers and cutting them and bringing them in the house. For my venue I go to our farmers market and buy what they have put together, I am just starting to try arrangements on my own it’s always the colors and form that’s hardest. I so enjoyed this interview and would be thrilled to receive Aerilla’s book. I like her idea of wild raspberry foliage and this is what I would love to give someone an arrangement with in it and soft romantic colors with local natural nature fillers. Thank you for doing this Erin it’s very thoughtful and helpful the giveaway is exciting weather one wins the book or not.

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  572. brenda devauld on

    I love going out into my garden and picking huge bunches of fragrant, showy, beautiful peonies. It’s a thrill to see a vase full of them and they smell so lovely!

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  573. Eileen Zidi on

    My favorite bouquet to make or to get, have to sweet peas! They bring such happiness!

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  574. Katherine Read on

    Breathtakingly beautiful photos. As a PNer I use lots ferns and cedar and pinecones in almost everything I arrange year round. It’s grounds my flowers to the environment in which I use them.

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  575. Linda Tatum on

    I live at the opposite end of the country and love to see so many varieties that don’t do well here in Southern California. Nothing better than fragrant old fashioned roses for me.

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  576. Gina Selzer on

    Such glorious creations from both of you gifted women. You are an inspiration to all of us rough handed, sun kissed backyard gardeners. Thank you. My favorite flower arrangement to give and get would have to be any and all of them!! Whether it be from the big house online quick bouquets to the local organic free flowing bouquets harvested nearby…I love them all and welcome any flower delivery person at my door anytime! To me by far, the best way to send love.

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  577. Renee Beaulieu on

    Loved the photos in the interview. My favorite season is the too-brief time when jonquils are in bloom. Sweet perfume, but not cloying. And dainty blooms.

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  578. Christi on

    Thanks for sharing. I like the idea of bouquets that are natural to your area/season.

    I love to give/receive a bouquet of late winter/early spring flowers….just daffodils will do. It pleases me to have these teasers of the bounty yet to come as we approach the NW gardening season.

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  579. Bev Burton on

    A small bouquet of old roses in a crystal vase. wonderful on so many levels.

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  580. Ruth Ohlman on

    Thank you for all the insight! One of my favorites flower arrangements or my favorite today :) was giving my husband variegated purple and white dendro orchids and orange tulips arranged with lily grass in his favorite clear vase for Valentines week. We had dendros in our wedding. :)

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  581. Sara Wilson on

    Thank you for sharing this interview. I’m always inspired to see others who have a passion for flowers and where that has taken them in life. I love to see bouquets of all one main color, say a full bunch of pink peonies with other light pink accents, or an all-white bouquet of various shades of creams. I think sometimes simple is best, so that you can really focus on the beauty of a single type of flower or color.

    Reply
  582. Katie R on

    Every year my father-in-law sends me (and my mother-in-law and sister-in-law) a bouquet of flowers to celebrate the first day of spring (which also happens to be his birthday). It’s a tradition his father started many years ago and I love that he carries it on. He uses a local florist who always delivers a breathtaking masterpiece.

    Reply
  583. Molly S Black on

    Thank you for the interview. How does one get on Ariella’s mailing list once her new teaching studio is open?
    Right now, in Northern California, I have an enormous, round vase chock full sweet peas on my mind — and multiple, quart size jars full to give to friends and colleagues.

    Reply
  584. Rachelle on

    Interesting that she is mad about wild raspberry foliage. I have it growing down by my garden. As a newby to flower farming I’ll have to try incorporate it this summer.

    I love bunches of tulips whether for myself or to give to others. Excited to have ones that I actually can say I grew myself. Or at least I’m praying they survive the harsh winter and will be ready to pop out of the ground this spring.

    Reply
  585. Kirsten on

    Thank you for this interview! My favorite bouquets to arrange and give away are the ones that feature the person’s favorite color in a special or unique way. Purple is the color a friend of mine is mad for, so I put together fun, different hues with lilac, fritillaria, sweet peas, amnesia and ocean song roses, and dark plum ranunculus. I loved that one. I always give my grandmother pink bouquets.

    Reply
  586. barbara on

    thank you both for wonderful inspiration about growing and arranging seasonal flowers…gorgeous photos…I love fragrance and being able to pick flowers from my garden, so my favorite arrangement includes sweet peas, pom pon dahlias and tall old fashioned ageratum…..a soft blend of pinks, purples and white…..sweet small bouquets….

    Reply
  587. Suzanne on

    In reading your blog, I am scribbling names of flowers I wish to grow. Everytime I’m on your website I learn something new. Thank you for introducing someone new for me to follow.
    My favorite flowers for giving are dahlias(I grow about 40) because people are always suprised at their beauty and diversity.

    Reply
  588. Luanne on

    I love any flower arrangement that has a fragrance. Not only does it look beautiful, it smells beautiful as well.

    Reply
  589. Amber on

    Anything with Lilac branches and Hydrangeas or Peonies! I have discovered a love for cosmos, zinnia, and dahlias and am trying to learn all I can about growing and using them!

    Reply
  590. Jamie on

    Absolutely beautiful – I’m really looking forward to the new book for even more inspiration and ideas!

    Reply
  591. Colby K Yeager on

    I love her dreamy bouquets! They are so wistful and romantic. I can’t wait to get my hands on her books.

    Reply
  592. Linda on

    One of my all time favorite arrangements was for my 50th birthday. My husband went into a small local shop. He gave them a price point and said “make something for a flower lover!’ It was huge & glorious! The hit if my surprise party!
    The one I made & gave was sadly for a dear friend’s memorial service. Each flower & piece of greenery was meaningful. The flowers were her favorite – gerberas. Bells of Ireland for her Irish heritage, hellebore greens & others from my gardens, especially things I’d given her for her yard. I cried many times as I put this together.

    Reply
  593. Beth Zander on

    Great interview! Excited to read the book.

    Reply
  594. Lisa Lott on

    I love all of your blog entries! I am constantly learning and so appreciate the knowledge you share with the world. Tulips, sweet peas and dahlias are by far the loves of my flower list.

    Reply
  595. baletti barbara on

    Being somewhat new to flower design, I have discovered quite by trial and error, to use more and more “everlastings” in my arrangements (yarrow, statice, cockscomb, dried flower heads, grasses and seed pods.). They retain their color and beauty for quite some time. That means more time to enjoy them!

    Reply
  596. katieonwhidbey on

    After years as a landscape designer, I’ve now retired and can garden ‘just for me.’ That and a move to the Pacific Northwest makes me eager to learn more about cut flower growing and arranging. Last year the sweet peas were the stars of my arrangements. This year I’m hoping the bluebells I rescued during roadway construction will favor me with lots of blooms. And cosmos are my favorites! Oh, and more dahlias, please. And those little drumsticks. Oh, so much. I’m looking forward to getting your books, Ariella.

    Reply
  597. Laurie Loresch on

    I am a novice at flower gardening who is truly inspired by both of you. It’s not just your passion for locally grown, seasonal flowers but also your ability to build a successful business doing what you love and sharing what you’ve learned through your books and websites. You encourage me to dream bigger dreams for my own little piece of this planet. My favorite flower arrangements are more free form in nature with mixed colors and a draping effect…a more casual look rather than a formal arrangement. Thanks for your continued inspiration!

    Reply
  598. Bernice Grundy on

    My favourite flower arrangement would be one with a variety of flower and leaf shapes, shades of harmonious colours, shades of complimentary colours, in fact any combination which makes me feel: I want to paint those! I particularly love the combination of pink and yellow flowers which are bound to be enhanced by shades of green. A bouquet of Primulas and Lady’s Mantle was given to me by a close friend and neighbour and it’s not the only bunch from her that I tried to paint. Unfortunately, she has moved, so now I shall need to grow more flowers of my own!

    Reply
  599. Erica Van Guilder on

    Flowers just make my heart sing! To choose my favorite is so hard as they all have their own charms.
    I would choose peonies as my most favorite. I love the large flowers with their delicate edges. They bring an air of romance and softness to a room.
    My newest favorite is Lisanthus. Wow such a stunner! I also like to forage in the garden for a whimsical bouquets from whatever is beautiful at that season. Blooms, woodies, greens or even fruit. Although I have not had my own garden for 2 years. We sold ours moved into a rental and now have finally built on our 6 acres and moved into our new home. I am in the process of planning our landscape areas which will include cut flower beds. I’m so excited! My dream is to have my own cut flower business. We shall see ;)
    Would love Ariella’s book. I am definitely a novice in flower arrangements. I always like to imitate others ideas but add a bit of me in each bouquet I make.

    Reply
  600. Judy Freck on

    Judy. Freck on February 12 2019

    Sweetie peas are my absolute favorite. The scent alone is the best!

    Reply
  601. Nancy B on

    Peonies! I love the look of the big blossoms.

    Reply
  602. Margaret on

    I’m from upstate New York and return frequently. And I’m always growing sweet peas her in MA zone 5. Is it possible to visit Ariella’s Farm in Sweet Pea season and maybe share some growing tips.

    Reply
  603. Sharon Holmes on

    Enjoyed the interview and the gorgeous soft color palette in the arrangements. For a hot combination I like Red Charm peonies and orange oriental poppies which have a similar bloom time here in the Piedmont of Virginia.

    Reply
  604. Heidi Hinckley on

    I adore a bouquet of peonies mixed with David Austin roses, sweet peas, dahlias and adding just about anything to help give it a natural and casual “just picked” vibe, like twigs and berries. I am enjoying soaking up all this information on growing cut flowers and wish to someday start my own cut flower business. This year, I am starting small with my own personal cut flower garden to share with family and friends and perhaps next year, grow into selling at local farmer’s markets. I simply adore gardening and cannot imagine life without flowers. Thank you for all your experience, wisdom and advice, it is much appreciated for this budding flower farmer!

    Reply
  605. jess on

    anything made with love-even weeds picked by my nieces

    Reply
  606. Adana on

    A slightly whimsical poppy arrangement, perhaps? Though I really love a hand picked assortment of wildflowers of all shapes and sizes that I occasionally get from my son. Thank you for this interview!

    Reply
  607. Janet on

    Sweet Peas are always such an added fragrance and gentle color to an arrangement and fill in nicely around other flowers or stand alone as a delightful welcoming bouquet.

    Reply
  608. Michelle Gold on

    I love that the new book is dedicated to appreciators! After plenty of inspiration from Aaron and Florette I am going to start a garden this year I have purchased some seeds and corms and I’m ready to go as soon as the frost stops. If all else fails it’s going to be nice to have inspiration from both of your photos and hopefully the new book in case I have to fall back on my old skills, ha ha. I’m so glad to see such a cooperative and generous community!

    Reply
  609. Wendy Curling on

    Sunflowers and zinnias are my seasonal favorites. I plan to grow several varieties in the farm this year to use for my daughters wedding.

    Reply
  610. Sharron Simmonds on

    I so admire the creativity shown in your photographs! I love lilacs in the Spring along with assortments of fresh bouquets of flowers throughout the year. Today I am admiring my beautiful amaryllis which is blooming in my dining room!

    Reply
  611. Emily White on

    I love getting anything soft, textural, and colorful. My favorite flowers were peonies long before they were popular lol.

    Reply
  612. Leilani on

    Love the idea of a book for the flower enthusiasts ??‍♀️. I love giving florals arranged from my garden and the wilds nearby! Sometimes necessity breeds the most beautiful creativity, I think. And for me, nearby is very often necessity. I love receiving anything that has been arranged by my husband who comes from a long line of florists!

    Reply
  613. Jetta on

    A sweet little nosegay is my favorite to give or get!

    What a gorgeous book!
    Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

    Reply
  614. Anne on

    Beautiful arrangements! LOVE Itoh Peonies too! Wish I was having more success with them!!

    Reply
  615. Amy Tetlock on

    Daisies! They hold a special place in my heart because they remind myself and my family of my Granny. Her love for the flower has been passed down and feels like a loving tie to her.

    Reply
  616. BJ Morgan on

    What a wonderful interview–thank you! I especially enjoyed the scrumptious photos, and appreciate Ariella’s use of sheet moss as a floral base! What an innovative inspiration!

    Reply
  617. Patty Hermecz on

    My favorite flower arrangement is one my grandmother brought to every party or celebration. She would go out to her overflowing yard and pick one of everything blooming. This usually included roses, buddleia, yarrow, saponaria. We live in the Deep South and even in winter she had jonquils, narcissus,camellias. Oh, in the spring the bouquets were huge with azaleas, bridal wreath, mock orange.
    She is my never ending inspiration.

    Reply
  618. Annette on

    I’m super excited for her new book especially since it’s targeted for flower enthusiasts! I recently purchased “Cut Flower Garden” and a bunch of seeds from you guys (admittedly though, I may have gone a little bit crazy and bought way more than I can fit!) I usually love going to the flower market for seasonal flowers as well for my arrangements, but I usually find I’m drawn to anything with ranunculus and anemones that look a little on the wild side. This year though, I’m really hoping to be able to harvest my own flowers for arrangements!

    Reply
  619. Amy on

    I enjoy following your postings, for the inspiration and pleasure of what I have found worthy and satisfying in my life. My husband and I are retired farmers. As small farmers/growers we followed the trends, keeping our ears and eyes close to the ground. In the field, we grew organically vegetables, medicinal herbs, and cut flowers, the last years we grew garden plants for spring sales; herb and vegaetable starts, flowering annuals and perennials, and hanging baskets. We started are local farmers market, and were a part of the development of, at the time, our state organic certification program. We still have a small greenhouse, flowerbeds, and a vegetable garden. Our children are grown, and out in the world on their own, all of them cultivate a garden. Our youngest who teaches fourth grade does the floral arrangements for holidays, and always has cut flowers in his home. Knowing the best way to teach ones values is by rightlivlihood; living them, it has been a joyful experience discovering what we set in place from our “digging in and getting down the row”. I gather ideas here, making notes in my journal of what I want to grow, look for at market, and share with my kids. Thank you for the continued beauty and kindred sense of spirit.

    Reply
  620. Tiffany Jones on

    What beautiful work! I love her emphasis on seasonal flowers. She’s right, they are the most”vital”!
    As a florist, my favorite flowers to receive are any that someone shooses to give. I find most people are uncertain what to give a florist. I lov giving extras from my little farm or end of the season abundance to friends and family who don’t expect it. Such fun to give as a surprise!

    Reply
  621. Deborah Buress on

    My favorite bouquets are big bunches of peonies, any shades of pink are the best for me!

    Reply
  622. Amanda Knudtsen on

    Well I guess I’ve always gravitated to seasonal flowers without really knowing it. My favorite bouquet, hands down, is from the farmers market. When I was little, my dad would always go to Pike Place Market on Saturday mornings and bring back a huge bouquet! It’s my favorite thing to go to the local farmers market and bring home beautiful bundles of dahlias, sunflowers, sweet peas, poppies and cosmos. Last year, for the first time, I gave my son seed packets in his easter basket and we planted them together. It was so fun to see cosmos, poppies and sunflowers popping up in our field. I’m definitely making this a tradition so we can harvest our own beautiful blooms each year!

    Reply
  623. Marci Bendheim on

    Any flowers that I have grown feel personal to give. A rainbow of wildness wrapped up from a quiet walk:)

    Reply
  624. Jennifer Nicolo on

    Hands down my favorite flowers to give and receive are Cluny Ranunculus, I’m also a sucker for dahlias. Can’t wait for this new book!

    Reply
  625. Patricia Jacobs on

    My husband has given me rose bushes many times instead of bouquets.
    So, I like to give and get roses.

    Reply
  626. Thea Folls on

    I love peony arrangements with Mock Orange foliage and other spring flowers like columbine, valerian, goat’s beard, trollies and iris.

    Reply
  627. Holly on

    I love the bright orange and dusty rose flower arrangements of summer that include gorgeous dahlias! Hoping to be able to grow them in the future once I have the land for them!

    Reply
  628. Samantha Brooks on

    There’s nothing more cheerful than a big fat vase of colorful zinnias! I love being able to pull a bunch out of the garden and surprise a friend, or decorate my own table with them! The color variety is so varied that you can match any type of mood just with colors alone.

    Reply
  629. Piquette Dipiazza on

    I appreciate your honesty on your ‘successes and failures’. Anyone who has grown knows this first hand! Thus we take delight in the successes and your work boosts us up. Thank you for sharing…true inspiration!

    Reply
  630. Christina Nordick on

    I think the spring bouquets are my favorite – tulips, iris, lilac, alliums and peonies – winter is so long and mono-colored. These are a feast to the eyes.

    Reply
  631. Natalie Tegarden on

    Thank you for the depth info, much of which I googled to further expend my knowledge! I’ve recently moved to 5 acres from a quarter acre city lot and I’m excited about the expansion of my flower garden! I’m really partial to antique pinks, peaches and creams. Where my last home was all perennials I’m finally diving in this year and adding annuals in my new cottage garden which is my entire front yard space of roughly a half acre. I’m really looking forward to checking out your book! Beautiful!

    Reply
  632. Sandra Lee on

    My favorite is a hand tied bouquet from my garden that includes flowers and herbs. Simple and sweet! I really enjoyed this interview and can’t wait to see this new book. ??

    Reply
  633. Kristie May on

    Your site has taught me so much about flower growing and every seed packet I have bought from you has made me so happy just to look at. I have displayed them in my garden kitchen after I planted! Cant wait for my sweet peas this spring! …now I need to lear how to best display my harvest. ;)

    Reply
  634. Jenna on

    Beautiful arrangements, so fun to get a glimpse into Ariella’s world. My favorite arrangements to receive are pretty simple and from the hands of one of my kids… typically dandelions. :) I love giving little arrangements of forget me knots and black eyed susans. So cheerful!

    Reply
  635. Beth on

    I love to give what I call reject bouquets. I make bouquets out of all of the flowers that don’t quite pass quality control and give them away. Its easy it find beauty in perfect flowers but a massive bouquet of flowers that are old, missing petals, and lopsided has a special beauty. Often recipients ask, “What’s wrong with them?”

    Reply
  636. suzette grisham on

    Hands down…favorite….a spring wildflower bouquet.my granddaughters and I jump in a buggy and race around the ranch gathering nature’s finest..you can’t match them!!

    Reply
  637. Jean on

    Thank you for posting this interview! Imagining the flowers she spoke of (and in different countries) helps to forget the winter chill today! My favorite bouquet ever was my wedding bouquet of peonies, lovingly picked and arranged by a family friend who picked them from the house that I grew up in; it was sentimental and beautiful!

    Reply
  638. Nicole on

    My favorite bouquet to receive every year was the one from my dad on my birthday. As a child it was a tradition I always looked forward to because it made me feel like a grown up. They were always so beautiful and it didn’t feel like my birthday without them. My favorite bouquets to give others are farmers market ones because they support local and are vibrant and fresh. I especially love sunflowers in them.

    Reply
  639. Dama on

    Bundles of ranunculus are my faves to give. They’re always such brilliant colors and never fail to bring a smile.

    Reply
  640. Jennifer Nicolo on

    I’m SO excited for the new book and all of its inspiring content!

    Reply
  641. Mikaela Willers on

    Mostly wild flowers from my garden, since I haven’t started my flower-farming yet. I will this year, with 45 different seed packs that I bought from you (they have been travelling via LA and courier to Sweden!) I will have a blast and great challenge.
    Vicia Cracca, Leuchantemum Vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Hesperis, Anthriscus sylvestris, Galium boreale, Rosa dumalis, Lonicera caprifolium and Campanula patula are in my favourite wild bouquet.

    Reply
  642. Renee Rednour on

    Thanks for listing the reliable varieties for growing cut flowers. Our seasons in zone 9 (New Orleans) are pretty crazy, but getting specific information on variety performance is very helpful in figuring out what will work here in the subtropics. Thank you!
    Fiorentina504

    Reply
  643. Kari Beckett on

    I am like Ariella in that I adore Itoh hybrid peonies. I currently have 20 different varieties of peonies that I am growing in our yard with about 75 plants. I can’t get enough of them!! They make beautiful bouquets in Spring. I would be thrilled to win her new book.

    Reply
  644. Linda on

    The wild peonies that grow around the old farmhouse at my sisters-in-law’s farm! We used them for my niece’s bridesmaids luncheon and there isn’t a cultivated peony anywhere that can compare to those wild beauties.

    Reply
  645. Judy Thomas on

    I truly enjoy flowers from my surroundings when making a bouquet. Store-bought flowers are OK but I prefer more local varieties both when giving and receiving.

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  646. Joan Boras on

    Big beautiful pink and white peonies!❤️

    Reply
  647. Terri Gardner on

    I work in a Garden Center and have learned so much!! Your blog and emails I look so forward to.
    My favorite flowers to give or receive are any.
    Every flower, I ferl, is beautuful and any combination of flower is a gift.
    Is too hard to pick a favorite. All rhat are in season. ?
    My favorite scent and flower is a magnolia blossom.
    As the magnolia is enjoyed on it’s tree branch, the carnation is my second favotite.

    Reply
  648. Laura V on

    What a wonderful concept. Definitely a good source of ideas for some of us who want to grow for farmer markets, offering what’s in season for our climate. I think that my favorite arrangements vary with each person, as I enjoy finding out about their favorite flowers and playing with those textures and colors. To see their faces as they see something familiar with their ‘favorite flower’ plus discovering new flowers within the dame arrangement, priceless. It really becomes a gift to one’s self as well. Great interview, and thank you for the opportunity to win one of these precious books.

    Reply
  649. Jennifer on

    I am just a home gardener and love to give what’s growing in my garden, but have no skill in arranging. Last July I made a bouquet for a friend going through a hard time with huge snowball hydrangeas, oriental lilies, stargazers, and some tropical milkweed and early cosmos for color. It was inelegant, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Thank you for all your great blogs and interviews!

    Reply
  650. Monika on

    I love many different floral arrangements, but my absolute favourite would be peonies and garden roses, especially heirloom varieties. Thank you for posting this lovely interview; it is interesting to read about Ariella’s travels and floral and foliage favourites.

    Reply
  651. Lisa D on

    Sounds so exciting and the photos are beautful. I love daisies!

    Reply
  652. An Huynh Olmscheid on

    Every arrangement is my favorite, as growing cut flowers is new to me. Last season was my first time planting a small garden to purposefully cut from. It brought me so much happiness to look at, touch, cut from, & look at again. I started with a couple varieties of zinnias & adorable gomphrena, nestled in mixture of herbs. Looking forward to the Minnesota weather to warm up!

    Reply
  653. Roni laforce on

    My favorite bouqet of flowers include
    Tulips and daisys. They are happy and cheer me up every time. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  654. Diana on

    I love any type of natural-looking bouquet. Peonies have always been my favorites; I have many varieties in my garden, as well as roses and iris.

    Reply
  655. Jennifer Boyle-Hebda on

    Thank you for this wonderful interview. You are both so inspirational and it’s refreshing to to be a part of a floral community that shares information for others to learn from. I love the quote “Collaboration is hands down where it’s at”! Favorite arrangements are those that I’ve picked fresh from my tiny garden or from local flower farms and given to family or friends to spread some joy. Filled with seasonal blooms like Daffoldils, Dahlia’s, Clematis, Lisianthus, Hydrangea’s and Peonies.

    Reply
  656. Kristin on

    Looking at these flowers makes me happy!

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  657. Gale Jourdet on

    I have a story to tell you.
    In 2001 I had the good fortune of being a part of the creative floral team at Skytop Lodge, an Historic Hotel in Skytop Pa. We would meet first thing every morning, grab our large plastic buckets, cutters and proceed to the 200′ by 100′ cutting garden grown on the property. The bulk of our arrangements came from there and from various trees, shrubs and weeds all cut from their 6,000 acre property. The instructions from above were, “We want natural floral abundance,” …abundance meaning large, wild, seasonal. We were free as birds to design anything that showed the guests the beauty of the property and it’s Nature. The General mananger wanted to convey a sense of place, a naturally elegant mountain resort….This is Skytop! At Christmas, the gardening crew would bring in 56 live trees for us to decorate. The fresh pine smell was overwhelming. The great pillars lining the long lobby had fresh cut white birch saplings lashed to them to creat a long wooded forest walk to the massive old fireplace. The real effect of taking a long walk in the woods, inviting you to walk to the end where a fire was roaring in the giant fireplace. Up on the mantle was carved a quote from naturalist Faith Baldwin. Never more beautiful and simple and glorious was the showcase of Nature, the found beauty of Skytop. That is where I learned to arrange these beautiful natural arrangements featured in your books. I am so glad they are in trend now. There is nothing more beautiful than what is already around you. Nature’s gifts are everywhere.

    Reply
  658. Michelle on

    The past few summers of growing zinnias, sunflowers and celosia at our farm have allowed me to be ”extravagant” in giving them away. Oh what joy it brings both the receiver and I!!! But I love the beauty of spring, so receiving unusual tulips, daffodils, and peonies fills my flower soul with happiness!

    Reply
  659. Amanda Cipperly on

    I love when my husband comes home with a bouquet of sunflowers from the local farm stand on his way home from work. I always find so much inspiration on your site…especially this post! My husband and I grew up together in small town in Upstate NY (Delhi) and recently graduated college and bought small farm in our hometown. There were already tons of perennials on the property when we bought it and I’ve spent the last two years clearing overgrown brush and pruning to help those perennials thrive. This will be my first year attempting annual cut flowers and I honestly have felt a bit overwhelmed planning the season ahead. This post gives me so much hope and I never would have thought to incorporate my perennials into bouquets! I cannot wait to see what I can create…. especially using our wild raspberries and blackberries!

    Reply
  660. Micol Marotti on

    Thank you for the great blog post – keeps us looking forward to a new growing season despite another 20 cm of snow outside! My favorite arrangements to gift always include poppies, and pussy willow! For spring arrangements, I love the intoxicating scent of freesia’s and in May I love including mimosa too!

    Reply
  661. Stephanie Haugan on

    I love to give & get any wildflower bouquet …luscious shades of natures bounty.

    Reply
  662. Terry Cameron on

    Hello, I so much enjoyed this article. I live and breathe flowers:). Erin and Ariella are my very best favorite authors and designers in the floral world. I have many books, but these two authors have the books I read over and over again. My favorite arrangement to receive is a tiny bouquet of sweet peas with forget me knots mingled in between. Total heaven. Thank you again, both, for all your hard work, dedication and inspiration. Terry Cameron

    Reply
  663. Gerry on

    My two most favorite arrangements to give are with Icelandic poppies and sweet peas. The colours of the poppies are stunning and a bouquet of three or thirteen are equally beautiful. Sweet peas are just that, sweet! Versatile and lovely.

    Reply
  664. Trish on

    Hi
    I love Ariellas approach to use fresh seasonally available flowers or produce . It’s a simple approach but with stunning effects and it’s good for the environment and the economy!
    I also love hearing about the struggle as a flower farmer because it inspires hope that the struggle is worth it. My favourite arrangement would be an urn filled with a variety of flowers that spill over like a Dutch masters painting!
    Have a blooming great day!

    Reply
  665. Donna Dietz on

    Thanks for all your posts and information

    Reply
  666. Claudia Konkus on

    My favorite flowers are the ones that are growing in my garden at that particular time. I love going around and cutting them for my little kitchen table. I don’t care about color combo at that time because it is just for me.

    Reply
  667. Ann on

    Footed vases really make a difference in providing a sense of exuberance, and the use of in-between colors to me says luxury. I love the long stems of woody greenery. That’s where “local” can shine. Thank you!

    Reply
  668. Michele Braungard on

    I would love to receive a big bunch of Dahlias… but any flower is nice to get as a gift!

    Reply
  669. Jennifer Yoder on

    Ariella seems very personable and kind. Thanks for the post! I love to give bouquets of narcissus and then a little later, sweet peas.

    Reply
  670. Tanis Mosher on

    Dahlias, dahlias and more dahlias…. mixed with all sorts of beauties including midnight cherry tomatos. There is so much variety out there and throwing in something that maybe you wouldn’t think to put in there keeps it interesting and new!

    Reply
  671. Amanda on

    I am with Allyson, sunflowers and the different varieties are beautiful! I also love anything with a black variety for a crazy pop in there.

    Reply
  672. Nabers Johnson on

    Your bouquets look magnificent! Anything with roses, lilies, peonies. Recently have been experimenting with a combination of a weird and wonderful type of euphorbia, don’t know what it is, with basil and butterfly weed. Looks gorgeous on the dining room table.

    Reply
  673. Gin on

    You open the world of possibilities. As a passionate gardener, I grow what I can use for bouquets, both to keep and too give. I have so many favorite bouquets… but sitting here with piles of snow outside, I’m dreaming of a May bouquet with lilacs and bright green spirea branches.

    Reply
  674. Lynn McClure on

    I am super excited that Arielle’s new book is intended to feed the soul and eye of flower enthusiast versus the professional. I also admire that when Arielle is traveling, arranging and presenting thst she is dedicated to that areas local seasonal flowers and that the lack of imports inspires her creativity even more. Regarding what kind of bouquets I love to receive and/or give, I love non symmetrical creations of seasonal materials that we have foraged from our own backyards and local roads including wildflowers, branches, berries, foliage, leaves, grasses and dried flora that others might think are weeds. AND unique containers for me are often what speaks to me first regarding what and how things should be displayed. Again, thanks for feeding my soul and eye…

    Reply
  675. Angela Darrah on

    My favorite flowers to give and receive are tulips. I love how tulips dance as they follow the changing sunlight. Plus, it is delightful to wake up to a new arrangement every morning.

    Reply
  676. Inna Hutchings on

    Thank you for the very interesting interview! I started following the Floretflowers only few month ago, but really enjoy to learn so many things! I am living in England, Devon and growing as many flowers in my small garden as possible and learning the art of Floristry. I am dreaming to have couple of acres of land/garden and grow flowers, but my husband is saying, that then he will never see me: I always be out in the garden! I very much like the style of flower arranging with I see in this blog (Floretflowers) and on the pictures from Ariella Chezar book and photographs, its very light and natural, it is very different! And I am strongly supporting idea of the seasonal flowers ( same as seasonal fruits and vegetables ).
    Talking about my favourite flower arrangements…: In my garden I have lot of different flowers, but most of them are English roses and Dahlias. I also growing Cosmos, Cornflowers and Popies. In my arrangements ( which I am giving to my friends and family), I am using seasonal blooms from my garden and natural materials, as Climatis vine, Grapevine, twigs and grasses. I like a little bit wildness and natural look of the arrangements.
    And to recieve: I love the banch of wildflowers!

    Reply
  677. Cheryl Branham on

    My Favorite flower arrangement to give is one from the flowers that I grow. I love the natural, airy beauty of these arrangements. To me its a very personal and meaningful gift.

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  678. Paige Hackett on

    Ariella Chezar is living the dream. How incredible would it be to travel the world on behalf of flowers and floral educarion! Sign me up. I love being home on the flower farm so relate to her desire and need to get back there for the work it requires. My favorite bouquets are the yellow table top bouquets. Just gorgeous! On my next trip to Mexico City I will be looking for the couple of places she mentioned. Thanks Erin for another great interview.
    Paige Hackett
    Bloomin’ Ranch, CA

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  679. Megan on

    Sunflowers! All summer long, the most beautiful blooms, always sure to cheer someone up!

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  680. Nicole Buttitta on

    I was lucky enough to grow up in a family of farmers who taught me the joys of working the land and getting dirty. Growing sunflowers for my mother every year was my favorite pastime. Seeing her smile and knowing they reminded her of her homeland sparked my early love of growing seasonally-inspired flowers.
    Now, on my family farm I grow my favorites as well as hers and share them with friends and family. My favorite bouquet includes Peonies, English Roses, Clematis, Sweet Peas, and green Strawberries for a pop of fun!

    Thank you,
    Nicole

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  681. Ms. Brett Cook on

    Reading this in Boston while awaiting a snowstorm and feeling so revived by your glorious photos! Love the table set in shades of blue with the oranges and ranunculas. Flowers feed the soul.

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  682. Lynn Conley on

    I love wild market bouquets that change with the changing seasons!

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  683. Hilary on

    I’m starting a flower garden for the first time this year and I can’t wait to give our neighbors ‘thanks for being a sweet neighbor’ arrangements!

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  684. Betty Grootendorst on

    There is just nothing like a beautiful sunflower bouquet, maybe with a few blue batchelor buttons thrown in for contrast, some shasta daisies and a little butterflyweed. The sunflowers are so bright and make quite a statement; my customers say they just make them happy and put such a smile on their face! I can’t wait for summer.

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  685. Adele Judson on

    The arrangements are absolutely gorgeous ❤️. Looking forward to seeing the book.

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  686. Dan Desmarais on

    Nothing like receiving a big bouquet of high summer Lilies!

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  687. Vickie on

    Still learning, still adding characters to the cast. Sunflowers always bring happy smiles, and zinnias bring the ooohs. Scavenging the unusual is always fun to add for a real surprise. But sharing anything makes my heart warm.

    Reply
  688. Blossoms on

    My favorite flower arrangements are with hydrangeas, they are incandescent and the epitome of beauty…the variety of colours are breathtaking especially the blues!!

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  689. Jessica Franklin on

    I will forever be in love with any arrangements that include quicksand roses, ranunculus, anemones, and the blue thistle. Just a few from my Wedding florals this last November! One of my favorite bits of our florals, and not so often seen greenery is the olive leaf. I love the shapes and symbolism behind each flower that makes up a unique arrangement!

    Thank you for sharing all this great knowledge. My dream is to have a flower farm with workshops and provide to local florists in Arizona! Crossing my fingers to be in the next round of your amazing course!! Blessings for a beautiful season.

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  690. Dai on

    Enjoyed learning about Ariella Chezar. Her arrangements are stunning.
    My favorite bouquet is a bunch of wild phlox gathered from the roadside and placed in a special vase on a wooden table.
    Happiness!

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  691. Bre Geaghan on

    A friend who has her own flower farm grows the most beautiful dahlias of all the gem tones. They take my breathe away when she brings me arrangments of those :) Those tie with any arrangement with ranunculus… I love how their stems curve too :). For arrangements to give- I love to create with texture… so as long as I have colors to work with and textures to play with… I’ll be pretty happy with whatever I create :)

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  692. Jade Van Holland on

    In love with all the rich colors used in her arrangements. I’m excited for my first growing season ahead and looking forward to adding a few varieties that Ariella mentioned. Absolutely stunning photos of her work!

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  693. Margaret on

    I could frame each picture as a piece of art. Not only are the arrangements absolutely stunning, the colors, the choice of flowers, and the simplicity of the vases all comes together. I don’t think I can ever take a walk now without carrying a pair of cutting shears. Not only every gardener, florist will want this book but every home decorator as it will look fabulous on a coffee table. My favorite arrangements are from my garden and yard; david austin roses, philadelphus, zinnias, coral bells, dahlias, hostas, which I like to put together in bouquets. It makes me happy to put them around the house and give them to my neighbors.

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  694. Christy on

    Great to read this interview and I’m excited to see Ariella’s new book. My absolute favorite flower is the bearded iris. I find them to be very tricky to arrange (would love to get some guidance on this), but am nevertheless always thrilled when a friend or family member brings me a vessel full of the large colorful flowers. Because the flower holds personal meaning for me, I don’t ever mind that the arrangements are less-than-perfect; the flowers speak for themselves.

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  695. Nora on

    I just discovered Ariella’s books at the library and so timely you have interviewed her and have been inspired by her books. I love arrangements with peonies and roses just by themselves to show off their elegant forms and licious colors. I am a budding painter and plan to paint flowers from my this year.

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  696. Sarah Hammond on

    This book looks sumptuous I am looking forward to reading it ! So inspirational.
    My favourite flower arrangement just has to be a glorious vaseful of our beautiful peonies freshly picked from our farm. They have been entrancing me for the last 30 years and continue to do so.

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  697. Deborah Zahn on

    I rarely receive bouquets or floral arrangements, as my gardens in Central New York are a seasonal source for picking my own. The bouquets vary depending on what’s blooming and Ariella has named many of the varieties that make a show in my flower beds. The best botanical gift I give myself (other than a “bouquet” of seed packets from Floret!) has become an annual tradition. Each year at Christmastime, I order two immense wreathes from Dennis Nutley at Green Cottage in my hometown of High Falls, New York. I drive three hours each way to satisfy my urge for something special and spectacular to hang on the double doors on the front of the converted hop house I call home.

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  698. Jeff Williams on

    I am entering my first year as a flower farmer and much of my enthusiasm was created by reading your books and following your blog. Thanks.
    As a flower farmer I hope to be able to share my product with my friends and family. In doing this I believe it is important to learn how to present the product in a way that enhances the beauty of each flower in combination with others being presented. It sounds as if Ariella Chezar’s new book might provide a quick start to learning to blend form and flower. Thanks again for the valuable information.

    Reply
  699. Jana on

    Liliacs are my favorite to give and to receive! They are beautiful, smell amazing, a sign of spring, & reminiscent of so many childhood memories and homesteads. It’s amazing how much emotion flowers can evoke!

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  700. Anne Holland on

    My sister, a professional gardener for summer estates in Newport RI, never has time to relax, look up and enjoy the beauties of flowers during the official season. But try walking with her in the winter! It takes an hour to go a block because the shape of every twig, the sculpture of each frozen bud, the differences between varieties’ bark…. In the stillness of winter she sees extraordinary beauties. And she’s taught me to see them as well. Walking into a traditional florists after that in February feels garish and strange. When you start making arrangements out of what’s naturally available in your yard or the park in the winter, you start really seeing beauty and connecting with nature. It’s thrilling and deeply creative. I welcome true winter bouquets the way the food world learned to welcome comforting winter soups made of root vegetables.

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  701. Sadie on

    Awesome interview! You can’t ever go wrong with an arrangement showcasing all the happiness of summer. Bright zinnias, cheerful sunnies, and delicate white cosmos are some of my favorites!

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  702. Stephie on

    It has to be sunflowers or tulips :)

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  703. Jodi Danyo on

    Delphinium, Foxgloves, Bells of Ireland and Peonies – if we are lucky enough to have them all blooming at the same time!

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  704. Merry Hanson on

    I guess this isn’t technically an “arrangement,” per se, but my favorite flowers to give are corsages on Mother’s Day. I make them for my Mother-in-law, my husband’s grandmother, and sometimes just for special women in my life. There is nothing like seeing their faces light up as I pin on the fragrant beauty. As I make them, it also reminds me of my late mother, and the gratitude I have for the knowledge, skills, and love of flowers she cultivated in my heart growing up.

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  705. Jodi Passwaters on

    Amazing! This fits right in with my “wild & natural” look of designing, which is just the look of my life in general!

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  706. Cynthia on

    I would love to get a huge flower arrangement like pictured the one pictured above.

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  707. Monica on

    Since starting my own flower garden, my favorite arrangements to give and get are the ones from my own back yard! Everyday after work I go straight to my garden to see what Mother Nature has brought to me that day – i usually don’t leave the garden without a handful of beauties! This year I had a variety of zinnias, celosia of every kind and color, and gomphrena!

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  708. Rose Madigan on

    Iam so impressed with not only your interview, but your farm at floret, there is so much beauty in your flowers. I am an artist that paints with acrylic and I am just overwhelmed with such beauty. Your interview was great and her goals as a flower farmer will be hard work, but if she is anything like you then we have added double beauty. I was so excited to have my first book Cut Flower Garden , it was everything I had expected and much more. I can’t believe that as an landscape artist I didn’t have and flower books. Well done

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  709. Chris Thorpe on

    Sunflowers & Zinnias with grasses & twigs!!

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  710. Josh on

    A simple vase filled with roses is my favorite. I also love lilacs and we have an abundance of them in New Hampshire, so they always find there way into vases and even wine bottles for display around the house. This will be the first year that I am adding a cutting garden for filler flowers (with seeds purchased through floret) so I’m crossing my fingers that that will be successful.

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  711. Lisa on

    I live in MN and the winters are long so I LOVE any arrangement with tulips and peonies! ALL of Ariella’s arrangements are BEAUTIFUL. This is my first year growing cut flowers for market so I am thankful to have people like the both of you to learn from. Thank you!!

    Reply
  712. Theresa Fulginiti on

    I really enjoy your website! My favorite bouquets include dahlias with zinnias, sedum and foliage.

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  713. Jill Ruskamp on

    My favorite arrangement to give is a woodland themed one with cuttings from around our acreage! Thank you for the interview and the opportunity to win a book!

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  714. Lisa Isaac on

    I’m looking foreword to learning about your ideas on form and color.

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  715. Terry on

    its always inspiring to see your blog. During this dreary weather here in VA – it gives me some sunshine to enjoy!

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  716. T McDowell on

    Great read-thanks for posting! As a hobby flower farmer in cold Ontario dreaming of creating beautiful seasonal bouquets keeps me holding on!

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  717. Jenna on

    Beautiful arrangements, so fun to get a glimpse into Ariella’s world!

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  718. Pauline on

    Where can senior hope dahlias be purchased. Looked online. All appear to be sold out.

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  719. Emily on

    I can’t wait to see what classes she facilitates!

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  720. Katie Groves on

    I love all Rudbekias and zinnias. I am doing a practice year before launching into something bigger and I can’t wait to look for these books!

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  721. Mary Combs on

    My favorite arrangement to give is some of my dahlias mixed with zinnias, rudbeckia, cosmos, dill or fennel flower heads, snaps, and some arching grass leaves. Love to give away bouquets from my cutting garden. But what is more fun is to give the person a pair of scissors and tell them to cut anything. They are like children in a candy shop!!

    Reply
  722. Rachel McKay on

    She creates such beautiful arrangements. What an inspiring lady…thank you for this!

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  723. Leslie B. on

    I enjoy anything with ranunculus and lavendar. Even though they are pretty standard my husband requested both in our wedding flowers so they are sentimental (partially b/c I was shocked at the time that he knew ranunculus!).

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  724. Kari Geary on

    Since I have been in the floral business for over 20 years, it is rare that I get a gift of flowers. But I love them! Any kind!

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  725. Karen on

    My arrangement would be autumnal tone dahlias with heavenly bamboo and curly willow stems

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  726. Melissa Snoeyer on

    My favorite flowers to give are dahlias with scented geranium, seeded eucalyptus and zinnias. I live in Michigan and our growing season is June-September. The dahlias grow through October or the first frost.

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  727. Brooke Youngquist on

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    My favorite bouquet to give is DAHLIAS. People are often surprised at how many varieties and different types of dahlias there are. ?

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  728. Beth S on

    I love gifting any arrangement full of, or even just a stem or two, of dinner plate dahlias. I find that people don’t generally buy them for themselves, but they are such a treat when gifted! Can’t wait to check out this book!

    Reply
  729. Andrea on

    This blog post was such an inspiration! Love the thought of online classes!! I love to receive bouquets of Tulips! And I love the colors that Floret offers!!

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  730. Pam on

    Tulips always make me smile. I also love peonies even though they have a very short season in Alabama. I love the arrangements shown here with a variety of vines, branches and flowers.

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  731. Devin on

    Love giving arrangements to unsuspecting homemaker friends!

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  732. Rose Anna Messner on

    Erin,
    I have been watching you from afar from the being of your flower adventures but have never posted a comment ,I speak for the silent crowd, we are so proud of you and have loved watching you go from victory to victory.
    BLESSING ON YOU

    Reply
  733. Lelia Bartruff on

    I love seasonal flowers. But at the moment a big bouquet of tulips is my favorite. Bring on spring!

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  734. Claire on

    I love making large lush arrangements for friends, something they would never buy for themselves that blows them away.

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  735. Karen on

    Floral enthusiast here!

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  736. Yvonne on

    Flowers bring me joy and peace. My mind is quieted in their beauty when I’m harvesting. I can’t wait to read the new book.

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  737. Nancy on

    I’m looking forward to Ariella’s newest book. My favourite bouquets for myself and to give are ones made with flowers from my own garden.

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  738. Hannah on

    I love going to a local pick your own flower spot and making a mostly-monochromatic bouquet with lots of zinnias and cosmos to bring to my mom or a friend.

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  739. Gloria on

    Dahlias! Am just starting to grow them and love them.

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  740. Martha on

    I love to grow zinnias and give them away in cute little jars and vases.

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  741. Jolon on

    My favorite bouquets include zinnias, asters and strawflowers that I grow in my urban garden. Really, any blooms in a vase make my kitchen or my neighbors happy, but I’d love some guidance from Ariella’s book!

    Reply
  742. Cathy M. on

    I enjoyed reading Erin’s interview with Ariella and was encouraged to read about Ariella’s struggles to grow sweet peas. For me, just the wonderful scent of these delicate flowers brings back so many memories of my dear mother who struggled to grow them in the dry, warm central valley of California. I’ve kept her special sweet pea vase and now, living in northwestern Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain, a bouquet of these wonderful flowers is just about the most inspiring floral gift I could imagine.

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  743. Jennifer on

    I am inspired by these posts. Please keep them going. I hope to one day be an inspiration to others.

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  744. Danette on

    I love to give bouquets with something surprising or unusual like red sunflowers or hairy balls. It makes it fun and conversational.

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  745. Lisa on

    I have many favorite flower arrangements I like to give or receive so it’s hard to narrow down but I’d have to say ? make me so happy and I’ve just rediscovered carnations! I forgot how long they last!

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  746. Donna on

    I love a bouqurt that includes pink peonies! I learn so much from you… thanks Erin

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  747. Treva Elwood on

    Mixed zinnia bouquets with mint and love in a puff seem to be unending in the height of summer. Twenty five cent vases spilling over with their abundance pour out of my garden with glee and that fluttering joy of flower twitterpaintedness. A romantic and whimsical sure thing. A delight to give and a joy to cut and combine.

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  748. Pauline on

    Thank you. Interview was enticing and opened my mind to explore more and not be afraid to try. Thanks for the emphasis of the book to be for the “flower enthusiast”. Will use those words to describe myself. Not everyone wants to be a “professional”.
    Flowers,food and fun…what a great combo.

    Reply
  749. Jean on

    I have fallen in love with lisianthus, David Austin roses and peonies. After 13 years in the business, I never stop learning. I cannot wait for spring to arrive and I can once again design and arrange flower bouquets. Ariella book would be such an inspiration!

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  750. Sandy on

    I love giving tussies-mussies- herbs wrapped in lace and ribbons. The herbs each have symbolic meanings and the tussies-mussie can be customized for the occasion.

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  751. Kharizma on

    I love this author! Thank you for sharing your interview with her. I love giving arrangements with a bit of whimsy adding a baseball or a sparkly crown into the arrangement just tickles me?

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  752. Samantha on

    I love love love her passion for seasonality! It’s so important.

    I’m patiently waiting for Spring to arrive so I can see my beauties pop up and give my yard some much needed color and life!

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  753. Jessica Gates on

    You are both so inspiring! My favorite arrangement to give has been a mixed bouquet of ranúnculos, mint and bells of Ireland!

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  754. Heather Apgar on

    I just finished Ariella’s Flower Workshop book and am so inspired for upcoming watercolor and floral arranging workshops I’m teaching on the Eastern Shore of VA this spring! I’m a stay at home mom of 4 and am teaching a few workshops a month and starting a large flower garden this year to work towards a floral design business some day. My favorite flowers to use in arrangements are tree peonies. I love how huge and beautiful they are!

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  755. Patty on

    I am just a beginner flower farmer and this interview has truly inspired me!!

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  756. Helena G on

    Thank you for the interview and the glorious pictures! I am a flower enthusiast and my garden is in Brooklyn NY, a mix of native plants and my favorite flowers. I got into gardening as a teenager growing up in Brazil. My parents home is located within the Atlantic Rain forest if Rio and plants/flowers are tropical. When I moved to NYC many years ago I always found a way to garden (at my coop’s roof garden or my little beach house) and had to learn all about perenial plants and gardening with the change of seasons, which was like learning a whole new language. I am happiest in my Brooklyn garden amongst the many bees and buterflies my garden feeds and thrive at making arrangements with it’s blooms – such as false indigo, lily of the valley, giant cosmos – and I can’t wait for my newly planted Floret bulbs (anemone and Narcissus) to bloom so I can make new arrangements:):)

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  757. Melanie Swanson on

    My favorite … All of them! Spring arrangement a from the garden are especially welcomed after a long winter!

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  758. Casey Grysen on

    Amazingly beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  759. Linda on

    I am relatively new to the world of growing and arranging flowers but I am eager to learn! I asked for and received Floret Farm’s book, Cut Flower Arranging, as a gift for Christmas. Now I am placing Ariella Chezar’s newest book on my birthday wish list! Last summer I enjoyed creating simple arrangements from the dahlias growing in my own flower garden. I could count on them all season long to provide lovely touches of color in our home. I cannot wait to bring into our home the flowers that will grow in my garden this year from the Floret seeds that I have purchased!

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  760. Leslie Chan on

    I enjoyed reading this informative garden and love that Ariella’s book is geared to the enthusiast rather than the professional. I love arrangements of pansies as that reminds me of my mom. I love that they’re being used more in arrangements.

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  761. Debra Perry-Scott on

    In New York, when surrounded with the barren cold; my absolute favorited January ritual is to cut forsythia and curly willow branches from our plants shivering outside. Although a little early to force by some, I have enjoyed weeks of the slow evolution to a riot of yellow, then to sweetest spring green!
    Sometimes, I indulge myself and cover the branches with multicolored feather butterflies. This time of year, hope returns that spring will come again…even while watching more snow and ice fly outside. Thank you for your constant optimism reminding us to bring our own sunshine to the table!

    Reply
  762. Dawn Trappen on

    I love the effortless whimsical look of a bouquet of flowers and greens from my backyard gardens and landscape.

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  763. Marilyn Williams on

    Love all types of blooms. I can never get enough hydrangeas. One of my best surprises was some simple blueberry branches that decided to bloom in the dead of winter- I had picked them for their red stems and did not realize that they would eventually “force” themselves.

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  764. Sandy Pehler on

    Love all the inspiration from other flower growers and designers! I have another list to research and try to locate.
    favorite bouquet would be for growing up, lilac or peonies, just for the smell alone. To give would be, all, love the look on the faces of the people who are buying or receiving.

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  765. Dena S. on

    “For the farmers market shopper”, that’s me! Beautiful photos :)

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  766. Katrina S on

    The new book sounds absolutely beautiful!
    As for favorite flowers to give or get, one of my favorites has always been sunflower. There are so many variations in color and size and bloom that make a bouquet of them one of the cheeriest things I can imagine!

    Reply
  767. Julie Bigley on

    Thanks for sharing a great interview! I adore a simple arrangement of tulips. They have been my favorite flower since I was a child so they always bring a smile to my face and hope for the season to come.

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  768. Sam on

    I am thoroughly enjoying the bounty of flower knowledge from your site. I love a bouquet of on root roses with hydrangea and peonies. Marie pavie is my favorite rose with its soft, sweet scent. I am looking to add more flowers to my gardens!

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  769. Helen Bartkett on

    Often, I am happy with the simplicity of one type of flower and one color especially a vase full of tulips. Tulips have true character and life as they shoot taller the next day, and they bend and swoop and open wide. Each day with a car of tulips is different.

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  770. LaManda Dorval on

    My favorite bouquet would include a Sunflower mix. When I was younger my grandmother would bring me fresh cut flowers from her garden for my birthday. She and my mother grew my love for flowers. To this day, I purchase flowers almost on a weekly basis. If I see sunflowers, they are always my first choice. Happy 5th Anniversary!!!

    Reply
  771. Christina Pederson on

    My favorites are Delphinium, Lupines, Peonies, and Clematis for trailing. It’s fun to explore my surroundings to see what I can find :)
    Thanks for being such an inspiration!

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  772. Rosie Standish on

    After a heavy rainfall last spring a very hefty lilac bush in my neighbor’s yard lost a main branch. Well I couldn’t leave those beautiful blooms go to waste! I invited 2 of my friends to come over and clip the blooms, along with the other flowers blooming around my property. We had such great fun creating and distributing six flowing arrangements. I now cate for that lilac bush with the blessing of my neighbor who’s view of gardening is concrete.

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  773. Althea Adams on

    Limelight Hydrangea make me happy and I also enjoy the free flowing form of Anemone tomentosa. I find both of these easy to arrange and are perfect for a quick table arrangement. I have to confess most of the time I arrange them as a monoculture and just add some complimenting foliage. Not a lot of artistic design involved but I enjoy the simplicity.

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  774. Tracey Putnam Culver on

    What gorgeous photos! I adore martagon lilies, have two varieties (Mrs. R.O. Backhouse and Claude Shride) and have ordered several more for this year. I grow tree peonies from seed – there are very few I haven’t liked, but it takes 5 to 6 years to see the first flower, so not a good hobby for the elderly. The Itoh hybrids are magnificent – my ‘Bartzella’ has upwards of 30 gorgeous blooms every year. I also have a collection of epimedium and hellebores, both of which I love to use in arrangements. I spent over 25 years as chief gardener for a local botanic garden, so I had a lot of learning opportunities and was exposed to many unusual plants.

    My new favorite for cut flowers are the reddish Ammi majus varieties – some have a remarkable grayish-rose color that looks beautiful in arrangements, almost acting like a neutral. Love the texture, too.

    Thank you, Erin and Ariella – this interview was delightful.

    Reply
  775. Molly Coyne on

    This interview made my week! Reading Chezars ‘The Flower Workshop’ in conjunction with Florets ‘Cut Flower Garden’ has made me expand on and fully realize my dream to work (from seeds to arranging) with flowers after 23 years of being told it was ridiculous and unlikely. My first harvest of blooms will be directly because of you two ladies!!

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  776. Holly Melanson on

    I love the hot red and orange colours of summer – helianthus, amaranthus, celosia and tithonia – what a variety of shapes and hues. But this bouquet need lots of cool green foliage to keep it from screaming too loudly !

    Reply
  777. Emily on

    Anything with dahlias are what I enjoy giving, so easy to create because they are the stars of the bouquet! Just add a few branching or vine type greens or twigs and it’s a beauty!

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  778. GardenGal on

    Such beautiful arrangements! I was delighted to learn that Ms. Chezar’s farm is in upstate NY as that is in my same growing zone. It gave me plant ideas for my own little cutting garden. Thank you Floret and Ms. Chezar for sharing your creative genius! It’s inspirational :)

    (I wish that each plant/flower used in pictures would have the name right on top of it or, if on line, when you hover over it with your cursor, the name would appear. Wouldn’t that be amazing?!)

    Reply
  779. Jennifer Kohn on

    The interview comment that stuck with me was that the book was for the enthusiast who shops at farmer’s markets! That’s me and hopefully soon my customers as I work to start my new flower farm. I get very intimidated and overwhelmed with the professional arrangements. I strongly prefer — and hope to entice my customers — with the simple single variety arrangements like the blue bud vases of red dahlias above. I love simple that lets the beauty of the individual flowers and vases shine. Thank you Erin and Ariella!

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  780. Melissa Schock on

    I love giving potted bouquets! Especially forced bulbs like paperwhites during this time of year.

    I’m very excited to learn of Ariella’s new book! Thank you so much for creating this blog – it is so informative & inspirational!

    Reply
  781. pat robertson on

    Any kind of flowers are my favorite – I tend to like muted colors with green and greenery such as the zinnias and anything from the fields. The list is too long. I am going to order all of Ariella’s books and also look up all the flowers listed in the interview. Thank you.

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  782. Kelly Martin on

    Spring flowers are my favorite. Especially peonies!

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  783. Sarah Snyder on

    I would love to go to one of Ariella’s workshops one day! I love peonies and dahlias, I can never get enough. :)

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  784. Andy on

    Dahlias and sweet peas for me!

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  785. Winona on

    My favorite bouquets are any that star early season peonies… what a treat! It would be lovely to get a copy of this book, I am a big fan of Ariella’s work!

    Reply
  786. Sarah Bailey on

    My favorite bouquets are bunches of different flowers that one might not have thought to put together but they grab you and you have to have them, then they take your breath away. I love a wild sort of “bed hair” look that is organic, but in it’s way, a certain order does exist. Draws you in and keeps you looking. Fun to make, to share, and to receive. You can’t have too much of this!

    Reply
  787. Marla on

    My intuition is now confirmed- adding Japanese anemones this year. I have been eyeing a few new varieties on the market this year. Just going to jump and do it! I get all giddy when I see beautiful ranunculus, Dara and spray roses with whispy, trailing greenery in an arrangement.

    Reply
  788. Beccy Hartmann on

    Entering our 2nd year of flower farming, I’m so inspired by this! Thank you. I love color so picking a favorite bouquet is near impossible. We grow dahlias so the color combinations are endless. I can’t get enough!

    Reply
  789. Victoria on

    I am a small-scale veggie and egg CSA farmer but our flower field is my happy place! I love to arrange casual bouquets for our CSA members as gifts throughout the season (and also for our own home). Some of my favorites are lilacs in May; snapdragons in early summer; and sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias in late summer and fall. I like to include foraged fillers and foliage like raspberry leaves, goldenrod, and Joe-Pye weed as well. I love the color combination of blush, burgundy, and sage in arrangements that I do just for myself.

    Reply
  790. Soo Choi on

    Great interview and cannot wait to get my hands on this book!! My favorite arrangement is anything featuring bright colored, fragrant narcissus. My mom named me after the Korean word for narcissus and they have always held a special place in my heart.

    Reply
  791. marcy on

    anything with dahlias! Or peonies!

    Reply
  792. Laura on

    My favourite bouquet to rec is always seasonal in pale colours with lots of green. Lilacs, tulips and lily ofValley in the spring, hydrangeas in the summer etc.
    But I to give I like iris, ranunculas, dahalias and freesia!
    My favourite is to hand tie a bouquet and show up with it and a hand written note to my friends telling them how much they make my life better!

    Reply
  793. Susan Keating on

    Hi Erin?
    A sweet nosegay of antique sweet peas ?.

    Always love seeing all your projects!! Beautiful thoughtful work always!

    Love,
    Sue Keating

    Reply
  794. Sheila malmberg on

    Wow! Rather new to flower growing, so this post really is inspiring for floral arrangements. I love zooming in on the vases!! thx!
    (PICK ME for the free book! :)

    Reply
  795. Wendy on

    Creating flower bouquets is very intimidating to me. But receiving them is pure joy! I especially love bouquets of daffodils in the spring after the drudgery of winter!

    Reply
  796. Kristine on

    My favorite is wild spring foraging. Two years ago I found a wonderful, overgrown magnolia in an abandoned lot. I don’t know how long it will be there before a building goes up, but in the meantime I love gathering the beautiful branches with their big fat buds.

    Reply
  797. Wendy Henrichs on

    Wonderful interview and beautiful flowers! Dahlias are always the biggest WOW. My other favorites that are easy to grow are snapdragons, hyacinth bean, and orlaya. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  798. Diane Wilson on

    I am totally sucked into this whole flower farming thing!! Very new into the thought & wanting to gain more knowledge to possibly start flower farming. Looooove it all!!

    Reply
  799. Jens on

    I really like the late spring early summer arrangements that look just like fresh from the field. My absolute favourites althouhg a big set of dahlia is something very good to have in late summer/early autum.

    I really like the direction for local in season flowers that is displayed in the interview.

    Reply
  800. Lindsey Lambert on

    This interview just made my list of things to Google so much longer – in a good way. I’m learning so much on here, thank you! Nothing makes me happier than a cheery, farmers market bouquet of zinnias!

    Reply
  801. Julia Sicard on

    A bouquet of sweet peas – simple, flavorful and so delicate – I love them and I always have loads of them in my garden!

    Reply
  802. Kara Zurliene on

    Lovely interview~a combination of inspiration and honesty! Fun to read all the comments, as well. Last year was the first year I felt like I had enough of my own blossoms to create multiple arrangements throughout the season, but my go to was always the big upright sedum & my beloved spikes of veronica. Texture & color ❤️
    Thanks for sharing this floral exchange, @Floret!

    Reply
  803. Wendy Li on

    I’m star struck! I’ve always had a live for flowers and floral arranging but you’ve taken to a new level. Very inspirational.

    Reply
  804. Sherry Seado on

    My favorite ‘give’ was to a coworker for her 60th birthday. I did not know her well and, being single, knew she didn’t receive flowers for special events. You later realize there was a higher power guiding the process when you nailed her favorite color! Not only was she appreciative of the arrangement, but other coworkers thanked me for making her day special.

    Reply
  805. Anab Roa on

    What a beautiful book!
    As much as I want to give and receive flowers, it could be very expensive here in the Philippines. The good news though is that I have found my love for seasonal flowers that grows in the gardens or along the roads, from bougainvillea, to hibiscus, cosmos and zinnias, and caballeros, spanish beauty and false birds of paradise to name a few. Truly if we get to love the seasonal blooms it makes our lives so much richer and meaningful :)

    Reply
  806. Morgan on

    So very inspiring, thank you!!

    Reply
  807. Becca on

    I LOVE mixed bouquets! The wildness of the shape but also the meticulous placing of each stem. The bigger and not perfectly rounded the better! This book would definitely help in achieving the perfect bouquet. So much inspiration.

    Reply
  808. DeAnne on

    I appreciate you sharing this interview! What an inspiration to us all! My favorite floral arrangements include roses and peonies.

    Reply
  809. Grace on

    In Summer, its bouquets of dinnerplate dahlias with spikes of foxglove. In Autumn, it is bunches of sweet peas. In spring, its freesias, ranunculus and chincherinchees. I love poppies but have had no luck growing them yet. I’d love to have some ideas for a mild winter! Bouquets go to friends, neighbours, colleagues, even my facialist – anyone who might like a perk me up.

    Reply
  810. Kelsey on

    I love this site/blog–thank you Floret for being so open and sharing! And I love any bouquet that incorporates lots of peonies!

    Reply
  811. Cheryl Shea on

    I can’t wait to read this book to gain inspiration for my flower beds and flower arranging. I love to entertain outdoors in the summer. The table and centerpiece of vegetation from my gardens is my favorite part of the preparation.

    Reply
  812. Ivelisse Rivera on

    I absolutely loved the photography. Thanks for this interview. I feel so inspired by Erin and Ariella’s craft. Flowers found their way to my heart as I started growing produce for market. I had a few annual seeds and we sowed sweet peas, zinnias, and sunflowers. Oh my, the beauty was so irresistible and the growing list kept growing.
    My favourite bouquet to give and get: a mixed bunch of peonies and fragrant sweet peas.

    Reply
  813. Elisabeth on

    This was such an inspiring read! Peonies are my absolute favorite to get + to give. I’ve read alot about the Itoh hybrid this winter so I was excited to see it mentioned. It’s truly amazing how many varietals pop up. I’ll also admit that, as a native Vermonter, I love creating wildflower arrangements from around our property. There’s no bouquet that’s the same and I feel like I can put a real spin on the creative. Thanks so much for sharing this, Erin!

    Reply
  814. Astrid Bowlby on

    My favorite flower arrangement comes out of the blue, either when giving or receiving. Just a little something unexpected, demure – a posy.

    Reply
  815. Hanna on

    My favorite arrangement to receive are the ones my mom curates from various clippings around her home. There are so many unique things she finds and even if it is just a tiny jar, it brings so much joy.

    Reply
  816. Gwen Luck on

    My favorite arrangements to give are flowers from my garden that truly delight the recipient! It is always so much fun to give to people who feel loved and cherished by the gift!

    Reply
  817. Lenore Messick on

    Winter here is long, cold, dark, windy, and wet. I love to give people big armfuls of spring branches full of bud and new leaf to celebrate making it through one more time. Or tiny posies of the earliest bulbs. Or both!

    Reply
  818. Mary on

    You ladies are so inspiring! I am excited for spring and simple peonies to admire in the garden and on my table. They are also the perfect gift to give and receive. Thank you for your creativity and for sharing your passion.

    Reply
  819. Erin Shirey on

    I love receiving summer bouquets full of sunflowers and zinnias! Big, bright and full!!

    Reply
  820. S on

    Wow!! All these images stirred my heart, but those ranunculus on the table with the delftware absolutely took my breath away!

    Reply
  821. Karen on

    Living in a drought sensitive area, these abundant flowers make my heart sing. I live vicariously through the images!

    Reply
  822. Kasse Duffy on

    I love to work with wild honeysuckle from an almost thirty foot hedge that grows on a dirt road on the outskirts of our small town. It creates a whimsical moment in all my summer pieces and it’s totally free.

    Reply
  823. Anne Nolt on

    Lilacs and peonies are one of my favorites, although I love them all!

    Reply
  824. Julie on

    Thanks so much for the inspiration! I love any big arrangement of one thing as the availability of fresh and varied cut flowers is mostly limited to grocery store bunches in my area…unless it’s a mix of random cuttings from my garden :)

    Reply
  825. Nicole on

    My favorite arrangements to receive are ones that my daughters pick for me. This can range from one of every flower in our yard to a single dandelion. That moment when they proudly present their gift is magical.

    Reply
  826. Diane Sega on

    Three years ago I moved to the country and have been strategically planting bulbs and perennial plants spring and fall. Erin, your blogs and videos have been a breath of colorful fresh air, inspiring me to grow and share so many beautiful flowers. I need help with arrangements and have a 5 yr old granddaughter that wants to learn along side me. My favorite arrangements are the ones I pick from my own gardens. I love tulips with babys breath, dailias and status, and just about every combination.

    Reply
  827. Diana Westcott on

    My favorite design duo is French tulips and blooming branches. Maureen French Tulips and Cherry blossoms are so dreamy. The graceful, arching
    tulips change shape, evolving the arrangement constantly.

    Reply
  828. Anne Turner “The Scarlet Barn” on

    It’s exciting to see Ariella’s Floral arrangements and to read this interview! I love how natural the arrangements are. You can tell they are arranged with an artistic eye for nature and the ability to capture the wildness. And… it’s exciting to see her use of all of nature’s bounty, including the tablescape pictured with the little cutie tangerines and then playing off of them in her flower color choices. Simple beautiful. I love simple arrangements of tulips in Spring because it signals the beginning of flower season. But my favorites are the bounteous flowers blooming at the end of summer. I love selling my flowers, but my favorite part of growing them is driving around with the extras in my car and saying a prayer… asking who needs these today? And when I knock on someone’s door and gift them my beauties … my joy and the sweet friends joy is the true reason for growing flowers.

    Reply
  829. Jamie Radliff on

    I love having a big bouquet of poppies or tulips on my table. I mostly prefer to have flowers stand alone rather than in an arrangement. That way I can appreciate each individual flower more.

    Reply
  830. Frida Svensson on

    I love reciving a bunch of wildflowers picked by a child. The beauty and effortless charm??

    Reply
  831. Florence Holmes on

    I am starting a new garden in the mountains of North Carolina- I am really looking forward to experimenting with some of these favorites!

    Reply
  832. Christine Davies on

    Because I grow my own flowers I don’t receive many which is a shame. If I did receive any I would like old fashioned scented roses but that won’t happen!! If I’m giving flowers, my favourites are Sweet Peas by a long shot, then a mixed bunch of dahlias and then mixed cottage garden bunches of stocks,roses, sweet peas, corn flowers and white calendula with some perennials and foliage mixed in.
    Hope this is of interest.

    Reply
  833. Betty on

    Looking at these photographs of arrangements is almost difficult to believe they are real. How could one person have so much talent and
    eye for beauty. It is truly a gift. It really opens ones eyes to the simple yet beautiful things we have on this earth.

    Reply
  834. Sabrina on

    I have found that giving a bouquet of simple zinnias and cosmos is always a winner!

    Reply
  835. jennifer king on

    Absolute heaven for the eyes when it’s been gray for weeks. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration.

    Reply
  836. Lexie on

    There really isn’t a flower bouquet I wouldn’t love to get! From the wild lilac bouquets my husband picks me every year for our anniversary to a beautifully crafted valentine bouquet, I love them all. My love and appreciation for all varieties of flowers grows every year. I love, love, love floret for all its flower goodness. Thank you for this post and all the others. Especially a joy to read when you are buried in Idaho snow :).

    Reply
  837. Susan Grace Lewis on

    My favourite flower arrangement to give would be a bouquet of berry-scented roses, billowy peonies, young wood sprigs from my gardens, including a thorn-less raspberry or a wild cherry branch and some lilacs.

    Reply
  838. Rachel on

    My all time favorite flower arrangement is a bouquet of peonies! My great grandma, Marie, loved peonies and had a whole garden full of them. I’ve reverted transplanted a few into my flower garden and can’t wait to watch them grow this spring!

    Reply
  839. Jamie on

    I love sweet peas, although I have mixed success growing them.

    Reply
  840. Camilla on

    I am always and forever happy give and receive sweet peas. People always react so wonderfully to these scented and whimsical looking beauties.
    Thanks for sharing this interview with us :-)

    Reply
  841. Peg on

    I enjoy taking flowers into the assisted living facility that my dad lives at. I will bring in a large arrangement occasionally and the ladies love it!

    Reply
  842. Stephanie Ruth on

    This last summer I cut gorgeous cosmos from my flower garden thanks to your advice and seeds I purchased from Floret. Prior to that I had not used them in flower arranging. They are on my list again for this summer.

    Reply
  843. Autumn on

    Nothing beats a simply arrangement of fresh peonies…their subtle scent and delicate petals is what dreams are made of!

    Reply
  844. Kate on

    Oh I love them all so much – but a colorful arrangement with more delicate flowers that I may not even know of, and lovely foliage is such a beautiful thing. Seasonally inspired arrangements too – tulips and daffs feel so right in the spring, etc.

    Reply
  845. Stephanie Heflin on

    I love adding lilies and small tree branches to my bouquets—the lilies add the wow factor and the branches bring in nature. Colorful Zinnias bring happiness to bouquets and a dash of yellow always seem to be the last element I add. I really don’t think their is a flower I dislike—I am pretty obsessed with all of them-ha!

    Reply
  846. Carly on

    I’m new to cut flower growing but I’ve been so inspired by floret – it’s got so many helpful tips. My grandma was also a master flower arranger so I’m excited to try more arrangements with my flowers this spring and to learn some techniques I never had a chance to learn from her.

    Reply
  847. Tara on

    Being a flower farmer/florist you don’t receive many arrangements. My favorite arrangements to make are for loved ones. I allow the flowers to speak to me and think of myself as a channel in which the flowers can express themselves. I have expanded my dahlia collection this year and have always been a lover of lisianthus, and queen Ann’s lace. Typically for every wedding I book, I go out driving around, picking wild queen Ann’s lace for the brides bouquet. It helped me name my floral business – A Wildflower’s Daydream!

    Reply
  848. Treva on

    Wonderful interview, beautiful pictures, would love an opportunity to receive a copy of her book. Thank you.

    Reply
  849. Melissa on

    My mood for the day actually determines what arrangements I prefer. Some days I like soft pastel colors with peonies and on other days dark bold spikey blooms which include snapdragons and then I also love an arrangement of wildflowers. Pretty much will give or take any bouquet at any time! ? would be so fun to be part of a workshop with Arielle.

    Reply
  850. mary surchek on

    the photos are a feast for my winter weary eyes and soul!

    Reply
  851. DSH on

    I love to to give fresh bouquets of field grown flowers mixed with grasses, berry branches and native wildflowers foraged from around my landscape. Bringing together the best of the season.

    Reply
  852. Vickie on

    I am passionate about floral arranging, however, the simplicity of a cluster of tulips makes my heart so happy.

    Reply
  853. Chaska Yoder on

    I love to gather peonies from my mother’s yard and arrange them in the spring. There’s nothing like the smell of peonies!

    Reply
  854. Ansua Dutta on

    Favourite arrangement to give to friends for that smile on their faces: peonies, old english roses, cosmos purity, ivy branches and arching jasmine branches. Romantic and blowsy:)

    Reply
  855. Dorie Knott on

    Sunflowers and zinnias are my favorite but I am so excited to try sweet peas this year!

    Reply
  856. Tina McDaniel on

    Any arrangement with sunflowers. They brighten my day.

    Reply
  857. Sarah Ketchum on

    As a vegetable farmer, I’m new to growing flowers although I want to add them to my farm stand this year. I love a simple, sprawling, bouquet of poppies. I’m learning so much on this site. Thank you

    Reply
  858. Lexi on

    Some of my most favorite bouquets to give are to my husband and my son on their birthday’s. To design for them and decorate for them feels like true celebration. My husband’s bday is in July so combining Monarda, Crocosmia and Zinnia! My son’s bday is in March so I have to be a lot more creative at that time of the year. Before the snow, we were looking at Clematis, Anemone and the beginnings of Cherry branches to force. Oh well!

    Reply
  859. Elaine on

    Lovely! I once received a bouquet that starred kumquats! I’ll never forgot that.

    Reply
  860. Beatrice on

    Love the american way of flower arranging. It is much more natural, respecting flowers caracter. Here in Europe where I live floristic works almost look like footballs. The rounder, the better. And please as much stuff as possible. ???? As as well big cut green lover I wonder why I seldom see Sallal and Eucalyptus in your arrangements and bouquets. ?❤️????

    Reply
  861. Debi Miller on

    I must have this book after reading her describe the intention: “I would say it is geared more to the flower enthusiast versus the professional.” I grow beautiful flowers, but feel lacking in arranging them. I think this will be a great resource. My favorite arrangements are in August when the dahlia can be the star, but I have so many others to add for an organic collection – cosmos, rudbeckia, celosia, mint. I like to let the flowers arrange themselves!

    Reply
  862. Brittany on

    Your arrangements are so gorgeous!! I absolutely am mesmerized by the all the layers of flowers and how they are built up to form such a beautiful shape! It is a skill that I would love to learn especially with using vines and delicate flowers such as clematis. Thank you for sharing new ways to add unusual and beautiful elements to floral arrangements, it’s fun finding new ingredients to add to your go to designs. I personally love anything with garden roses, lilac, and freesia, the more fragrant the better!

    Reply
  863. Amy Barr on

    Peonies and rosebuds are my favorite combination as early June sees a short window when they are both ready to harvest in my area. I love Ariella’s use of woody stems in her arrangements!

    Reply
  864. Dana on

    Well here is another book I need to buy! I am growing cut flowers and am interested to see what perennials and shrubs she is recommending. It is difficult to invest in those unless I know they will hold up in arrangements. I adore peonies in arrangements and David Austin roses. We battle japanese beetles here every year, so roses are always attacked and it’s disappointing!

    Reply
  865. Janet L on

    I wish I had the creative gene to be able to make such gorgeous arrangements! Instead, I’ll just have to wait for the release of your new book. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery….

    Reply
  866. karen hines on

    flower arranging is definitely something i want to learn – so far, i am pathetic!! the pictures shown are very inspirational.

    Reply
  867. Melissa on

    I think I just went down another rabbit hole. lol. My favorite arrangements are from my 2.5 year old son. My heart melts when he wants to smell a flower.

    Reply
  868. Mary Schaefbauer on

    Ariella has always been my idol… I took my first workshop with one of her freelancers who learned from her, and it has informed all of my designs ever since.
    My favorite arrangements to give are to older ladies who used to garden, and have moved away or are unable to physically grow flowers any more. I always fill their arrangements with as many flowers as I can cram into a vessel, and let old-fashioned varieties that are recognizable and beloved be the stars.
    These deliveries always garner the best reactions.

    Reply
  869. MWG on

    I love the combinations in her mixed bouquets and the use of space/texture/color. So glad to see this interview. Have her book reserved for order. Thank you for introducing her to us.

    Reply
  870. Barbara Showalter on

    I love peonies in the spring, dahlias in the fall along with a mix of other flowers.

    Reply
  871. Hannah on

    My favorite arrangements to give are ones where I’ve had the time to play with putting them together, not a rushed job!

    Reply
  872. Anna on

    I love giving or receiving anything with lilacs. Their fragrance always stops people dead in their tracks!

    Reply
  873. Sheila Clark on

    Wildflower bouquets are always flirty and fun. I like a simple arrangement that evokes the easiness of friendship!

    Reply
  874. Samantha Rothman on

    Oh gosh, my fav to give or get?
    To give:
    Well, anything with english garden roses. Here in NJ, the season is short – and if rain strikes it can really wreck things by knocking the petals off or making them just ball up and mold, so giving them – like a BIG ole bunch of them – is like an amazing gift. I feel like people where I live don’t know what a REAL rose is – so when they get them, it’s pure magic.
    To get: Nasturtiums or Lilly of the Valley. Both with just the flowers, in a small, hand picked bundle. It makes me think of my childhood and my mother.

    Reply
  875. Jessica Missel on

    Grew sweet peas for the first time last year and people loved getting the fragrant bunches!

    Reply
  876. Joanne on

    I just bought my first Ariella book and have read it cover to cover more than once! I live in Michigan so this time of year local flowers are impossible but I’ve been practicing with grocery store flowers while referencing every photo and tip in her book. She’s amazing and I am soooo looking forward to spring so I can forage my blooming shrubs!

    Reply
  877. Jodie Dettwyler on

    My twin sister and I started a little cut flower business 2 years ago. We had an abundance of dahlias collected over the years and thought it would be a good idea to sell them. Along with the dahlias we started growing a variety of other flowers from seed as well. Your Cut Flower Garden book was so valuable in helping us start this little venture…as well as all the tutorials. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge! My favorite flower arrangement to give would include dahlias. They are my favorite. This book by Ariella Chezar would be an incredible resource to have!

    Reply
  878. Janet MacEwen (Jay) on

    I have been growing flowers as a hobby for years and love giving them away. For my birthday 4 years ago my husband gave me a membership to the ASCFG. This gift changed my life! My husband grew up on a family owned green house range where there was no room for him basically speaking. His dream as well as mine has been to have our own little farm. We met in nursing school helped care for family members raised our kids. At one of the yearly ASCFG meetings I had the chance to meet Erin and preordered her book which was not available yet. I never knew there where so many varieties of woodies, cuts, perennials etc. My dream is taking shape, I am enrolled in the 2019 online Floret class and learning a wealth of information. My husband and I are nearing retirement age and look forward to having fun starting a small buisness and seeing what happens for the next step in our life’s journey.
    I can’t say I have a flower or bouquet that is a favorite for myself. The joy is giving my flowers away and making others smile. If I really had to choose a spring flower it would definitely be the peony, summer Lisianthus and zinnia, end of summer into autunm definitely the dahlia’s.

    Reply
  879. Kelly Owen on

    My favorite to give is a huge bouquet of David Austin roses mixed with a small bit of whatever foliage looks good or some orlaya, but the bouquet is nearly entirely the roses. Over time, I’ve developed a collection of Austins that hold in the vase. The bouquet is always a hit, whether it’s a charity auction item promised to be delivered 6 months later, or brought as a thank you to someone who’s donated big to the nonprofit I work for, or to a medical professional who’s done something wonderful for my family. Favorite response to the bouquet: “This is better than my wedding bouquet!”

    Reply
  880. Linda Shields on

    I’ve just discovered this site and placed my first purchase. I’ve always grown food in my backyard garden bed, but this year I’m splitting it in half – one side to feed the belly …and the other to feed the soul. I’m so excited to plant my Indian Summer seed collection mix on one side, along with the tomatillos and golden sweet garden peas planted in the dmz (who knew those could be used in floral arrangements?!), with the standard veggies on the remaining half. I can’t wait to learn about growing flowers! Sorry, got a little distracted there…My
    favorite flowers to receive or give are the small farmers market bouquets that consist of the most delightful and cheerful colors. I can’t wait to get them home, unwrap them from the newspaper and place them in a Mason jar near the kitchen window!

    Reply
  881. Judy Ables on

    How can you possibly pick a favorite flower arrangement to give! I live on a mountain hillside along with an abundance of deer, so I try to grow the flowers that they do not particularly like. The last three years I have been supplying a local bed and breakfast weekly with small bouquets for their guest rooms and then a table centerpiece bouquet. Nothing is sweeter in the spring than small Lily of the Valley bouquets. Then who can deny that Peonies aren’t the prettiest flowers either singularly or in a large bouquet. But then the Snaps steal center stage, along with corral and mauve zinnias. Just when you think nothing can be prettier the gorgeous dahlias begin to show their beautiful faces, and nothing says fall here like the golden sunflowers. Luckily, the deer don’t share the same enthusiasm as I do for these flowers and they pretty much leave them alone.

    Reply
  882. Amy Miller on

    My husband surprised me with The Flower Workshop a few years ago for Christmas. Such a treat since I had no idea he even knew I wanted it. I can’t wait to get my hands on Seasonal Flower Arranging–Ariella’s work is so inspiring!

    My favorite arrangement is to give. I love stepping out of the house 10 or 15 minutes early when I’m on my way to dinner at a friend’s. I forage the yard for whatever grabs my eye and bunch it up for the host. There’s never any pressure and it’s always appreciated! People who visit the house can’t figure out how I manage to find so many goodies in my boring little yard!

    Reply
  883. Brittany on

    Honestly, I love to give away.. there’s something about the excitement of showing up with an unexpected gift and handing someone the babies you carefully watched over for so long <3 My favorites are definitely roses. Not the simple, everyone-has-seen-them kind (although those are beauties too!)… but the English roses. The ones that make people's mouths drop open for just a split second as they take in all two hundred petals of elegance and sweet charm. The kind that stand out so beautifully that they stay in your memory for years to come.. like the single peony someone gave my mother once, years ago, that still brings back fond memories for me. Smiles and awe-filled wonder… that's what flowers are all about, right? =)

    Reply
  884. Jeri Stewart on

    My favorite flower arrangement to give is sweet peas to my grown daughters when they come home to visit the farm. If they can’t make it during the season, I send them pictures online, and they are transported home.

    Reply
  885. Rebecca on

    Carnations used to be my least favourite, but when hubby (not at the time) brought me a bouquet of carnations on our first Valentine’s Day together, I decided I rather like them… him too. Both have a special place in my heart now!

    Reply
  886. Laurie Gurwell-Wall on

    The beautiful photography makes me want to forage the garden for anything to arrange!! (But it is dark, now…) I love the arching structures in these arrangements, (and yours too, Erin)! I would really appreciate learning how to make that happen in my own arrangements with greater success! Mine often tip over… Her voluptuous use of color is dramatic and charming at the same time. I love the use of “David Austin” roses; their personality, fragrance and petal counts are magical. When I first started growing and arranging with them, I saw “Graham Thomas” actually propelling falling petals out of arrangements, which entertained my then rather young son. Ariella’s work is new to me, and I thank you for introducing me to her body of work and making me an immediate fan!

    Reply
  887. Barbara on

    My favorite flower arrangement was when I was 5 years old. It was May and end of the school year. I cut a bunch of violets from our yard and I took a paper cupcake holder. I cut a hole in the holder and pulled the stems of the violets through the hole. I then tied the stems up with string. I brought that arrangement to my teacher at school. I can remember this like it was yesterday – but it was over 50 years ago now.
    I always said that, that moment was my start in the flower business. I ended up majoring in Horticulture in college and pursued a career in the fresh cut flower industry. I have no regrets. And I love what you are doing – it is inspiring. I love your business!!.
    I would love the book – it would be put to great use.

    Reply
  888. Erin on

    My favorite is to give a wild-looking market-style bouquet. I love “big” – lots of greenery that explodes out of a vase – wide and tall! I’m new to flower farming, so I appreciate dahlias and zinnias and will be looking forward to adding more varieties of flowers as my knowledge and experience grow. Basically, the more “home-grown” and less “ordered-in” it looks, the happier I am to share it with others!

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  889. Léa-Nadége Barrett on

    My all time favorite flower in an arrangement is a David Austin garden rose. The sweet smell and fluffy petals never disappoint. Throw some ranunculus in the mix for the win.

    Reply
  890. Marlo Dill on

    Starting my first larger scale cut flower garden this spring, have greatly enjoyed all the research & reading this winter. Planning for the succession cutting will be an experiment for this first season. Enjoy the salmon and coral colored arrangements but would still rather give than receive flowers….

    Reply
  891. Liz Krieg on

    Oh GEE! I did not read that very bottom piece before I sent a comment…but my favorite bouquet flowers to give, or receive will always be Roses, with Clematis flowers and vine, Lisianthus and native berries (whatever is in season).

    Reply
  892. Judy Neely on

    We purchased a house on five acres a few years ago, after we retired (we’re in our 60’s). It has been my dream to grow cut flowers. Our daughter gave me your book, “Cut Flower Garden” to help me with my dream. I have been a follower, of yours, ever since. We’re, currently, working on excavation for a hoop house. Thank you for all your investment in not only your business of growing/harvesting/selling your own flowers but investing in the lives of all of us who love growing flowers! I’m hoping my granddaughter will carry on the tradition, as well.
    My favorite flower arrangement would center around both color and texture of my, available, cut flowers. One, particular, arrangement would be that of combining dahlias and hydrangeas with a bit of sedum as a later season arrangement. The brighter colors of the dahlias contrasting with the later muted color of hydrangeas/sedum along with the variety of leaf texture shows off a bit of richness for this time of the year.

    Reply
  893. Shelby Overcash on

    Anything romantic with a little wild bit of a wild side! I’m starting my own mini porch cutting garden from seed this year in northern CA and I cannot wait to add my own cosmos and dahlia’s to my farmer’s market finds. Your book opened me to a world I had no idea existed and I want to get my hands on any and all inspiration! I can’t wait to see Ariella’s new book!

    Reply
  894. Megan on

    My favorite flower arrangement to give is something I’ve grown in my garden from seed. It feels like such an accomplishment that it’s so nice to reap the rewards of the hard work! It’s such a great conversation starter! We are newer in the neighborhood and my gardening has been such a fantastic way for people to come over to find out what we are doing and planting. My favorite flower arrangement to receive is anything that is local and looks a little wild or unfussy. I also love Love N Fresh’s Flower CSA in Philadelphia! Jenny is the best.

    Reply
  895. Liz Krieg on

    This is a wonderful interview, Erin, thank you! You always know what questions to ask. The first I ever heard about Ariella was through your blog of her workshop at Chalk Hill. I am an ardent fan of Ariella and find her down to earth method and commentary always satisfies my drive to learn more. Her teaching style is captivating, she is so very approachable and uniquely real. I attended one of her workshops in Charleston, NC. I met and still am in touch with other students from that dreamy time. You can bet that when she starts using Zonneveld, as her studio for education – I will be there. It will be so great to have her center located in the northeast!

    Reply
  896. Saima on

    I might be first one to comment …the thought makes me very pleased :) Very pleased too to read this instalment of flower farmer, I was just reading the older ones this morning and making notes…lots of notes. Thank you so much for sharing so much useful knowledge and inspiration. One of my favourite flower arrangements are first of seasons scented tulips arranged with fritillaria, anemones and airy branches of honey suckle. I only discovered one and half year ago how many tulips are scented (and made said arrangement first time last year). Before that tulips used to be my least favourite flowers because I like many other people thought of those sad wholesale garish coloured ones plonked in supermarkets. Discovered scented varieties in autumn 2017, planted a lot for utter joy in spring 2018….and this year planted 1300 scented tulips in my tiny plot. Thank you so much for the tulips tutorials last year, because of it I have gone from zero to tulip pro in one year :)

    Reply

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