Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and choosing your flowers is one of the most exciting parts! If you're drawn to the idea of fresh, seasonal blooms and supporting local growers, working with a flower farm is a fantastic option. But how does it work, and what should you expect? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make the most of your locally grown wedding flowers.&nbsp;<h2>1. Know Your Floral Needs</h2>Before reaching out to a farmer, take some time to think about what you need:&nbsp;<ul><li>Are you looking for full floral design services, or do you just want buckets of blooms to arrange yourself? If you love arranging flowers and want a hands-on experience, DIY buckets can be a fun and cost-effective option. If you'd rather leave the design to a professional, a full-service florist might be the best choice.&nbsp;</li><li>Do you need specific flowers, or are you open to a seasonal mix? Flower availability is seasonal, so if you are very set on a specific flower—like peonies in May or dahlias in late summer—keep in mind that they will only be available during those months. Being flexible with a seasonal mix will guarantee that you have the best selection of what's available at that time of the year. <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">(Read more: Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers)</a></li><li>What is your color palette and overall floral vision?&nbsp;&nbsp;Consider your wedding colors and style—do you want a soft, romantic look with pastels or a bold, vibrant arrangement? Sharing inspirational photos or creating a Pinterest board can help your farmer understand your vision. <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/a-seasonal-approach-to-color-palettes-for-diy-events">(Read more: A Seasonal Approach to Color Palettes for DIY events)&nbsp;</a></li></ul>Having a clear idea of your needs will help your farmer guide you in the right direction.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:3600/2400;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051769/Glick_Wedding_119_5c20da564b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-119.jpg" width="3600" height="2400"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>2. Find the Right Flower Farm&nbsp;</h2>Not all flower farmers offer wedding services, so it’s important to find one who aligns with your vision. Here’s where to start:&nbsp;<ul><li>Sign up for Rooted Farmers, an online marketplace that connects you to local growers near you.&nbsp;</li><li>Ask local florists—some source from flower farms and may have recommendations.&nbsp;</li><li>Look at social media—many farmers showcase their blooms and wedding offerings on Instagram.&nbsp;</li><li>Check out Collectives — Collectives/hubs are groups of multiple growers that will allow you to access a broader selection of flowers and services while simplifying communication and logistics. Log on to Rooted Farmers to find a hub near you.</li></ul><h2>3. Communicate Early &amp; Be Flexible&nbsp;</h2>Local flower farms work with nature’s schedule, which means availability will depend on the season. Reach out as early as possible—ideally 6-12 months before your wedding—to discuss your needs.&nbsp;Be prepared for some flexibility. Unlike traditional wholesalers, local flower farmers can’t guarantee specific blooms far in advance, but they can provide stunning, in-season alternatives that align with your colors and style.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051775/Glick_Wedding_94_8a51fcb48b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-94.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>4. Understand Pricing &amp; Offerings&nbsp;</h2>Each farm operates differently, but common options include:&nbsp;<ul><li>DIY Buckets – A mix of seasonal blooms for you to arrange.&nbsp;</li><li>À La Carte Design – Bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces made for you, without installation.&nbsp;</li><li>Full-Service Weddings – Some farmers offer full design and installation services.&nbsp;</li></ul>Flowers can be a costly expense of your wedding, consider your budget so that the farm can offer you options that best fit your price range. Ask about pricing, minimum orders, and whether they offer consultations or farm visits. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051768/Glick_Wedding_79_aaaf7d4e2e.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-79.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>5. Pick Up and Storage Tips&nbsp;</h2>If you’re purchasing DIY flowers, plan for pickup a day or two before your wedding. Bring clean buckets, transport them in a cool vehicle, and store them in a shaded, air-conditioned space until arranging time. Ask the farm if they have any recommendations for processing; some good practices are to recut stems and change out the water daily to ensure your flowers stay fresh and hydrated. &nbsp;For pre-arranged florals, confirm pickup or delivery details ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051772/Glick_Wedding_91_341b37d77b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-91.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>6. Enjoy the Beauty of Local Blooms!&nbsp;</h2>Working with a flower farmer means your wedding flowers will be fresh, unique, and sustainably sourced. Embrace the beauty of seasonal blooms, trust your farmer’s expertise, and enjoy the process of incorporating locally grown flowers into your special day.&nbsp;Choosing local flowers isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about supporting small farms, reducing your environmental impact, and celebrating the beauty of what’s in bloom around you. By working closely with a flower farmer, you’ll create a wedding full of fresh, meaningful, and one-of-a-kind floral arrangements.&nbsp;

If you're drawn to the idea of fresh, seasonal blooms and supporting local growers, working with a flower farm is a fantastic option. But how does it work, and what should you expect? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make the most of your locally grown wedding flowers.

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DIY Weddings: 6 Tips on How to Work With a Local Flower Farm

We recently connected with the team at <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/">Pressed Floral</a>, a studio dedicated to preserving cherished memories through handcrafted pressed flower art. Based in Utah, Pressed Floral transforms wedding bouquets and other meaningful blooms into stunning, framed keepsakes that last a lifetime. With a commitment to sustainability and a deep appreciation for nature’s intricate details, Pressed Floral celebrates the beauty and significance of every petal.&nbsp;Discover more about their exquisite work on their <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/">website</a>, and don’t forget to follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pressedfloral_/">Instagram</a> for a glimpse into their creative process and breathtaking designs!<figure class="image"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/duetflowerstudio/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1067/702;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731918005/2_40dccb2bce.png" alt="2.png" width="1067" height="702"></a><figcaption>Floral credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/duetflowerstudio/">Duet Flower Studio</a></figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started??&nbsp;</h1>The journey of Pressed Floral started in 2019 in Provo, Utah! Sarah Ebert–founder and CEO of Pressed Floral–started preserving flowers for close family and friends in a small Lifetime Shed in her apartment complex parking lot in 2019. She has always been a creative and expressive spirit–her younger days were spent dancing, singing, acting, scrapbooking, party-planning, cooking, decorating, and almost every other creative hobby you can think of! When Sarah started preserving flowers, she grew a passion for the art, science, and meaning behind the practice. Eventually, she started getting orders from all over the state and then all over the country. Although Pressed Floral came from humble beginnings and initially exclusively preserved wedding bouquets, it has become a symbol and staple for the sentimentally inclined looking to create an art piece from not only weddings, but births, graduations, memorial services, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1296/1624;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917715/1_Screenshot_2024_11_12_at_12_26_26_AM_37da223142.png" alt="1Screenshot 2024-11-12 at 12.26.26 AM.png" width="1296" height="1624"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure><h1>Tell us about your dried flower process!</h1>Our preservation process is very personal, delicate, and precise. As flower lovers surely know, every variation of flower is different in sensitivity and longevity once they are cut from the stem. We have spent years perfecting (and continue to work on) the preservation process of flowers and botanicals, and we have seen almost every variation enter our shop. Every time flowers come into our shop, we have trained preservation specialists who are passionate about flowers and who are well-versed on the anatomy of botanicals to press and preserve them with gentle, caring hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;Something that stands out about the way we preserve is that although we work to make the preservation process seamless, we want the flowers to be designed in their most natural form. We use no dyes or preservatives to “enhance” any of our flowers, as we believe that would unnecessarily change the flower’s inherent nature to fade and wrinkle. We find that having an art piece that can naturally age with you is beautiful and symbolic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1480/1532;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917714/1_Screenshot_2024_11_12_at_12_27_54_AM_dbcf41da14.png" alt="1Screenshot 2024-11-12 at 12.27.54 AM.png" width="1480" height="1532"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure><h1>Do you have any tips for someone getting started with pressed flowers themselves?&nbsp;</h1>Sarah started by pressing flowers in the pages of books! We have developed a product, our <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/collections/journal/products/pressed-floral-journal">Pressed Floral Journal</a>, that allows you to press flowers, with detailed instructions, on the go! As chaotic as the internet can be, it is a GREAT resource for those who want to learn more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:7008/4672;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917721/1_DSC_05823_54bcadeac6.jpg" alt="1DSC05823.jpeg" width="7008" height="4672"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure><h1 style="margin-left:0px;">Talk about local flowers from your unique POV. Have you seen an uptick in the usage of local flowers lately in the bouquets you work with?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>We receive flowers from all over the country in every season, so we see a lot of local flowers in respect to their own regions come in throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;We love seeing local flowers be used in bouquets from all over the country. I think we are seeing an influx of sentimental clients who realize the value of hiring local florists or even friends and family in their area to create stunning arrangements. What really matters is that you have a bouquet on your special day that you love– although we think the use of local flowers in arrangements not only benefits local businesses, but symbolizes a unique location and moment in time where your sentimental moment takes place.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because flowers tend to be fragile, we offer bloom protection to our clients, so that if their flowers don’t make it in optimal condition, we will replace them with our own freshly pressed flowers sourced locally!&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1214/1578;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917688/1_Screenshot_2024_11_12_at_12_24_46_AM_5795b93602.png" alt="1Screenshot 2024-11-12 at 12.24.46 AM.png" width="1214" height="1578"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure>HUGE thanks to the team at Pressed Floral for taking the time to chat with us, AND for supporting locally grown flowers. Be sure to check out their <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/">website</a> &amp; follow along on their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pressedfloral_/">Instagram</a>.

We recently connected with the team at Pressed Floral, a studio dedicated to preserving cherished memories through handcrafted pressed flower art. Based in Utah, Pressed Floral transforms wedding bouquets and other meaningful blooms into stunning, framed keepsakes that last a lifetime. 

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Designer Feature: Pressed Florals

We recently connected with Cara Schmidt, floral designer and owner of <a href="https://www.threenotchflorals.com/">Three Notch Florals</a>, based in Bloomington, NY. Three Notch Florals is a floral studio specializing in romantic, lush, and whimsical designs for weddings in the beautiful Hudson Valley and Adirondack areas. Cara is passionate about celebrating seasonality, and using native and locally grown flowers in her breathtaking designs.You can learn more about Cara and her gorgeous floral design work on <a href="https://www.threenotchflorals.com/">her site.</a> Be sure to follow along on her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/threenotchflorals/">Instagram</a> too!<figure class="image"><a href="https://sasithonphotography.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaHvPE70l0AOAXCwqQoIDnAupBcPnFFLDyW6ao6Gvqc3I-yeuD5M4YKqwM_aem_QtP0qO5PcFT6X6YlV2ZMoA"><img style="aspect-ratio:950/1184;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1727935843/b3db73_215604d726f54d73b4149d6504a24aa3_mv2_0b3406ffbf.webp" alt="b3db73_215604d726f54d73b4149d6504a24aa3~mv2.webp" width="950" height="1184"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href="https://sasithonphotography.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaHvPE70l0AOAXCwqQoIDnAupBcPnFFLDyW6ao6Gvqc3I-yeuD5M4YKqwM_aem_QtP0qO5PcFT6X6YlV2ZMoA">Sasithon Photography</a>&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h1>3 words to describe your floral style.</h1><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-family:&quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Web (West European)&quot;, -apple-system, &quot;system-ui&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, sans-serif;">Soft, delicate, textured.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:838/976;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1727937792/1271830801_1351428768626233_1516393032000647490_n_jpg_stp_dst_jpg_e15_and_nc_ht_scontent_lga3_6bb92ee48e.webp" alt="1271830801_1351428768626233_1516393032000647490_n_jpg_stp=dst-jpg_e15&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-.webp" width="838" height="976"><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.katiesalerno.com/">Katie Salerno</a></figcaption></figure><h1>Tell us your flower story. What drives your love of flowers?&nbsp;</h1>My flower story is kind of standard -- helped a few friends with their wedding flowers, until a friend of a friend reached out to hire me for my first paid job. So I started an Instagram, and things grew from there.&nbsp;My love of local flowers is an extension of my values. It must have been all that Captain Planet and Fern Gully growing up! As I learned about how far flowers are shipped and the pesticides that need to be used on them in order to ensure we don't bring in invasive pests, I began to explore locally grown flowers. But it was really the pandemic that allowed me to make the switch to using almost entirely local product. There was something about that moment in time where we realized how fragile everything was. That we could lose so many businesses we cared about if we didn't support them. I didn't want to lose our local flower farms. And with the slow down in events, it allowed me the space to connect with farms and switch to using their flowers.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:948/1184;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1727936077/Gather_Greene_Fall_Wedding_32_c2ecc7abdb.webp" alt="Gather Greene Fall Wedding 32.webp" width="948" height="1184"><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.katiesalerno.com/">Katie Salerno</a></figcaption></figure><h1>Any advice for designers getting started with local flowers?&nbsp;</h1><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);font-family:&quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Web (West European)&quot;, -apple-system, &quot;system-ui&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, sans-serif;">The practical tip is: ask to see inspiration photos before an initial call. If the flowers in their pictures are not in season when the couple is getting married, bring that up immediately. Most of the time the couple will say the photos they chose are more for color or style, and not for the specific flowers in them. But if a September couple wants Icelandic poppies no matter what, it is better to find that out before either party gets too invested.<span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);font-family:&quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Web (West European)&quot;, -apple-system, &quot;system-ui&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, sans-serif;">But the real emotional tip is: be ok with saying "no" to weddings. It is terrifying to turn down business. Even 7 years in, I still get scared when I do it. But working with a couple who has different values will make you miserable. No amount of money fixes that. Whereas working with couples who value the investment in community and sustainability that comes with local flowers will buoy you through all the dirty buckets and wax covered glassware!<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1068/1600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1727935843/1eileenmenyphoto_b4d2af4134.jpg" alt="1eileenmenyphoto.jpg" width="1068" height="1600"><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href="https://eileenmenyphotography.com/">Eileen Meny Photography</a></figcaption></figure><h1>Tell us your favorite local flowers. Maybe something underrated you would encourage others to check out? What can't you get enough of when it is in season?!</h1>All the beige phlox forever always! Cherry caramel, dulce de leche, creme brulee. I love them all!&nbsp;But I also love that the new frontier in locally grown flowers is moving toward more natives. In the spring I love wood anemones (anemone virginiana) and penstemon digitalis. In the summer, I can't get enough of spotted bee balm (monarda punctata). And in the fall, all the varieties of asters are so incredible.We're really in a crisis when it comes to declining numbers of insects. Aside from being sad I barely see any monarch butterflies anymore, it also affects the whole food chain. But supporting farms that are growing native plants (and don't use pesticides!) is a great way to help combat that. You can design a beautiful arrangement and help out the bees and butterflies all at the same time. :)<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1000/1438;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1727936029/1sasithonphoto2_5fe7e634ad.png" alt="1sasithonphoto2.png" width="1000" height="1438"><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href="https://sasithonphotography.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaHvPE70l0AOAXCwqQoIDnAupBcPnFFLDyW6ao6Gvqc3I-yeuD5M4YKqwM_aem_QtP0qO5PcFT6X6YlV2ZMoA">Sasithon Photography</a>&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Thank you, Cara, for sharing your story and design wisdom with us! Be sure to check out Three Notch Florals' <a href="https://www.threenotchflorals.com/">website</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/threenotchflorals/">Instagram</a>.

Cara Schmidt, floral designer, and owner of Three Notch Florals specializes in designs that celebrate seasonality, beautiful and non-traditional details, and full of locally grown flowers - including natives.

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Designer Feature: Three Notch Florals

Our new buyer analytics tool for wholesale buyers offers a valuable and in-depth way to understand your purchasing trends, plan for future events, and facilitate conversations with your local growers and collectives (best of all, this feature is free to all wholesale buyers on our site!)&nbsp; There are several ways you can delve into this flexible tool to analyze past purchases and to help you plan for future events. Let's take an in-depth look at how powerful this tool can be – it’s something you'll want in your toolbelt next to those snips and zip ties! <a href="https://vimeo.com/915833869">Watch a quick video overview!</a><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:88.4%;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/915833869"><img style="aspect-ratio:1274/699;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1709222045/Screenshot_2024_02_29_at_10_53_29_AM_b9d4e9e589.png" alt="Screenshot 2024-02-29 at 10.53.29 AM.png" width="1274" height="699"></a></figure><h3> Overview Stats</h3>At the top, you'll find your all-time stats: total purchases, number of orders, and the number of stems purchased. Below, you can set a date range to dive into a year, a quarter, or a month at a time and get a sense of your trends and purchasing habits. If you’ve purchased local flowers on Rooted over a few years, you can set the date filter to “all time” to compare the years.<h3>Review Purchases by Flowers</h3>Curious about your top 5, 10, or 20 purchased flowers? The answers might surprise you! You can adjust both the date range and the number of flower genera displayed on the pie chart.&nbsp; Pro-tip: Hover over each slice to get a quick overview of data for that flower type!<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:71.97%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1080;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1709160427/buyer_s_analytics_IG_2024_1_8c4d1af10b.png" alt="buyer's analytics IG 2024 (1).png" width="1080" height="1080"></figure><blockquote>As someone who loves diving into data, the new flower analytics tool is pure gold!&nbsp; Being able to drill down into a specific timeframe and effortlessly identify the varieties and colors I used in the previous year is incredibly valuable when I’m in the design, planning, and proposal process for future events.</blockquote><ul><li><a href="https://www.photosynthesis.bz/about">Rhea Calpeno, Photosynthesis Floral Design</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Below the pie chart, you'll see a table with more details, including stems purchased, bunches purchased, and what percentage of that flower genus comprises the total purchased for the date range selected. Dig even deeper by clicking any of the genera to see all the varieties within that flower genus! Maybe you weren’t surprised by the amount of ranunculus you purchased (we love a good ‘nunc!), but having the breakdown of the varieties might surprise you!&nbsp; Use the data and charts to help you plan for future events! For example: imagine it’s January, and you are writing a proposal for a September 15th wedding. You're trying to remember what is generally in season during this time to provide examples of potential flowers for the event. You can set your dates for September 8 - September 22 by using the arrows to toggle between the months. (It’s best practice to give a 1-2 week buffer around the date of your upcoming event to account for seasonal shifts and weather for local product.) Once your dates have been selected, dive into the pie chart and table to explore what flowers and varieties you previously purchased.&nbsp;<h3>Dive into Purchases by Color</h3>Do you think in color before you think of specific varieties when you are planning and proposal writing? We’ve got you covered. Continuing with the September wedding scenario, click over to the “Purchases by Flower Color” tab to see a graph showing the proportions of colors you purchased. Just like the “Purchases by Flower Type” tab, you can explore each color to find all the flowers that match that color!<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:1080/1080;width:71.5%;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1709233718/8_c41f010803.png" alt="8.png" width="1080" height="1080"><blockquote>Rooted has these new buyer analytics that I personally will depend on. I don't know about you, but I can't remember what I did yesterday! So I cannot remember what I ordered in what shade of burgundy last June ... but these analytics can remember that.&nbsp;</blockquote><ul><li><a href="https://www.marystuartflowers.com/">Kim Delgado, Mary Stuart Flowers</a></li></ul>You can also use these tools to initiate conversations with your local growers and hubs. Providing growers with an idea of colors and varieties you will be looking for during the early winter months can be incredibly helpful as they are crop planning for the following season. Local growers know their product best, and can offer neat substitutes and new textures and blooms within your color palette.&nbsp; Related: <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">See this article for seasonal flowers by color palette </a>and this handy guide to local substitutions for commonly imported flowers!&nbsp;

Dig into your data to view the total stem count, colors, and varieties purchased during a specific timeframe. 

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Say Hello to Buyer Analytics and Start Planning!

Whether you are designing for a friend’s shower, or bringing your wedding together on a budget, color is one of the foundations of bringing your event together in style!It can be easy to feel stuck with choices to fit popular color palettes, but local flowers bring exciting and fun textures, colors, and shapes to elevate your arrangements. It’s not all zinnias and sunflowers (though, those are key local flowers with flair, whimsy, and zest)— local flowers hit the softest neutrals to the most luxurious, dramatic tones with earthy, muted, vibrant, and saturated hues for everything in between. As a bonus, <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">the seasonality aspect of local flowers </a>means there’s always something new to pick from!Before you choose your color palette, let’s dive into a quick how-to!<h3>Choosing Your Color Palette: A How-To</h3>Consider your space. Will you be indoors or outdoors? Are there fixtures that include color that you are looking to incorporate? Are you looking for big splashes of color or smaller accents?Consider your textiles. Tablecloths, napkins, drapery, or attire (e.g. bridal party attire) are other areas where color can be integrated into your design aesthetic. Consider whether your color choices are complimentary and how they may appear in if they are photographed together.Consider your vessels. Do you already have vessels in mind with colors you’ll need to compliment? Although glass is a nice neutral, we tend to prefer containers that can hide messy stems and mechanics. Ceramic is a nice alternative, but there are lots of non-traditional vessels that would work well also (e.g. sap buckets, footed bowls). Whatever you choose, be sure to consider whether the color plays nicely with your florals.Now that you have your space, textiles, and vessels in mind, let’s take a look at a few popular color palettes below.<h3>1. Soft and Neutral</h3><ul><li>Spring: White, cream, and apricot Narcissus, Foxglove, Agrostemma, Campanula, Silene, Penstemon</li><li>Summer: Mountain Mint, Sweet William, American Basketflower, Lisianthus, Abelia, Monarda lambada</li><li>Fall: Sedum, Dahlia, Celosia, Stock, Ornamental Cabbages, Joe Pye Weed</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1705437455/1_9f3f8c14e1.jpg" alt="1.jpg" width="1080" height="1080"><h3>2. Vibrant and Bright</h3><ul><li>Spring: Calendula, Poppy, Mediterranean Bells, Peony, Cottage Yarrow, Geum</li><li>Summer: Crocosmia, Zinnia, Cardinal Basil, Cosmos, Echinacea, Helenium</li><li>Fall: Marigolds, Goldenrod, Japanese Anemone, Strawflower, Gomphrena, Dill</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1705437455/2_11be5a197f.jpg" alt="2.jpg" width="1080" height="1080"><h3>3. Rich and Moody</h3><ul><li>Spring: Dutch Iris, Ranunculus, Baptisia, Columbine, Anemone, Clematis</li><li>Summer: Jewels of Opar, Dara, Rudbeckia, Mahogany Hibiscus, Lysimachia, Hyacinth Bean</li><li>Fall: Ornamental purple peppers, Chrysanthemum, Muhly Grass, Amaranth, Heuchera, Beauty Berry</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1705437455/3_e91aff75b4.jpg" alt="3.jpg" width="1080" height="1080">Related: Looking for more local flower inspiration? Check out our post ‘<a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers</a>.’

Whether you are designing for a friend’s shower, or bringing your wedding together on a budget, color is one of the foundations of bringing your event together in style!

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A Seasonal Approach to Color Palettes for DIY Events

We recently connected with Abigail Decorte, floral designer, and owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cottagegardenflorals.com/">Cottage Garden Florals</a>, in San Diego, CA, who specializes in thoughtful, garden-inspired, and whimsical floral design. Abigail is an incredible storyteller with the colors and textures of locally-sourced flowers.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can learn more about Abigail and her inspiring <a href="https://www.cottagegardenflorals.com/">floral design work on her site</a>.&nbsp;<h1>Tell us your flower story. What drives your love of flowers?&nbsp;</h1>I am a second-generation florist, following in my mom's footsteps of creating garden-inspired designs. She and my dad were adamant that I earn my degree, which I did, but after a handful of years of teaching music, I found my heart was getting more and more curious about scratching my floral design itch. Four years later, I can't imagine a day without feeling, seeing, searching for, dreaming of, thinking about, designing with flowers.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708028263/cottage_1_bd311efacf.jpg" alt="cottage 1.jpg">Photo credit: flowers sourced from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sjflowercollective/">San Joaquin Flower Collective</a><h1>Any advice for designers getting started with local flowers?&nbsp;</h1>My favorite thing to tell designers who are just starting to dabble in working with local flowers is to be flexible and leave room for magic. Just like we accommodate for the weather by adding layers or bringing a change of shoes if those pumps pinch just a little too much, being flexible and understanding (and appreciative!) with our growers is of the utmost importance. Sometimes things happen, and that's an opportunity for us to flex our creative muscles!*&nbsp;On the flip side, while the industry as a whole may be used to placing our orders weeks or months in advance, one of the loveliest things about sourcing locally is that your local grower might have had a surprise cosmo plant from last year reseed and pop up in their rows of dahlias just before your pickup date, or a dainty foliage sprout the sweetest little blooms this week. By leaving room for the unaccounted-for magic to make its way into our buckets, we as designers get to revel in those magical textures and colors that we couldn't have even dreamed of!<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708028270/cottage_2_012a362b2f.jpg" alt="cottage 2 .jpg">Photo credit: flowers sourced from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sjflowercollective/">San Joaquin Flower Collective</a><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708028274/cottage_3_5a069fb052.jpg" alt="cottage 3.jpg">Photo credit: flowers sourced from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cielohillsflowers/">Cielo Hills Flowers</a>&nbsp;<h1>How do you meet client expectations without losing your design aesthetic?&nbsp;</h1>There are a million thoughts on this, but from the very beginning, I have made it a point to really sell color palettes and feeling to clients. Communicating thoroughly and continually building that trust factor through imagery, visual proposals, and descriptive language, they become locked in on an overall mood or color scheme instead of zoning in on a specific flower variety. This really allows creative freedom as well as opportunities to surprise and delight if that favorite flower DOES become available!Thank you, Abigail, for sharing your story and design wisdom with us!

Abigail Decorte, floral designer, and owner of Cottage Garden Florals specializes in thoughtful, garden-inspired, and whimsical floral design.

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Designer Feature: Cottage Garden Florals

Photo credit: <a href="https://www.peytoncurry.com/">Peyton Curry</a>; Florals, <a href="https://rooted-strapi.herokuapp.com/admin/plugins/content-manager/collectionType/application::article.article/www.amandaburnette.com">Amanda Burnette</a>; Bride, Hillary Carr, <a href="https://www.vesselandstem.com/">Vessel and Stem</a>Part two in our series for florists and designers working with local product is about three key areas to consider during your proposal-building process:<ul><li>Contract Clauses for Market Substitutes</li><li>Proposals and Flower Boards</li><li>Descriptive Language</li></ul>Related: Check out part 1 of this series - <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/designers-guide-for-embracing-seasonality-and-setting-expectations">Designers Guide for Embracing Seasonality &amp; Setting Expectations</a>.<h3>Contract Clauses</h3>You have done so much work to educate your client on your design process and values. Now it is time to have it in writing! Adding a clause about substitutions to your contract further sets the expectation that you are the trusted expert, and that you have your client’s best interests in mind. It can be very simple: you have the freedom to substitute as needed to achieve the best look and quality of deliverables. Any large changes that need to be made will be communicated to the client, but otherwise, you have the discretion to make substitutions to give them the highest quality product. (Note: Rooted is not offering legal advice and would advise individuals with contract-related questions to seek advice with credentialed legal counsel.)<blockquote>Substitutions: [COMPANY] reserves the right to make substitutions in the event the flowers or decor received are not of the quality suitable to [EVENT]. The integrity of the proposed look and color scheme will be maintained, and flowers of equivalent aesthetic or monetary value will be used.</blockquote><blockquote>“I have a clause in my contract that states I have the right to change blooms and adjust the palette as needed without the client’s approval in order to ensure the expected level of quality. I explain to people that flowers can come in looking bad: beaten up in transit, with lots of breakage, too tight or too open, or the color can be 'off”'. I ask for their trust and the freedom to make substitutes at the last minute." Tobey Nelson, <a href="https://www.tobeynelson.com/">Tobey Nelson Events &amp; Design</a></blockquote><h3>Proposals and Flower Boards</h3>This is your chance to show off how amazing you are at turning your client’s ideas into reality. Flower boards (also known as mood boards) serve several important purposes, including helping your client feel recognized and understood, clarifying the vision, and ensuring everyone is agreeing on a direction. Continue on your path to not promise specific blooms (you’re doing great!). Including only flowers (or mostly flowers) available locally and in alignment with the timing of your client’s event will further set the expectation that you use what is in season.<blockquote>“I promise them a vibe, a color story, not a list of exact ingredients that are going to go into this. It gives me freedom to be creative but it’s not so stressful for me if for example, the sweet peas are all dead. It’s a more realistic way to work and it’s more environmentally friendly. I’ve been trained as a sculptor and painter and you’re hiring me as an artist and to make something beautiful. No arrangement will necessarily be the same. If we have 30 table arrangements, each one is a work of art. I explain that off the bat.” Sarah Saunders, <a href="http://www.sarahsaundersstudio.com/">Sarah Saunders Studio</a></blockquote>Below are a few flower board examples from <a href="https://www.photosynthesis.bz/">Photosynthesis Floral Design</a> that focus on color palette, design elements, and mood. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1676585964/Screen_Shot_2022_07_20_at_3_25_27_PM_fc5e68e9d6.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-07-20 at 3.25.27 PM.png" width="2060" height="1474"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1678211865/Screen_Shot_2023_03_07_at_12_57_11_PM_7ba64207e0.png" alt="Screen Shot 2023-03-07 at 12.57.11 PM.png" width="1888" height="1450"><h3>Descriptive Language</h3>In addition to the visuals, it is equally important to use descriptive language. Words like lush, textural, rounded, wild, or clean can be effective in conveying mood and communicating a specific feeling for an event. For example, words like ‘wild’ or ‘natural’ can connotate a more organic and free-spirited feel, while ‘clean’ can signify a more modern or minimalist look.Below are a few description examples from proposals:“A medium-sized bridal bouquet in tones of pink, peach, and cream, with a focus on fluffy rounded flowers that may include peony, rose, double-flowered tulips, and the like. The work will possess the spirit of the attached inspirational image in terms of texture, color, and composition." Tobey Nelson, <a href="https://www.tobeynelson.com/">Tobey Nelson Events and Design</a>“…an organically structured bouquet of seasonal, locally grown flowers in shades of ivory, blush, and terracotta” Sarah Lambert Freeman, <a href="https://hiveandhollow.earth/">Hive and Hollow</a>Using visual tools like flower boards is a critical step to having clear communication and further establishes your flower expertise. Having a concise contract further ensures you are all on the same page and there aren’t any last-minute unwanted surprises!

Creating Concise Client Proposals & Utilizing Flower Boards
 

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Part 2: Designers Guide for Building Flexibility into Proposals

Photo credit: Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.photosynthesis.bz/">Photosynthesis Floral Design</a>Environmentally conscious consumers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly products. <a href="https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/report/2021/sustainability-connects-retailers-brands-with-conscientious-consumers/">According to a 2021 Nielsen study</a>, 67% of consumers in the U.S. are willing to pay more for sustainable products.Sourcing local flowers is at the nexus of environmental concerns: imported flowers have the second highest carbon footprint among agricultural products!We spoke to several designers about how they meet client requests while sourcing American-grown flowers from small and mid-size farms. As a designer, you have an opportunity to highlight local as a unique selling point and differentiator for your business.If you’re starting to think about shifting to local product but aren’t sure where to begin, we can help! This is the first of a series of articles on how to start the transition to local by building flexibility into your client’s vision, setting expectations, and creating beautiful, sustainable designs that reflect the season.Related: <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">Check out our Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers</a> post for 5 of the most commonly imported flowers and some local alternatives.<h3>Setting Expectations &amp; Embracing Seasonality</h3>When imagining their designs, clients may present you with a couple of loose concepts or an extensive Pinterest board. It is up to you, as the designer, to translate the mood and desired aesthetic to life, but that does not mean you need to follow inspirational photos to a T.If the starring blooms in a client’s photos are not in season at the time of their event, offer locally sourced alternatives and provide images for those alternatives. They will be able to see that you can achieve a similar look with the flowers you are suggesting. Lead with shape, form, and color palette.Designers who incorporate local offer one big piece of advice for this communication process: Refrain from promising specific flowers for events.By not promising specific flowers and varieties, you gain creative freedom and flexibility to use what’s in-season vs. ordering imports (and hoping your delivery does not contain unusable stems.)<blockquote>Buying locally means leaning into the tension a little bit-- being honest, earlier on, that I may not know what exact variety will be available by which exact date. I actually can’t guarantee a specific flower for a specific date. But what I can do is communicate the color palette that works best for their style for this time of year, which varieties I plan on using, whether the stems will be whimsical, romantic, or wild, etc.</blockquote>Rachel Fletcher, Carbon &amp; Co.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1676665522/Screen_Shot_2023_02_17_at_3_24_44_PM_33214de788.png" alt="Screen Shot 2023-02-17 at 3.24.44 PM.png" width="1025" height="680"> Photo credit: Image by Sullivan and Sullivan photography, flowers by <a href="https://www.tobeynelson.com/">Tobey Nelson Events</a><h3>Educating Clients on the Benefits of Local</h3>Part of the relationship-building process is about helping educate your clients on the benefits and value of supporting local: the quality and freshness are unmatched; locally grown product has a substantially smaller carbon footprint and they are supporting local businesses! Help your customers understand how they are contributing to a larger cause.Local flowers are not a compromise or a sacrifice. They are unique, nuanced, and can add depth to your designs that can be hard (or next to impossible) to achieve with imported items. Much of what local farmers grow (e.g., dahlias, lisianthus, zinnias), cannot be sourced globally because they do not ship well in cold temperatures and have a shorter postharvest vase life.Your designs will be unique and special because they represent the time and place in which the flowers are grown. You can more clearly represent each client’s vision with the abundance available to you locally.<blockquote>I talk about freshness &amp; quality and educate them on the real cost of imports and the benefits of local: carbon footprint, pesticide use, investing in local economy vs large corporate farms. In 2021 and moving forward we also talk about the likelihood of getting the things we want, and that choosing locally grown things are more reliable. I also describe how locally farmed blooms often have more character, fragrance, and grace than imports.</blockquote>&nbsp;Tobey Nelson, <a href="https://www.tobeynelson.com/">Tobey Nelson Events &amp; Design</a><blockquote>It’s nice to be able to tell my clients that I can get them things others that go through traditional wholesaler routes can’t.</blockquote>Sarah Saunders, <a href="http://www.sarahsaundersstudio.com/">Sarah Saunders Studio</a><blockquote>You grow when you use what’s growing. It challenges you and you figure out how to make more unique designs.</blockquote>Rhea Calpeno, <a href="https://www.photosynthesis.bz/">Photosynthesis Floral Design</a><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1676665076/RYP_Hanakatoba_093_ab8582e69d.jpg" alt="RYP_Hanakatoba-093.jpeg" width="1000" height="733"> Photo credit: <a href="https://rebeccayalephotography.com/welcome">Rebecca Yale</a>; Flowers <a href="http://www.sarahsaundersstudio.com/">Sarah Saunchers Studio</a>One way to get clients on board and set expectations early on is to clarify your values when it comes to sourcing flowers for their event. Below is a sample of some of the copy Rhea Calpeno of Photosynthesis Floral Design includes in her initial services package document that highlights their commitment to sustainability:<blockquote>We believe in doing our part to help lighten our ecological footprint. As a floral studio, our commitment to sustainability comes into play in every phase of our work: from planning, sourcing, design, and installation to break-down after an event. Flowers are grown all over the world, with a large percentage coming from other countries. To lower our carbon footprint, we strive to source flowers that are in season and locally grown from farms that follow sustainable and fair-trade practices. We invite you to join us in our effort to support our local farmers by making their flowers a priority.</blockquote><blockquote>Using local is a great selling point for me. I write it in proposals, in phone calls. It’s not getting shipped in, therefore the flowers have a smaller carbon footprint. My clients are supporting my small business and I get to support other small businesses. I’m willing to fly in to supplement depending on the season but the bulk of what I buy is sourced locally.&nbsp;</blockquote>Sarah Saunders, <a href="http://www.sarahsaundersstudio.com/">Sarah Saunders Studio</a>Pro-tip: If you source from a local flower market/cooperative or directly from a local farmer, inquire about receiving a sample harvest calendar. This can be a valuable resource when learning what is in season throughout the year.Clients are seeking ways to make their event personalized and want vendors that offer sustainable options. By embracing locally grown flowers, you can reduce your business’ carbon footprint, help your clients achieve their vision, and accomplish an aesthetic that is different from any other design. And you can do all of this by working with your fellow flower friends: farmers!&nbsp;Read part 2 of this series! <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/designers-guide-for-building-flexibility-into-proposals">Part 2: Designers Guide for Building Flexibility into Proposals</a>

Sourcing locally is a selling point! Differentiate yourself and attract like-minded clients!  
 


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Part 1: Designers Guide for Embracing Seasonality & Setting Expectations 

Let’s face it: sometimes brides want tulips in July and ranunculus in autumn. You want bouquets that will stand up to all the hugs, and stunning installations that allow you to only use a water source in strategic places – or none at all! As the global wholesale market continues to deliver twists, turns, and unpleasant surprises, florists are turning to local flower farmers for stability and high-quality flowers.&nbsp;We’ve created this handy substitution guide to help you source seasonal blooms in your area.We’re going to dive into 5 common wedding and event flowers. Remember, we always suggest talking to your local farmer. They know their blooms better than anyone and can give concrete advice about how a flower performs, conditioning tips, and suggestions when it comes to getting what you need.&nbsp;Pro-tip: It’s helpful to show your local farmers your inspiration board! Giving them context about the overall vibe or feel of the event helps them make appropriate suggestions in your color palette.Keep in mind that the seasons below might shift a bit based on your location and there are always new and fun varieties of local flowers each year!&nbsp;<h2>5 Commonly Imported Flowers and their Local Alternatives</h2><h1>1. Roses&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Double Tulips, Poppies, Mock Orange, Ranunculus&nbsp;Summer Subs: LisianthusFall Subs: Dahlias, LisianthusWinter Subs:&nbsp; Ornamental Cabbages + Kales&nbsp;Pro-tip: Strip off the outer green leaves of Ornamental Kales and Cabbages for soft-colored rosettes.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031384/local_1_4c5f68910c.png" alt="local 1.png">Photo Credit: Tulips image courtesy of <a href="https://lovenfreshflowers.com/">Love N' Fresh Flowers</a><h1>2. Gerbera Daisies&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Anemones, Icelandic Poppies&nbsp;Summer Subs: Zinnias, Echinacea/Coneflowers&nbsp;Fall Subs: China Asters, Chrysanthemums&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031388/local_2_0cb1903497.png" alt="local 2.png">Photo Credit: Anemone image courtesy of <a href="https://www.petalsinkfloral.com/the-farm">Grassdale Flower Farm</a>; Chrysanthemum image courtesy of <a href="https://www.windhavenfarm.org/">Wind Haven Farm</a>; Zinnias image courtesy of <a href="https://www.tupelofarmandgarden.com/">Tupelo Farm &amp; Garden&nbsp;</a><h1>3. Baby’s Breath and Wax Flower&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Local Gypsophila, Feverfew, Chamomile, Phlox, Forget-me-nots&nbsp;Summer Subs: Yarrow, Chamomile, Phlox, Gomphrena&nbsp;Fall Subs: Saponaria, Feverfew&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031392/local_3_553f1186ef.png" alt="local 3.png">&nbsp;Photo Credit: Saponaria and Feverfew images courtesy of <a href="https://www.hazelwitchfarm.com/">Hazel Witch Farm &amp; Florals&nbsp;</a><h1>&nbsp;4. Orchids&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Campanula, Penstemon, Bearded Iris&nbsp;Summer Subs: Blackberry Lily, Crocosmia&nbsp;Fall Subs: Tuberose, Toad Lily&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031453/local_4_aad51bd7f0.png" alt="local 4.png">&nbsp;Photo Credit: Tuberose image courtesy of <a href="https://www.hazelwitchfarm.com/">Hazel Witch Farm &amp; Florals</a>; Blackberry Lily image courtesy of <a href="https://www.tupelofarmandgarden.com/">Tupelo Farm &amp; Garden&nbsp;</a><h1>5. Foliage (Nagi, Seeded Eucalyptus, Italian Ruscus)&nbsp;</h1>Spring Subs: Camellia, Abelia, Mountain Laurel, Japanese Holly&nbsp;Summer Subs: Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, Willow Eucalyptus, Unripe Blueberries, Camellia, Mountain Laurel&nbsp;Fall Subs: Mountain Laurel, Japanese Holly, Camellia, Abelia, Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, Willow Eucalyptus&nbsp;Winter Subs: Mountain Laurel, Camellia, Japanese Holly&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708031452/local_5_ab6401d074.png" alt="local 5.png">Photo Credit: Willow Eucalyptus image courtesy of <a href="http://www.eddyfarmct.com/">Eddy Farm</a>; Mountain Laurel and Camellia images courtesy of <a href="https://www.tupelofarmandgarden.com/">Tupelo Farm &amp; Garden</a>Related: Check out our <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/designer-feature-carbon-and-co">interview with Rachel Fletcher of Carbon &amp; Co</a> and how she sets expectations with her clients around using local product, making them feel understood and delivering stunning work that meets their needs!

An easy, seasonal approach to incorporating more local flowers that will still give you the stability you need and the look your clients want!
 

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Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers

We recently connected with floral designer and owner of Carbon and Co., Rachel Fletcher to ask her a few questions about sourcing and working with local flowers. She graciously shared her insights and expertise on meeting client expectations without losing her design aesthetic and personal brand. You can learn more about Rachel and her stunning <a href="https://www.carbonand.co/soul-flowers">floral design work on her site</a>.<h3>Any advice for buyers getting started with local flowers?</h3>Designers getting started with local blooms can often fear the uncertainty that comes with learning a new way to do things. It feels like there’s less stability than the usual practice of ordering through a traditional wholesaler where you can often “reserve” orders weeks or months in advance. In my experience, however, if a designer pushes through that initial discomfort, they will experience the delight that comes with access to such nuanced color palettes, delicate yet hardy blooms, and availability that follows nature’s cues and creates creative opportunities.<h3>How do you set clear expectations with your buyers?</h3>For the past few years, buying locally has been one of the hallmarks of my business. I even talk about it explicitly on my website. Because local blooms have such an impact on my design, I want future clients to know right away that if they want ranunculus in August or fields of orchids, I’m probably not the best fit for them.My goal in the proposal process is to earn my client’s trust, and when people feel seen, known, and understood on what they feel is the most important day of their lives, they don’t seem to feel the need to know the variety of every flower stem. Because they trust you are the expert, so they don’t have to be. None of my clients have gotten married over one hundred times, but I’ve certainly done over one hundred weddings. When I focus on getting to the root of the feeling and vibe they’re going for, highlight the wonderful perks of using local flowers, and remind them that I will use the very best of what their season has to offer, it feels like a win instead of a concession.<h3>How do you meet client expectations without losing your design aesthetic?</h3>Buying locally means leaning into the tension a little bit. It means being honest, earlier on in the process, that I may not know what exact variety will be available by which exact date. I actually can’t guarantee a specific flower for a specific date-- and it’s important to remember that realistically, no one can, even those using traditional wholesalers. We’ve seen this time and again with freak weather occurrences or last year’s white rose apocalypse.So instead of staking my aesthetic or reputation on a specific flower variety, I communicate the color palette that works best for their style for this time of year, which varieties I plan on using, whether the arrangements will be whimsical, romantic, tailored, or wild, etc. Focusing on communicating feelings and story through flowers has always been a win for me. When people feel seen and heard, the details fade away.

Designer Rachel Fletcher shares her insights on working with local product.

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Designer Feature: Carbon & Co

Flowers mark every major milestone in our lives – from birthdays to wedding days, and condolences to I-love-you’s. They symbolize spring, renewal, and affection, and they are unmatched in the grounding promises of hope that they bring to these occasions, however ephemeral they may be.&nbsp;The tradition of gifting flowers dates back thousands of years and is seen across cultures: woven into Greek mythology, prevalent among Confucianists in ancient China, abundant throughout the Renaissance period, and beyond. We carry these traditions forward with us today in our own culture, but with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, those imported roses may just be the heart-shaped elephant in the room.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/2/12/18220984/valentines-day-flowers-roses-environmental-effects">climate impact of imported flowers has been well documented</a>. We all strive to do better, but how do we continue to honor these traditions of gifting flowers while taking into consideration our carbon footprint?&nbsp;That’s where we come in! We’ve curated a list to help you choose a gift that supports small farms and small businesses from across the country to green up your Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a gift for your loved one, a Galentine or Palentine, or for yourself (in the words of the great Amy Poehler and Alan Yang, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSjM5B3QNlw">Treat. Yo. Self</a>!)<h1>1. Ask your florist to source local!</h1>Yes, local flowers in February! It can be weather-dependent, especially for our northern friends, but thanks to increasing demand for local products (yay!), farmers are finding it more feasible to grow early-production crops in greenhouses! Some amazing local flowers your florist may be able to get: poppies, ranunculus, anemones, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths.&nbsp;Here are a few regions where you can find some local blooms: -&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.utahflowermarket.com/">Utah Flower Market</a>, Salt Lake City, UT&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://ironmeadowsflowerfarm.com/">Iron Meadows Flower Farm</a>, Central Illinois</li><li><a href="https://www.brynhillflowerfarm.com/">Brynhill Flower Farm</a>, Pittsburgh, PA</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/localcolorflowers/">Local Color Flowers</a>, Baltimore, MD</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2000/1600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1707163388/DDD_6_D366_1_f497445bac.jpg" alt="DDD6D366- (1).jpg" width="2000" height="1600"></figure><h1>2. Consider Dried!</h1>What better way to convey everlasting love than a literal everlasting bouquet or arrangement? Dried flowers have come a long way since your grandmother’s potpourri! They are a trendy way to bring some long-lasting blooms into your spaces to bridge the gap between fresh, and local availability.&nbsp;Check out some of these options:&nbsp;Send a botanical love letter with these dried bouquets from <a href="https://rushingblooms.myshopify.com/products/love-letter">Rushing Blooms Floral Studio</a><a href="http://www.fielddaycreative.co/shop">Field Day Creative and Vessel + Stem</a> team up for this collab of dried bouquets and pressed flowers&nbsp;Floral jewelry + cuffs – talk with your local farmer about how to source these dried floral adornments!&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708029425/val_1_3888d0cd36.png" alt="val 1.png">Photo Credits: Images courtesy left to right; top to bottom Field Day Creative, Rushing Blooms Floral Studio, Calhoun Flower Farm, Rushing Blooms Floral Studio.&nbsp;<h1>3. Bouquet Shares&nbsp;</h1>Why give for one day when you can bring flowers into their home for a whole season?! Bouquet subscriptions, CSAs, and flower shares are the gift that keeps on giving. Farms and designers offer options to fit all budgets, and it’s a fun surprise to see what you’ll get each week. It is also a great way to learn about new flowers and seasonality, and you’ll know your share is the freshest of the fresh for long-lasting blooms.<a href="https://www.mollyoliverflowers.com/seasonalflowerproject">Molly Oliver Flowers</a>, Brooklyn, NY<a href="https://www.instagram.com/loulou_blooms/">Lou Lou Blooms</a>, Youngstown, OH&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prospecthillfarm.net/shop">Prospect Hill Farm</a>, Richmond, VA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petalsinkfloral.com/buyflowers">Petals, Ink./Grassdale</a>, Austin, TX&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themonkeyflowergroup.com/shop-1">Monkey Flower Group</a>, Napa, CA<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708029430/val_2_2f59f4e021.png" alt="val 2.png">&nbsp;Photo Credits: Images courtesy left to right; top to bottom Monkey Flower Group, Prospect Hill, Molly Oliver, Lou Lou Blooms, Petals, Ink.&nbsp;<h1>4. Floral Art&nbsp;</h1>Farms, local makers, and seasoned professional artists take inspiration from local flowers, and Valentine’s day is a great reason to support makers and small businesses. From pressed flowers to botanically dyed ribbons to floral-inspired ceramics to prints, here are a few options:Floral prints by <a href="https://www.blackwellbotanicals.com/">Blackwell Botanicals</a>Floral fossils and plaster art by <a href="https://www.ronnicole.com/">Ron Nicole</a>Botanically dyed silks and ribbons by <a href="https://www.silkandwillow.com/collections/plant-dyed-silk-ribbon/jewel-tones">Silk and Willow</a>Floral prints and posters by <a href="https://wallbaby.com/us/collections/thomas-mcgrath">TJ McGrath</a>&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708029213/val_3_ab44c63a9e.png" alt="val 3.png">Photo Credits: Images courtesy left to right; top to bottom Silk and Willow, Blackwell Botanicals, Ron Nicole, Silk and Willow, TJ McGrath.&nbsp;<h1>5. Floral Books&nbsp;</h1>Bookworms, farmers, and flower lovers unite! Here are some of our favorite beginner and experienced DIY designer-friendly books, and loaded with stunning photography!&nbsp;Christin Geall's <a href="https://www.cultivatedbychristin.com/book">Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style</a> covers all aspects of floral design, including how to choose flowers to grow or arrange, selecting tools and vessels, balancing color and form, and photographing arrangements&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/color-me-floral">Color Me Floral: Stunning Monochromatic Arrangements for Every Season</a> by Kiana Underwood highlights techniques for creating gorgeous single-color arrangements using seasonal elements, dramatic textures, and vibrant colors.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/243477/the-flower-workshop-by-ariella-chezar-with-julie-michaels/">The Flower Workshop</a> by Ariella Chezar details her philosophy on everything from texture and color to foliage and containers, sharing her approach to living and working with flowers, with an eye toward fresh, local, wild, seasonally influenced floral design.&nbsp;<a href="https://susanmcleary.com/flowers-for-all">Flowers for All: Modern Floral Arrangements for Beauty, Joy, and Mindfulness Every Da</a>y by Susan McCleary abandons the hard-to-find botanicals in favor of creating stunning, joyful floral displays using just a few elements.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708029482/val_4_70738abad3.png" alt="val 4.png">&nbsp;<h1>6. Botanical Products&nbsp;</h1>Self-care is love! Botanical products for home, face, and body are great small giftable items – soothing lavender bath bombs, healing calendula salves, invigorating handmade soaps, and protective lip balms to name a few! Check out these small-batch offerings from a couple of our favorite farms:&nbsp;New Mexico's <a href="https://calhoun-flower-farms.myshopify.com/">Calhoun Flower Farm</a> boasts a beautiful collection of hand-made botanical soaps, bath bombs, candles, and more!&nbsp;Maine's <a href="https://freshpickinsfarm.com/pages/products">Fresh Pickins</a> creates a variety of organic whole-body products; hand made, cultivated and foraged in Maine.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1708029481/val_5_aadd21a54f.png" alt="val 5.png">Photo Credits: Top left and bottom middle and right images courtesy of Calhoun Flower Farm; Top middle, bottom left images courtesy of Fresh Pickins

We’ve curated a list to help you choose a gift that supports small farms and small businesses to green up your Valentine’s Day!

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6 Ways to Green Up Your Valentine’s Purchase

Follow Along with our 3 part Farm Finances series with this Glossary of Key Financial Terms!<a href="https://rooted-strapi.herokuapp.com/blog/farm-finances-an-introduction">Farm Finances: An Introduction</a><a href="https://rooted-strapi.herokuapp.com/blog/farm-finances-let-s-talk-revenue-sales">Farm Finances: Let’s talk Revenue Sales</a><a href="https://rooted-strapi.herokuapp.com/blog/farm-finances-dig-into-expenses">Farm Finances: Dig Into Expenses</a>Breakeven - The point at which the amount of money that you make equals the money that you spent. For example, if in calendar year 2018 you spent $10,000 on compost/labor/seeds/bulbs/equipment, and during that same year, your farm made $10,000 from wholesale/CSAs, then your farm broke even in 2018.Cost of Sales – These are the costs of actually producing flower stems. They increase as you sell more stems and are often referred to as ‘variable costs.’Financial Statements – There are several of these often used by businesses of any kind; they include a balance sheet (this looks at assets and liabilities), an income statement (tracks sales and expenses), and a statement of cash flows (tracks the increases and decreases in cash for a business over a period of time).Gross Profit – Revenue minus cost of sales (see worksheet for numeric example).Income Statement – (NOTE: This is the most important financial statement for you to develop some comfort with). The income statement is the financial statement used by a business to track the sales and expenses over a set period of time. This can be done monthly or annually (or both). It is sometimes referred to as a P&amp;L (profit &amp; loss statement).Line Items – Sub-categories of items or activities that are found within a financial statement. Within Revenue on an income statement, the line items you would likely find for a farm could include Wholesale Cut Flowers, CSA/Subscription, and Pick-Your-Own.Operating Expenses – These are expenses related to running your farm that cannot be attributed directly to production of a specific item. This is often referred to as OPEX for short, but can also be called ‘overhead’ or ‘fixed costs.’Operating Profit – Gross profit minus operating expenses (see worksheet for example).Revenue (or Sales) – These equivalent terms refer to the money you receive for selling products and services to customers.Revenue Streams – Also called sales channels, revenue streams represent various sources of income for your farm – these could include wholesale cut flowers, CSA/subscriptions, farmer’s market sales, weddings and events, etc.Upfront Capital Investment – The money that you are spending to get a farm or business running before you are generating any sales. For example, in a first-year farm, the amount of money spent on seed starting supplies, seeds, considerable bed amendments, shovels, rakes, etc. would all be considered an upfront capital investment.<a href="https://rooted-strapi.herokuapp.com/static/glossary-farm-finances.pdf">Download Glossary Here</a>

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