In Full Flower

As I recently shared in a post about all the beautiful new flower books, the new release In Full Flower: Inspired Designs by Floral’s New Creatives by Gemma and Andrew Ingalls is a must-have for any flower lover.

Published by Rizzoli, this beautiful  book not only features stunning floral artwork, but also provides fascinating insights into each of the designers’ lives, backgrounds and design philosophies.

Perhaps what excites me most about the book, beyond the gorgeous photography, is the common thread of seasonality that is woven throughout virtually all of the designs and the artists’ approaches to design.  Local, seasonal and foraged blooms and branches clearly take center stage. And that is definitely something to celebrate and support.

Gemma’s remarks in the preface of the book capture this essence of seasonal floral design: “Similar to a memorable meal meticulously created and presented, only to be consumed shortly thereafter, flower art is living, nebulous, timebased stuff, to be appreciated in the moment, and then it’s fleetingly gone, back to the earth.”

On page after beautiful page, you’ll see this seasonal approach to design that focuses on the organic forms found in nature, rather than a rigid or formal design recipe.

While you’ll have to buy the book to see for yourself, today I thought I would share few of the “outtakes” from the photo shoot I did with the authors.

Gemma and Andrew were such a joy to work with on the project. They were kind, patient, gracious and professional from start to finish.  I learned so much observing their techniques and had so fun working with them and also interacting with their adorable children who wandered the rows of flowers and explored the farm while we worked.

It is such an honor to be included in the book, especially alongside so many talented designers and artist.

Featured in the book are a number of designers I’ve had the opportunity to meet, work with, or interview as part of Floret’s Farmer and the Florist series, including Amy Merrick, Ariella Chezar, Mandy & Steve O’Shea, Sarah Ryhanen, Jill Rizzo + Alethea Harampolis.

The camaraderie, mutual respect and collaboration that has developed among the many designers featured in the book is really special. Unlike other fields where competition can be cut-throat, there is a real sense of community among the designers. I’m proud to call many of them my colleagues and friends.

If you haven’t gotten your copy or are on the fence, I promise that In Full Flower does not disappoint. You can buy it online here or through your local bookseller.

All photos courtesy of and copyright Ingalls Photo.