20 years ago, when I started Floret, it was just a tiny seed of an idea, and the flower industry looked nothing like it does today. At the time, the term farmer-florist didn’t exist yet. You were either a floral designer or a flower farmer, but you couldn’t be both—the two worlds were kept entirely separate. Most flower arrangements were filled with imported blooms that were completely out of season and looked nothing like the ones growing in my garden or on other local farms.
Determined to bridge the two worlds, I spent years educating myself and trying to convince the key players in the industry that by working together and being more in sync with nature, we could change things for the better. Despite numerous setbacks, many dead ends, and more obstacles than I can count, this story actually has a happy ending, and today I’m excited to share that with you.
The floral industry is undergoing a huge transformation, and the farmer-florist community is steadily changing the way the world thinks about flowers and the people who grow them. It has been such an incredible honor to be part of this passionate and dedicated community. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
If you’re interested in seasonal floral design, you can learn more about our brand new Flower Arranging Workshop here and sign up for the waitlist below. Registration opens April 21 at 9 a.m.
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Kristin Johnsen on
I wish I was younger and had more time to find a plot and start a garden! You are just so inspiring and such a champion for everyone in this and other small businesses! I love seeing all the arrangements – and think that my mom, a former Skagit County resident and a lover of flower arranging from her garden, would just love this! Her 70’s era bouquets often included berries and seed pods – before it was cool! thanks as always for sharing your stories.