I was so excited to teach this workshop in early July. It filled up quickly with lots of great designers from all over the country, designers anxious to get more of an understanding about how to design with locally-grown flowers in that loose organic style that is the Love ‘n Fresh signature. They were also eager to experience the farm and I was thrilled to share it with them.
The awesome Emily Wren was there to capture all these beautiful images. I’m ever so grateful to her for her talent and time!

The weather was HOT and humid so we gathered in the shade of some tall trees at the edge of the field, and a pleasant breeze kept us cool. Lynn, volunteer extraordinaire, made some yummy nibbles, including homemade hummus and bruschetta. I made a simple syrup from lemon balm, mint, and sage grown at the farm. Mixed with chilled Perseco, seltzer and some watermelon balls, it made the perfect refreshing summer cocktail. Everyone relaxed for a bit with food and drinks as late-comers pulled in. There was a buzz of passionate conversation about all things flowers.








We took a tour of the farm, and I answered lots of thoughtful questions about farming methods and particular varieties of flowers blooming in the field. A big hit were the tiny green pearl tomatoes that got everyone’s imaginations running.





A bit sweaty from the hot stroll, we returned to the shade for the design demo portion. I confessed that I don’t plan my designs ahead at all and simply look at the harvest buckets and go with what appeals to me most. No recipes or formulas. Just a natural response to the beauty of the blooms.









Everyone was unleashed to create their own designs and given permission to cut anything they wanted from the field. It was fun to watch them all go out with scissors and come back to the design tables with armfuls of loot in all shapes and colors. They combined their harvests with flowers from the many buckets I had already harvested the day before. There was no shortage of materials and each resulting design was so unique. Many of the ladies made multiple designs. Can’t wait to do it again soon!