Floral Dress-Up

What is it about wearing fresh flowers that makes us feel extra special? Simply put, flowers make the idea accessory, like a flower crown or boutonniere. They are natural, stylish and there is something sensual and romantic about wearing flowers. There’s no doubt, we think floral accessorizing should not be exclusive to weddings or school proms, they are perfect for most any occasion.

During the month of March, we took our love for flowers and accessorizing to the next level: Botanical Couture or Floral Dress-Up. American Flowers Week (June 28-July 4), a homegrown social media campaign established in 2015 as part of the Slow Flowers Society invites flower lovers (gardeners, florists & farmers) to celebrate beauty, sustainability and joy of local and seasonal flowers across the U.S. Teams of flower farmers and floral designers create wearable botanical clothing and accessories. Each look reflects a particular seasonal harvest straight from the fields, while also showcasing the farm and designer’s talent. The chic floral fashions created are worn by live models and photographed for publication.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to team up with designer, Kelly Shore, owner of Petals by the Shore in Damascus, MD. Inspired by the breathtaking selection of Australian native wildflowers (particularly the Chamelaucium or waxflower) being grown here on the farm, Kelly created her own Nature’s Poetry. Frilly filler flowers, meshed in a mix of pink and white hues, layer upon layer, mimicked ruffles on a street length skirt.

Plus, accessories! A gorgeous waistband laden with Serruria Pretty & Pink and necklace to compliment with an added layering of eucalyptus and heather. The hat, garnished with more of the seasonal delicacies.

“Flowers transformed as art or sculpture, as fashion and beauty, as a symbol of the human desire to connect with nature, there is much more to each bloom than one might imagine” – Slow Flowers 2021

Photography by Madeleine Collins & Diana Roy

June Articles of Interest

The Unconventional Beauties Whose Time Has Come

Proteas are all about flower power and staying power. From a lineage of some of the oldest of plants on earth dating back to a time before dinosaurs became fully evolved, proteas, with their prehistorically edgy and unconventional appearances, are flourishing in the cut flower industry today.

Demand for them by the floral trade has risen in the past 20 years from near obscurity to being must-haves in bouquets and arrangements for weddings, special occasions, holiday decorations and personal gifts of appreciation and love.

Read more here.
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Banksia, Banksia

I don’t know what it is, but I am drawn to plants that are popular with florists. Could be that these plants have a strong constitution, usually have unique shapes and forms, or proudly pronounce their pretty petal power. One example is the under-the-radar Banksia family. You may not know these plants by name but if you hang around floral shops, you’ve definitely seen them and said, “Oh, those are expensive but cool looking flowers!”

Please keep reading to learning more about Banksia:

Read more here.

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Slow Flowers Journal – American Flowers Week 2021

This year marks our sixth Botanical Couture collection for American Flowers Week. With 25 looks created to date, and recovering from the challenges of 2020 and the global pandemic, we are thrilled to share one dozen new wearable fashions showcased in the 2021 collection! What is the point of this Botanical Couture series? Is it frivolous? Yes! Is it strategic? Yes! By presenting flowers as fashion, photographed with editorial styling to tell a story, the American Flowers Week campaign shines a light on the talented growers and designers who are part of the Slow Flowers Movement. Moreover, it changes what we think of flowers. No longer just a perishable item to capture a sentiment in time, perhaps the flowers, foliage, foraged botanicals, and natural elements you see in these pages will shift and expand your thinking. With flowers transformed as art or sculpture, as fashion and beauty, as a symbol of the human desire to connect with nature, there is much more to each bloom than one might imagine.

Read more here.

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Take It Tropical

“To me, the colorful tropical flowers that bloom in warmer climates symbolize sunny days, sandy beaches, and island vibes.”—Jessica Cohen

For the vase, Cohen chose a blue-green glass vessel reminiscent of sea glass and ocean views. Then for the flowers, she chose bold, exotic blooms such as protea, pincushions, and beehive ginger. Finally, for a playful touch, she added gloriosa lilies and craspedia, a sphere-shaped flower covered in tiny yellow flowers. The vibrant result makes a perfect centerpiece for a tropical-themed party or a “just because” gift to brighten someone’s day.

Read more here.

June Articles of Interest

San Diego County farmers fight
for share of federal COVID-19 relief money

Farmers who grow San Diego County’s most valuable crops may miss out on federal cash for coronavirus-related losses because some of their agriculture products — primarily flowers, nursery plants and exotic fruits — are not included in the relief program.

Read more here.
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The coastal banksia has its roots in ancient Gondwana

If you fondly remember May Gibbs's Gumnut Baby stories about the adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, you may also remember the villainous Big Bad Banksia Men (perhaps you're still having nightmares about them).

But banksias are nothing to be afraid of. They're a marvelous group of Australian native trees and shrubs, with an ancient heritage and a vital role in Australian plant ecology, colonial history and bushfire regeneration.

Read more here.
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American-grown blooms for American Flowers Week

You’re invited to join the Social Media experience and share images of #redwhiteblueflowers for #americanflowersweek (June 28-July 4). Of course, we hope everyone features local and seasonal flowers — from your own garden, or sourced from a flower farm in your area.

We love what Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore and The Floral Source has launched as part of her AMERICAN FLOWERS WEEK promotion and we want to share it here to inspire your own floral plans!

Read more here.