The Original Floral Decorator

Constance Spry: Her inspiration and Innovation continues

New York Times

'Do whatever you please. Follow your own star: be original if you want to be and don't if you don't want to be. Just be natural and gay and light-hearted and pretty and simple and overflowing and general and baroque and bare and austere and stylized and wild and daring and conservative. And learn and learn and learn. Open your mind to every form of beauty.'

—CONSTANCE SPRY

We are sharing this week’s podcast episode as a blog post to highlight the influence of British educator, self-declared floral decorator, and author, Constance Spry. Our guest this week is currently serving as guest curator for a new exhibition celebrating the life of Constance Spry set to open in April at the Garden Museum in London. Join me now for my chat with Royal Florist and previous guest of The Flower Podcast, Shane Connolly, as we take a peak into the brilliance of this legendary floral artist. Shane also shares the influence of Constance Spry on his own designs throughout his floral journey.

We're thrilled to host Shane Connolly again to The Flower Podcast. This week Shane and I chat about the amazing life and influence of Constance Spry. Constance Spry is a pioneer of floral design and her life's work was to coalesce her love of gardening, nature, and her passion for teaching.

Floral pioneer Constance Spry in her drawing room at Winkfield Place in 1952 CREDIT: Alamy/ The Telegraph

The Marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten Credit: The Halton Royals Collection/ The Telegraph

The Marriage of Nancy Beaton and Hugh Smiley Credit The Daily Herald Archive/The Telegraph

Credit to The Derby Telegraph

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A few thoughts from Shane

Image courtesy of Shane Connolly

• Embrace the process of trial and error. Many times we produce our most memorable work by staying the course.

• Danger…We should never design to be safe but design for what suits your creative explorations and your clients requests.

• Constance Spry was a true believer that beauty uplifts people. The simple expression of giving flowers is very personal.

• Sometimes your best actually happens when everything is failing, and you have to go with your instincts. It also builds your confidence in trusting yourself.

• Constance Spry’s view was that nothing was off limits in design. It was never just about flowers but incorporating fruits, vegetables, foliages, and other items of nature.

• If you want to be a floral artist, you have to do something unique, something different. You must behave as an artist.

Shane spoke of his mantel designs from this year’s Cathedral Antiques Show in Atlanta. Using the art as his inspiration, Shane’s designs, once again reflect his beliefs of incorporating additional natural elements along with foam free mechanics. Also, the simplicity of using a single flower choice and minimal decor pieces can be just as enticing as the bold and brilliance use of color in the third piece.

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• When you are new and adventuring into your own floral journey, it is almost instinctive to want to please everyone. You may find yourself using everything in sight. A wonderful lesson to learn early on…You do not have to! As your floral journey unfolds, you will gain confidence as you progress in your own design style.

• Designers may worry about what is expected and in the process one ends up doing the same thing. Designs become serviceable not original and beautiful.

Shane Connolly and Emily Thompson

We know this is extremely short notice, but we wanted to mention an online event conversation with Shane Connolly and New York florist, Emily Thompson. The event is hosted by Garden Museum, Feb. 23, 2021 at 6:30pm (GMT). Click here for more information 

Florals by Emily Thompson/Image by Mia Kim

Florals by Emily Thompson/Image by Nicholas Calcott

If you would like to learn more about Shane Connolly or Emily Thompson, listen now to their floral stories on The Flower Podcast

Shane Connolly, Owner of Shane Connolly and Company, chats with Scott Shepherd this week on The Flower Podcast. He discusses the wedding he designed for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, his love for the meaning of flowers, and his passion for creating foam free designs. Shane is a wealth of knowledge and experiences.

This week's guest is Emily Thompson owner of Emily Thompson Flowers is located in New York City. I have followed Emily's creative artful design work for years and her artistic gift for taking the raw beauty in nature and orchestrating a floral masterpiece in any season.

We would like to thank Shane Connolly for giving us a glimpse into the life of this amazing trailblazer and for sharing the personal impact Constance Spry has had on his design and approach to florals and the abundance of beauty in nature. If you have any or know of any items, students, or images concerning Constance Spry please email shane at shane@shaneconnolly.co.uk.

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Pantone® Color Floral Inspirations

Pantone Color 2021

"It's a combination that speaks to the resilience, the optimism and hope and positivity that we need, as we reset, renew, reimagine and reinvent," said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute,

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I believe we were all surprised when Pantone’s Color of 2021 was revealed to include two colors. In the past 20 years, only one other time has Pantone® blended two shades (Rose Quartz and Serenity) to be their Color of the Year.

This year’s colors, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating truly reflect a unique voice of strength and hope as we enter 2021. Reflecting on the many events of last year, I believe the human heart continues to press forward through pain, suffering, and loss yet as much as it presses forward through the pain, the heart also rejoices in the hope of healing, togetherness, and growth.

Florals by @Ariellachezar | Image by Corbin Gurkin

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Scouring my images, I have picked a few that I believe are reflections of this unique color combination. The longer I observe these colors and ponder the meaning or interpretation of these shades, the more I feel the connection between the bleak, cold, and cloudy gray and the vibrant, cheerful, warming yellow. One can almost picture a dreary day disappearing as the hope of the happy golden rays peak from behind the gloomy covering and the warmth of the sun changes the mood.

Florals by Putnam and Putnam

Florals and image by @bouquetAtlanta

Florals by @amynicolefloral

image by Sarah Collier Photography

Florals by @maxowensdesign

Image by Bonnie Sen

Florals and image by @bouquetatlanta

Florals by @bluejasminefloral

Image by @lauradowlingtheflorist

Florals by @lauradowlingflorist

Florals by @bluejasminefloral

Florals by @amynicolefloral | Image by Laura Lam

Florals by @maxowensdesigns | Image by @charlastorey

Florals by @ashleywoodsonbailey

Florals by Mindy Rice

Florals by @bluejasminefloral

Florals by Mindy Rice | Image by Joel Serrato

Florals by @whitemagnoliadesign

Origin of florals and image unknown

Florals by Velvet & Twine

Florals by Ariella Chezar | Image by Corbin Gurkin

Florals by Ponderosa and Thyme

Florals by Velvet & Twine

Florals by The Flower Hat

Florals by Velvet & Twine

Scott’s Favorite Flowers for Pantone® Inspiration

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Rose Gold Yellow

Daffodil Yellow ‘Carlton’

Peony ‘Yellow Heaven’

Ranunculus Butterfly™

Forsythia

Mimosa ‘Mirandole’ or Acacia

Yellow Parrot Tulip

Cosmos ‘Xantho’s

Poppies

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French Anemone

Desert Yearning Amaranthus

Silver Brunnia

Dusty Miller

Rose Westminster Abbey

Tillandsia Xerographica

Kochia

Echevaria

Stachys / Lambs Ear

Sunflowers: Exploring the Sunshine of the Summer

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It’s what the sunflowers do. – Helen Keller

Flowers and Photo by Basecamp Farms

Sunflowers have been a staple in the floral industry for as long as I can remember. They have been the shinning star of the summer season, the sunshine of flower field, and I can’t help but smile when I see a sunflower! Over 20 years ago I was asked by a customer if I thought sunflowers would be a fleeting fad or would they endure as a long lasting favorite. I thought back then, as I do now, that sunflowers were here to stay and stay they have. They have only grown in popularity which has led the breeders to develop more and more varieties and styles.

I hope to share some of the names and faces so you can ask for them by name. With every season there is a shift in certain types of flowers and colors. Why not include sunflowers in that transition from spring through fall. There is so much variety within this flower group, we will never have to look at sunflowers as a one trick pony.

This variety is Starburst Lemon Aura, grown by Sapelo Farms.

As a grower, there are several determining factors when deciding to grow sunflowers and then which variety to grow. Do you have enough space to grow successions of sunflowers? Is your season long enough? (and most are.) How are you selling them and when are you selling them? Many of the varieties grown for cut production are single cut flowers/plants and the size of growing space and timing plays an important role in profitability.

When we write a blog post, especially about flowers, it’s usually to help you grow in awarenesses of all the varieties or choices that are out in the world of flowers. Well, the family of sunflowers is quite extensive so I hope to scale this information down to the top choices in the family of sunflowers.

I want to also add that all the varieties that I’ll be sharing are considered pollen-less. Your customers will appreciate this more than you’ll ever know. No matter if you make market bouquets or bridal bouquets, pollen gets messy. I’ve seen it happen several times, especially with new growers, if you don’t pay attention and check the varieties you’re going to grow, you may have unhappy customers with yellow stained dresses and tableclothes, or worse.

Vincent's® Fresh/ Image from Basecamp Farms

Vincent's® Choice/ Image by Wilmor Farms

Vincent's® Deep Orange/ Image by Sakata Seeds

Vincent’s® Sunflower Series

I have to admit that I was surprised that these three sunflower varieties above are so popular. As I learned more about them, I can totally understand. This series meets all the regular criteria for growing sunflowers. They have a high germination rate and are pollenless. When growing a flower that only produces a single cut flower, days to maturity is key factor for turning the land and increasing your total production. Vincent’s® Sunflower Series is perfect for cut flower production and has become a favorite among flower farmers. Being day length neutral gives more flexibility and is a wonderful choice for succession planting to provide sunflowers through your seasons.  Vincent’s® Choice and Vincent’s® Deep Orange have traditional brown eye centers while Vincent’s®Fresh brings a refreshing pale green center. With its extra layering of golden petals, its appearance boasts a double flowered and fabulous look while also being perfect for bouquets with its bloom facing more upward.

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ProCut® Orange / Image by Rachel Landon

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ProCut® Gold / Image by @abbysnodgrass

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ProCut@ Horizon / Image by Lisa Ziegler

ProCut® Sunflowers

If there is one series that I hear discussed time and time again, it is the tried and true ProCut® series of sunflowers. I’ve heard from several people that the first ProCut® Orange is one of the favorites for strength of stem and brightness of the traditional coloring we’ve all come to love in sunflowers. The second variety is ProCut® Gold. Again, great stems and with the absence of the brown center the brightness of color is bold and beautiful. Last, but not least, ProCut® Horizon has all of the great qualities of this series, however the flower tends to be directed more upward when compared to its cousins. Horizon, refers to the orientation of the flower, which by the way, only enhances this wonderful flowers curb appeal in bouquets or bunches.

I have heard it said that sometimes their flowers are too large. However, these varieties as many of them, are directly affected by temperature, day length, and especially spacing. If you want smaller size flowers with thinner stems, spacing them 6” x 6” or closer will accomplish this. For larger blooms and bigger stems, planting the sunflowers 9” x 9” or more will help give them the space and sun to produce more substantial flowers. You may be surprised that there is a market and uses for both sizes.

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ProCut® Plum / Image by Basecamp Farms

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ProCut® Red / Image by @crgardening

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ProCut® White Nite / Image by Floret Farms

The Many colors of Sunflowers

When I read that it could take up to 6-10 years to hybridize a new variety of sunflower I was amazed. I don’t believe any of us will ever grow weary in anticipation of new colors or new varieties in any flower, but sunflower colors will always fascinate me. One of the reasons I get so excited about additional colors is the extension of the growing season providing us with seasonal palettes of beauty. For example, some of the yellow varieties with green centers are very popular in the early spring while the darker chocolates and plums are stunning in the fall. The traditional varieties with the yellow/orange petals and brown/dark centers are in demand year round.

One of my favorites is the first image, ProCut® Plum. Over the years of selling locally grown sunflowers, or for that matter any sunflower, the traditional coloring of the yellow/orange sunflower is always popular throughout the summer and the fall. This traditional flower however, isn’t always popular for weddings and events and tends to be more theme specific. . ProCut® Plum lends itself to bridging so many of the stunning color palettes of the fall wedding and event season and easy to incorporate with the more muted tones of cocoas, blush, and golds. This sunflower definitely makes its presence known.

ProCut® Red is nothing short of rich lushness. Over the years I’ve been asked for red varieties, and I have to admit that I would have never thought of this as “red,” but as this deep rust-colored flower opens, it unfurls to hints of red wine and crimson extending from a chocolate center. Not a traditional red, but a beautiful rustish red, perfect for the late summer into the fall season.

The third image is ProCut® White Nite, one of the newer varieties of “White” sunflowers. Haven’t we all longed for a white sunflower? Our wait is over. This lovely cream fades to ivory and continues to grow lighter and more beautiful. Be sure to check out the ProCut® White Lite as another option. The difference of two being their lovely centers. White Nite with its traditional brown center compared to the yellow honey colored center of White Lite . These varieties of ProCut® sunflowers have increased the marketability and range of colors within the world of sunflowers, and I am eagerly anticipating future varieties!

Gold Rush by Sapelo Farms

Buttercream by Sapelo Farms

Starburst Lemon Aura by Sapelo Farms

Branching Sunflowers

Branching sunflowers are something that I’ve recently started exploring. Many years ago, I would have local flower farmers bring me selections of branching sunflowers much to both of our disappointment. Their stems were too short and the shelf life was less than favorable. Recently, I visited a flower farm in North Georgia, Sapelo Farms. Gabe and B.A., a wonderful mother/daughter team have experienced a great level of success growing these varieties above and refreshed my interest to look at them again. We took these images while we were visiting, and I was very impressed. Gabe said the stem length and flower size work great for their market bouquets. The shelf life was greater than 7+ days, while each plant continues to produce several stems increasing the production in each row. All three provided clean pretty flowers on nice stems, of course shorter than single stem varieties, but still beautiful flowers for smaller spaces.

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Sunflower Teddybear / Image by Gloria Viktoria

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Sunflower Jade / Image by @zlatamrdjic

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Sunflower Lemoncello / Image by Rebuz SA

Fan Favorites

Recently we conducted a very informal survey through Instagram and many of the varieties above were included, however these three I felt needed to be mentioned.

The first image is of what many call the Teddybear Sunflower. With it’s apparent lack of a center and abundant petal count, there are now several hybridized varieties that fall into this category. I’ve seen Teddybear Sunflowers large and small, both have always been popular among the novelty sunflower connoisseurs.

The next two varieties have definitely paved the way to a pale lemon shade of yellow, Sunflower Jade and Sunflower Limoncello. Limoncello was a popular variety that we were able to source from California from time to time. It’s lighter yellow would sometimes clash with other yellow shades, but the novelty, size, and clarity of color, made it a true favorite for florists.

ProCut® Plum grown, designed, and photographed by Jennie Love, Love ‘N Fresh Flowers.

If you’re new to sunflower growing and processing, I might add that these pillars of the summer cutting garden need a good clean cut and LOTS of water. I was regularly accused of putting too much water in a sunflower bucket, only to return to it the next day half empty. These thirsty giants will perform well for you and your customers all summer long, so prepare to plant almost weekly successions.

Sunflowers are the main attraction of summer. If you’re part of a busy weekend farmers market and you sell sunflowers, I’m sure you’ve seen it time and time again… Someone across the crowded distance sees those big happy faces of yellow and brown smiling brilliantly and they make a bee line straight to your table or booth! These beauties ooze sunshine and spark a sense of joy and delight just waiting to be scooped up and taken home.

It’s so tempting to stick with the tried and true, but with all of the new varieties available now, I encourage you to explore these incredible selections. So whether you are the florist or the farmer, I believe you will be delighted with the new color innovations in the world of sunflowers.

This is but a taste of the world of sunflowers. With over 70+ cultivars of sunflowers, we’ve only scratched the surface of an ever-growing family of flowers that bring so much joy and happiness from a single bouquet to changing the face of a large event. There is sunflower for every occasion! If you haven’t grown sunflowers before now, it’s probably not too late to add this incredible addition to your garden or cut flower farm. Find your favorite variety, explore the offerings, and most importantly give your feedback to a local wholesaler or local flower source.

Florals by Laura Dowling

Florals by Petals by the Shore/Image by Kelly Hornberger

Image by Wilmor Farms

Image by Basecamp Farms

Geogria Monroe/Basecamp Farms

Image by Wilmor Farms

Image by Wilmor Farms

Flowers by Tobey Nelson/Image by Jaquilyn Shumate Photography

Florals by Laura Dowling

Peony Highlights from Alaska Peony Cooperative

As the curtain falls upon the glorious peony season in the lower 48, a new season is just beginning to peak among the majestic backdrop of white tipped mountains, 20 hour sun filled days, and fields patiently waiting to burst into a kaleidoscope of color. The Alaskan Peony Season has arrived!

I recently spoke with Martha Lojewski, Sales Manager for Alaska Peony Cooperative, in a podcast episode and also was joined by two amazing peony growers on IG Live for tours showcasing their own peony fields. Peonies continue to be one of the favorite flowers for floral work and for personal gardens around the world. With its signature lush blooms, versatile color palette, and of course their unforgettable fragrance, peonies are a perfect choice for the simplest of bouquets to the luxurious most dreamy wedding.

In a previous blog post, we featured the Alaska Peony Cooperative “ How to Plant a Peony Cutting Garden”, a guide to creating and maintaining a beautiful display of peonies. Click Here to learn more about the comprehensive guide to planting, irrigation, maintenance, cultivars and more.

I am excited to bring you just a few of my favorites from this latest guide by Alaska Peony Cooperative, “Passionate for Peonies Guide”. For the complete PDF follow the link at the end of the post.

Be sure to listen to Martha’s episode and visit our YouTube Channel for the peony farm tours through Instagram LIVE. We’ve included links at the end of this post. We’re also excited to share, that for the 2020 Peony Season, you can use the Discount Code THEFLOWERPODCAST and save 20% off your peony order when you Shop Alaska Peony Cooperative.

Image by @rawsomephotography

Image by @abigaillewisphoto ⁠

There’s so much great content about each of these peonies, some of which I’m just now learning about too. Being able to source peonies throughout the summer, especially this summer with the downsizing of weddings to a more intimate congregation of family and friends, it’s nice to know that you can access peonies to make your wedding and event extra special.

The season for peonies with the Alaska Peony Cooperative begins June 29th and hopefully will extend to August 13th, give or take a few days, due to weather. So if you need flowers for a bridal bouquet or to create a stunning tablescape, know that you can order as few as 20 stems up to whatever number of stems you might want. With the Cooperatives smaller packing you can even order these amazing flowers for friends and family members as special gifts.

Again, We’re also excited to share, that for the 2020 Peony Season, you can use the Discount Code THEFLOWERPODCAST and save 20% off your peony order.

If you’ve enjoyed these information packed pages, I would encourage you to follow the link below to see the full 30 page resource from the Alaska Peony Cooperative. Thank you Martha and the entire cooperative for you dedication in creating this resource and for growing such beautiful peonies.

Romantic Fritillaria

Design by Sarah Winward, Photograph by Kate Osborne

With the beginning of Spring, there are so many flowers that stir my soul and speak to my heart. I love tulips, lilacs, hyacinths, daffodils, my favorite hellebores, ranunculus; the list goes on and on but Fritillaria has awakened a new interest.

With so many events and weddings being cancelled or postponed, I wanted to highlight a flower that has evoked so much happiness and conversation within the floral community.

Floral designers create that additional touch of magic by tucking these whimisical blooms in their bridal bouquets or wedding designs. I’m not sure there is any flower that can cause goose bumps and chills like the family of Fritillaria among flower enthusiasts.

In this blog post, I want to introduce you to this wonderful bell-shaped flower sure to add personality to any design with its dripping and effortless movement. I hope to brighten your day and encourage you to keep feeding your love of flowers.

Fritillaria meliagris

Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba"‘ Image from Vanengelen

This video was posted about 4 weeks ago. Hilverda De Boer visited Gia Flowers; grower of Fritillaria. More about Hilverda De Boer: - website: www.hilverdadeboer.nl - facebook: www.facebook.com/hilve...

Fritillaria persica

Fritillaria persica growing in the field at GIA Flowers.

Fritillaria persica ‘Alba’

Fritillaria acmopetala

Fritillaria imperial orange

Fritillaria imperial ‘Rubra Star’ in the field from GIA Flowers

Fritillaria imperial yellow

The Imperial Fritillaria are among the largest of the species and to me, the most majestic of them all. This amazing flower exudes elegance and charm as it flourishes in a garden or flaunts its beauty in a floral design.

Harvested Fritillaria imperial ‘Lutea’ at GIA Flowers

Image by Emily Avenson of Fleuropean

GIA Flowers one of the only growers of this special variety. Fritillaria Radeana

The amazing Fritillaria Radeana may not be as well known, but it is truly beautiful. I love its bright green flower that transitions into white.

The image to the left is from Emily Avenson of Fleuropean. Emily shares a love for this amazing family of flowers. What does this piece speak to you? I feel a sense of calm when I look at this image. My busy thoughts seem to melt away and bring me back to focus with a sense of peace. Thank you Emily, for sharing your gorgeous image. The Fritillaria featured in this image is the F. Radeana.

Fritillaria ‘michailovskyi’ held by Susan Mcleary and grown by @marillafieldandflora

Fritillaria ‘Sewerzowii’ from Gia flowers

Fritillaria Uva vilpis in the field from GIA Flowers

Fritillaria elessi is a smaller variety that maintains its darker coloring. Image from Gardenia

Whatever your favorite variety, Fritillaria is an extraordinary family of flowers, and I love the anticipation of its spring arrival. My hope is that I’ve stirred your imagination and nourished your love for the fritillaria family. If you haven’t discovered this charming flower, I encourage you to experiment with its versatility and uniqueness. Some varities are more fragrant than others, and you can expect the larger varieties to have an unusual scent, but this flower as you see below always finds itself as the center of attention.

I have to thank everyone that shared their images for this post. I know you will fall in love with this ballerina of the floral world and look forward to its season for years to come.

Another amazing image by Emily Avenson of Fleuropean. Fritillaria imperialis amazingly partners with Daffodils to welcome the Spring season.