“We made it through the wilderness….and now it’s twenty twenty two…” I’m forging into this new year singing~ Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” for those who don’t recognize my mangling of the original lyrics.
“Like A Virgin” is a perfect choice as 2021 brought so many challenges never before seen in the world of floriculture - major shortages of basic flowers and supplies. It was truly a time to Make It Work and channeling my inner MacGyver. With a full roster of 30+ events for the year, every single morning began with a hunt for the right flowers. Every morning. Local scan first - from what’s in our gardens to all my favorite flower farms in Virginia. Then California Grown and then Canada through 4 different wholesalers, Dutch direct and South American direct through other wholesalers. When I tell you it was disheartening and exhausting, I’m perhaps understating the experience. 2021 was the closest I’ve ever been to burnt out, but thanks to my amazing couples who were incredibly supportive and understanding, I’m here to tell the story, bragging about touching the fire but not being burnt. Not badly anyway.
Looking through these favorites of mine from 2021 would you know there was a major commercial flower shortage when they were designed???
White and blush roses were especially hard to come by - they’re so incredibly basic to wedding florals and the demand far outweighed the supply. Playa Blanca and Quicksand, two of our favorites to use, were either MIA or 4-5x their normal price. My beloved B word - budget - could have taken a major beating if not for the practicality of our couples. When faced with options every single couple chose to trust our judgement for floral choices within their budget. We created some breathtaking moments in wedding florals last year - necessity is the mother of invention. Locally grown, sustainably grown, flowers and foliage were fantastic to work with and added a sense of place to our designs.
We are SO looking forward to using more of our own sustainably and regeneratively grown flowers and foliage this year! Fingers crossed Mother Nature cooperates as we know we’ll do our part. Here’s to a beautiful flowered and foliaged New Year! Cheers!