Well, the definition from the Oxford Dictionary would tell you “a person who sells and arranges plants and cut flowers.” Wikipedia will tell you that “Floristry is the production, commerce, and trade in flowers. It encompasses flower care and handling, floral design and arrangement, merchandising, production, display and flower delivery. Wholesale florists sell bulk flowers and related supplies to professionals in the trade.”
This definition can vary from shop to shop, and from florist to florist. Some florists have no experience with plants, while others are big plant people who have many at their home as well! Some florists are amazing designers who can create beautiful floral arrangements suspended in the air, attached to a chair, a chandelier, a balcony or something else! Some create hand-tied bouquets that are purchased without a vase or a container. These are great if you have a large collection of vases in your home already and don’t need another one. Some florists work with funeral homes to create stunning casket sprays, statement arrangements, wreaths or large statement arrangements for funeral services and celebrations of life. Others work only with engaged couples to create the flowers for their wedding. And some florists do all of the above!
I would love to tell you that I can create the amazing, large arrangements that are built on a staircase of a wedding venue and cascade down the stairs. Unfortunately, I do not have the space to keep all of those flowers fresh, or a team large enough to create such a design in a short amount of time to have it ready in time for a wedding ceremony. I have three main areas of expertise – weddings & events, hand-tied bouquets and fresh arrangements. I work with engaged couples to see what they are envisioning for their big day! This includes the bridal party, centerpieces, venue arrangements (whether it be a church, a community hall, or even outdoors!), wearable flowers (corsages and boutonnieres), and any other florals the couple feels they would like to have for their big day. I often make sprays to be attached to arches for ceremonies, pew markers, statement arrangements for the venue that would sit on a pedestal or on the floor, table arrangements. I am experienced in both fresh and silk floral designs. As for hand-tied bouquets and arrangements, I take orders for custom creations, or customers choose something from my website that has been pre-designed for me to make for them. The occasions for these can vary from birthday, to anniversary, funeral, engagement, or any other occasion you would like to give flowers for.
At Blooms by May, we carry a small selection of indoor plants. No flowering, only green tropical plants. We have small dish gardens (see photo on the right) with multiple plants in one pot, single plants in grower pots for the DIYers out there, and single plants in pots for perfect gifting! We are always more than happy to put something together for you to ensure you have the gift you are looking for.