Fabulous Flowers, and a Nice Note, Too

Erin_benz_flowers The next-best thing to having flowers sent to you is having photos of flowers sent to you.  I just heard from Erin Benzakein, an organic grower and florist in Washington State.  The name of her business is Floret; you can get her contact info from the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Grower’s website.  In addition to sending these lovely photos of her arrangements (click on them to enlarge), she writes:

While doing some industry research for my new website I came across the article you wrote for the New York Times "Pick Your Poison". I was so moved by the way you were able to communicate the need for conciousness and your thoughts in this area (flowers). I sat at my computer tears rolling down my face trying to compose myself so that I could pass this message along to others….The floral business I started two years ago specializes in seasonal sustainably grown arrangements. My goal is to provide an alternative to traditional floristry. We grow 90% of the material used in any arrangement and no harsh chemicals are applied on the farm….I have put the date you are coming to Seattle on my calendar and plan on attending one of your talks and book signings. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the work you are doing.

She also says that she’s been testing some new European rose varieties that can be grown Erin_benz_flowers2 outdoors, not in a greenhouse, and that can provide the same long vase life that other commercially-grown roses do.

It’s so much fun to hear from growers and florists who are out there doing their own thing.  The flower industry is in such an interesting time of transformation right now.  I think 2007 will be an exciting year!