uBloom

                       

Know what a Lonicera periclymenum is?  Neither did I until I looked it up on the internet.  It’s the Latin name for the common Honeysuckle.  I have some in my yard and I LOVE the way it smells on sultry Summer evenings.  What about a Zantedeschia rehmannii? (talk about a tongue twister!)  It’s a flower we use often in floral work, the Pink Calla Lily.  One I DO know for sure that I wish we had a LOT LESS of around here is the Pueraria lobata, the invasive Kudzu Vine…it’s SUCH a nusince!  The proper Latin names for plants are indeed hard to understand and even harder to pronounce.  The are SO many different kinds of plants, trees, flowers and bushes…how could one even THINK about committing such a vast assortment of difficult names to memory?  Let alone, become familiar with the growing habits, care and reproduction of them.  But that is exactly what professional horticulturalists train many years to do - know plants - inside and out.  From seed to maturity, horticulturalists study plants extensively and, unlike most professions,  quite often the learning continues throughout their lives.

That is why I am extremely excited to introduce to you the NEWEST expert to join our incredible Panel of Experts…Christopher Grigas!   Chris graduated from the State University of New York at Cobleskil in upstate New York with a degree in Horticulture/Plant Science.  Afterwords, he gained a wealth of horticultural experience as he assumed positions in various aspects of the flower/plant industry.  Having sharpened his skills as a Nursery Manager, Botanical Gardener, Professional Landscaper,  and now, Floral Designer, his journey has supplied him with a well rounded base of both scientific knowledge and hands-on experience.  Currently, Chris is the owner of In Bloom , an exclusive floral design studio.  Chris has been with uBloom for nearly a year and a half and has written several articles which have received very high marks from uBloomers.  Hand picked by J, Chris takes his position as uBloom’s Horticulture Expert with great enthusiasm and is thrilled to be able to make available his vast understanding of plant science to the uBloom Community.  

I recently caught up with Chris and was able to ask him a few questions about his love of all things botanical.  Here is what he had to say…

How does it feel to be hand picked by J as uBloom’s Horticulture Expert?

I have been so impressed with the uBloom community since I was first introduced by my friend, Colleague & fellow uBloomer Erin Brady.  Around 2 years ago, she told me about uBloom and how inspiring J Schwanke was as a floral industry advocate.   I dove head first into the uBloom pool, trying to make my profile worthwhile by posting pictures & projects, writing articles and sharing my ideas and love for horticulture.  I thought that if I made a strong effort to inject myself into a part of something that helps promote my industry it would be very rewarding.   After about a year, I had become friendly with so many people on the site, but had no idea that J Schwanke himself would contact me to discuss visiting my shop!  Soon after, I was the featured uBloomer and a featured designer on JTV.  Fast forward to now…it’s incredible to be considered the Horticulture expert by J in a community with so much talent and experience.  uBloom is an amazing resource and gateway to expanding a horticulture career…and with someone like J Schwanke on my side, I know I can keep growing and fulfilling my career goals.

What do you hope to accomplish & contribute as uBloom’s Horticulture Expert?

Even though my degree in Horticulture has not placed me on any “Who’s Who” lists, it definitely gave me a credible knowledge base for my future in the industry.  Whether my past, present or future in the floral industry, I get the most satisfaction in validation, trust and value in my word…especially by others in the industry.  I guess I am saying….I want people to believe in my knowledge & experience, and share theirs with me.

I want to continue to be active in writing articles, posting photos & projects, and contribute to discussions on forum.  As Horticulture Expert I want to expand my contributions to include introduction/discussion of new cut flowers, foliages and plants indoor/outdoor like my photo galleries (ie. Must use flowers & Wildflowers) on my profile.  I’d like to have open discussions about creative design ideas, trends and shop appeal.  The possibilities are endless and I would enjoy feedback from uBloomers to bring up topics that I may have input on.  I have an interest in visiting shops or asking people to email me pictures of their shop….and giving feedback on how they can create more “curb & shop appeal”.  After all, we are here at uBloom to support each other as a community.

You regularly encourage florists to take steps to add some of the more unusual varieties to their flower inventory.  What are some flower varieties that you can recommend which are versatile for florists and appreciated by customers?

My top 10 blooms & botanicals I tried to carry frequently (alternating weeks to avoid a stale selection)

Full stem Cymbidium Orchids…placed upright in an oversized glass cylinder vase

Seasonal blooms like lilacs or Lily of the Valley.  Creates an opportunity to strike up conversation with your customers about seasonal flowers and the unique quality of ephemerals

Local grown flowers are ALWAYS a favorite with customers…support your local growers!

Freshly sprouted Wheat Grass in simple terra cotta pots.  A cat-lady’s Garden of Eden.

One tropical flower variety…Anthurium is extremely long lasting, colorful & masculine.

Gerbera Daisy…No Question, A Best Seller.

Branches/grasses are great for people who like “organic movement”.

Blooming orchid plant…Phalaenopsis are best for longevity and care…make sure you dress it up!

Moss…fresh moss in trays in the bottom of your cooler with draw well deserved attention

Mini green Hydrangea…lasts longer than most other flowers and goes with everything

What do you tell florists when they say "I’d NEVER be able to sell THAT around here!"

I hear that line time & time again.  I wrote an article for uBloom last winter titled “confidence sells flowers” that touches on that very subject.  In my career I have seen one thing happen often that I am so disturbed by.  I have experienced many designers that are very intimidated by expensive flowers.  They buy them, but never use them.  A designer’s “comfort zone” can be a sink hole for their creativity.  I suggest to colleagues that every time they go to the wholesaler to buy flowers for the shop, they should include an item considered “new to them”.  Trying new product can introduce designers to new avenues of design.  Getting creative does not mean you have to force yourself to come up with 5 new ways to design a dozen roses.  Experimenting is a tool used to reveal untapped creativity, leading to new levels of design and accomplishment in breaking down those comfort zone walls.  If you think you can’t sell it…..then you can’t.  If you try to sell it…you might.  If you want to sell it…you will. 

What are some good ways florists can introduce their customers to non-traditional materials and styles?

I find that having “experimental” designs or “try me” flowers around the shop is a great way to introduce them to your clients. Little signs are great to show customers that you are actively trying new flowers and styles.  For example, keeping a day-count sign on a single Anthurium in a bud vase at the front counter can be a marketing tool on flower longevity. 

It seems that customers like being a part to your experimentation, too.  Even if you simply offer (to a regular client), a gerbera daisy floating in a glass cube but ask them to bring the container back when it dies, they feel they are helping you with your trial of a new variety.  This helps create a client relationship and offers helpful feedback about your flowers/designs. 

Additionally, designing out in open shop space is a creative way to introducing clients to new styles.  If you are sitting at your front counter creating an ikebana design with an Ikebana instructional book opened up next to you…imagine what a customer might say, ask or think….Whatever it is, you have peaked their interest because you have interest in what you are doing.  Customers are in your shop for stimulation.  Excite them with change…fresh and new ideas!

Which non-traditional flower varieties do you enjoy incorporating into your designs?

Here are 10 flowers/10 foliages that I use when a design needs a unique botanical touch.  Ask your wholesaler for them…they are all unique and add great perceived value to any design.

Flowers: Dianthus "Green Trick"  Gloriosa Lily Sarracenia/Pitcher Plant Gentiana Paphiopedilum Orchid/Lady Slipper Orchid Fiddle Heads Pincushion Protea Chocolate Cosmos Kangaroo Paw Hypericum Berry

Foliages

1. Flax/Phormium
2. Lycopodium/Clubmoss
3. Emu-Feather Grass
4. Scabiosa Pod
5. Aspidistra variegated
6. Ti Leaf (red and black)
7. Seeded Eucaplyptus
8. Equisetum
9. Steel Grass
10. Rex Begonia

Are there any books or websites that you can recommend that will familiarize florists with a large range of unusual floral materials to give them an idea of what’s available?

Here’s a short list.  I am always available over email or phone if uBloomers have questions…

Sierraflowerfinder.com ….flowers by category/search
Flowercouncil.org …..Taps into so many avenues of floristry
Simply Elegant Flowers ; by Michael George…great photos, great philosophy & techniques
The Art of Floral Design ; by Nora T Hunter…a florist’s bible
Fleur Creatif Magazine (Europe) www.fleurcreatif.com …inspiring designs to drool over

In your Featured uBloomer Interview, you said that you have been interested in plants & flowers since you were a child.  Can you describe what it was about flowers that attracted you so strongly, and how you knew (later on) that horticulture was more than just a "fancy" but something you wanted to pursue as a career?

Is it possible that a love for flowers and nature can be instinctual?  I think in my case it was. I also believe that when you learn a little about something, you are further interested in pursuing a deeper knowledge of it.  I learned a little about flowers and nature by my parents, leading me to a thirst for knowing more and more.  I come from a long line of hard working people that are not “hobbyists”.  They work, and they provide.  I felt that my love of horticulture could be finessed into a career…where my hobby was my work, of which I can provide.   

Are there any suggestions you can give florists who are beginning to use non-traditional items but aren’t confident in their ability to care for and design with them?

A little research goes a long way.  I spend a lot of time reading hort and floral industry books/magazines to keep my knowledge base sharp and up-to-date.  I am passionate about flowers, so when I see a new variety or species, I challenge myself to create something with it.  Being creative is what we do.  We are botanical architects…if we build it, they will come.

Welcome aboard Chris!  We are thrilled that you are part of our team!