Photo by Erin Benzakein
Twenty-some aspiring, inspiring, hard-working, flower farming, flower designing, totally amazing women descended upon Philly in mid-October for the 1st of three farm-design workshops hosted by Erin Benzakein of Floret and Jennie Love of Love 'n Fresh Flowers. The Seasonal Bouquet Project, a newly formed collaboration between the two, showcases each one's glorious seasonal blooms and designs, and as they explained, has fostered much needed support and a creative outlet between the two farmer-designers. The workshop that the two hosted probably impacted all of the eager farmer-designers who made the journey in the same manner, and I was so lucky to snag a spot for the Seasonal Bouquet Project Workshop - the demand was so high for the initial offering that Erin and Jennie added two extra workshops to accommodate the overwhelming response and interest.
Day one was spent on Jennie's farm - a little over an acre in the city - although the surrounding landscape feels much more rural than suburban with rolling hills of autumnally changing trees; a little corner of the city that seems forgotten. Honestly, I was totally out of my league here, as I was the only non-farmer of the group. But not turned-off to the idea at all! Inspired to continue learning, and to begin with a cutting garden, and we'll see what happens from there. In fact, I made it home with a peony tuber that should have been planted as soon as I got home, so if it survives in storage through the winter and next summer, will be the planted next autumn along with some dahlia tubers that Erin is shipping in the spring!
Day one was spent on Jennie's farm - a little over an acre in the city - although the surrounding landscape feels much more rural than suburban with rolling hills of autumnally changing trees; a little corner of the city that seems forgotten. Honestly, I was totally out of my league here, as I was the only non-farmer of the group. But not turned-off to the idea at all! Inspired to continue learning, and to begin with a cutting garden, and we'll see what happens from there. In fact, I made it home with a peony tuber that should have been planted as soon as I got home, so if it survives in storage through the winter and next summer, will be the planted next autumn along with some dahlia tubers that Erin is shipping in the spring!
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After dinner out with the group and a restless nights sleep in anticipation for day two, we joined for breakfast again at the Woodlands - William Hamilton's estate and horticultural mecca of the late 18th century, turned city park-like cemetery - really a wonderful place to visit and perfect backdrop for the design segment of the workshop.
Photo by Liza Ambrasovskaya
We spent the morning talking business, talking fears, and really being honest and getting to know one another on a more personal level. Then the big awaited bouquet demo from Jennie and a chance to practice a new technique, compote making with Erin, a lovely lunch, and an incredible dinner back on Jennie's farm. Lots and lots of invaluable discussion and friendships formed.
Jennie's demo
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Everyone made such beautiful bouquets
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I'm still working to wrap my head around everything that I learned over these two days, and I can't wait to put everything to use.
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