WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR FLORAL DESIGN?
[Maureen] It started with our father in England who loved to grow dahlias. Then my love of plants really began at around 16 years old, when my grandmother gave me a cutting from her begonia plant. I watched that plant grow and bloom with amazement, and was soon hooked - I had a whole wall of plants with grow lights. Then our brother said "You love flowers so much, why don't you go to work at a flower shop?" The next week I did just that and I have never looked back. I have been working with flowers ever since.
FROM THE MANY FLEURS DE VILLES SHOWS YOU’VE PARTICIPATED IN, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN?
[Maureen + Kathleen] We’ve loved the excitement of imagining and creating all of our Fleurs de Villes designs; the anticipation leading up to building each one, then seeing our ideas come to life. If we had to choose one, it would have to be our very first that we created for the Vancouver show in 2017. There was so much teamwork and brainstorming to plan the mechanics, balance, water source and flower choices - so when our first floral lady came together, it was magic, and we even took home the “Best in Show” award. The joy of being involved and the happiness of her coming together so beautifully was so gratifying. Yes, the first one was our baby!
IF YOU COULD ATTEND A FLORAL FESTIVAL OR GARDEN ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
[Kathleen] It would be magical to visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, the "haute-couture" of the gardening scene. The British know how to put on a show, with all their historical gardens and knowledge of horticulture passed down through the ages. Who wouldn't want to stroll through all the floral gardens while sipping a glass of champagne?
WHICH FLEURS DE VILLES SHOW THEME HAVE YOU FELT MOST INSPIRED BY AND WHY?
[Kathleen] For me, it would be Fleurs de Villes NOËL - the festive floral trail that takes place in Vancouver during the holiday season. Christmas is such a magical time of year, and creating a piece for the NOËL theme brings a sense of nostalgia. The excitement of Christmas, bringing people together and the smell of the evergreens all bring that joyful feeling reminiscing about our Christmas traditions.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME TIPS AND WITH FLORISTS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN FLEURS DE VILLES FOR THE FIRST TIME?
[Maureen] Yes, here’s a few to watch for...
If gluing flowers to your design, make sure you choose the best glue that works for what you need it for. There are many floral glue brands and they are not all created equal. Test them out first or network and ask other florists what they would recommend.
Ensure the design is balanced so that it is stable. Equally important is to figure out the water source and how you will incorporate it into the design, without taking away from your desired shape.
The delivery of your design needs to be figured out before your build. Will it need to be taken apart or can it be delivered in one piece? This will impact your mechanics, you want to be able to put it together with ease at the installation location.
It is all definitely worth the work, as it's an exhilarating experience when it all comes together!
WHO INSPIRES YOU FROM THE WORLD OF ART, FASHION OR DESIGN?
[Maureen] So many people and designs always give me inspiration. The biggest thing to do is to have "hungry eyes", look around, there is so much inspiration everywhere. The more hungry your eyes are, the more you will see. From small to grandiose things - different colour combinations, a simple branch, fashion - really anything can spark ideas for you to create beautiful designs. Awareness of what is around you is the key, soak it up!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
[Kathleen] That I can create whatever I like! Once you learn the techniques of floral design, you pretty much have a blank canvas. There is always change such as the seasons, colours, containers, style etc., so nothing is ever stagnant or boring. Even when working within the parameters of a job, I love that I can always use my creativity. My job is good for the soul - the banter around our shop is uplifting and I’m always learning from my co-workers!
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE FLOWERS INTO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
[Maureen] I know all of us sisters love to have phalaenopsis orchid plants around our homes. We love them for their beauty, elegance and lasting quality. Flowers in our bathrooms and a few vases of flowers throughout our houses gives us joy. One of my favourite ways I’ve incorporated flowers into my personal style is a ring I had designed with flowers and birds carved into the sides… two of my favourite things.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR FLORAL DESIGNS ALIGN WITH A CLIENT'S VISION?
[Kathleen] To begin with, I listen to the client to understand their vision, then explain which flowers might work best for this project. If needed, I’ll ask questions to clarify the client’s expectations and to explain the reasoning behind my design ideas, always communicating my ideas with respect and being transparent regarding any unrealistic expectations.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWER-RELATED QUOTE THAT RESONATES WITH YOU?
[Kathleen] It would be:
"You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry. Don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way." Walter C. Hagen
This quote reminds us to remember to stop, breathe, and enjoy the small things that life has to offer.
As an expert in floral design with a deep passion for plants and flowers, I can confidently say that my journey began at a young age. My love for plants was sparked by our father in England, who had a fondness for growing dahlias. However, it was when my grandmother gifted me a cutting from her begonia plant at the age of 16 that my fascination truly took hold. I watched that cutting grow and bloom with amazement, eventually leading me to create a whole wall of plants with grow lights. This newfound love for plants prompted my brother to suggest that I work at a flower shop, and I took his advice without hesitation. Since then, I have dedicated myself to the world of floral design.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of participating in various Fleurs de Villes shows. Each experience has been filled with excitement and creativity, as my sister and I imagined and brought our designs to life. If I had to choose a favorite, it would undoubtedly be our very first design for the Vancouver show in 2017. The amount of teamwork and brainstorming that went into planning the mechanics, balance, water source, and flower choices was immense. Seeing our first floral lady come together was pure magic, and to our delight, we even won the coveted "Best in Show" award. The joy and satisfaction that came from witnessing our creation come to life was truly gratifying.
If given the opportunity to attend a floral festival or garden anywhere in the world, I would choose the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Known as the "haute-couture" of the gardening scene, this show encompasses the British expertise in horticulture and their ability to create stunning displays. Imagining strolling through the floral gardens while sipping a glass of champagne fills me with a sense of awe and wonder.
Among the various Fleurs de Villes show themes, the one that has inspired me the most is Fleurs de Villes NOËL. This festive floral trail in Vancouver during the holiday season brings a sense of nostalgia and joy. The excitement of Christmas, the togetherness it brings, and the scent of evergreens all evoke memories of cherished Christmas traditions.
For florists participating in Fleurs de Villes for the first time, I have a few tips to share. When using glue for your designs, make sure to choose a high-quality floral glue that suits your specific needs. Testing different brands and seeking recommendations from fellow florists can be helpful. It's also crucial to ensure that your design is well-balanced and stable, considering the water source and how it will be incorporated without compromising the desired shape. Additionally, plan the delivery of your design in advance, considering whether it needs to be assembled on-site or can be delivered as a single piece. Despite the work involved, the exhilaration of seeing everything come together is truly worth it.
When it comes to finding inspiration from the worlds of art, fashion, and design, I believe that having "hungry eyes" is essential. By being aware of our surroundings, we can find inspiration in both the smallest and grandest things. From unique color combinations to the simplicity of a branch, fashion trends, or anything that catches our attention, inspiration is everywhere. The key is to soak it all in and let our creativity flow.
The aspect of my job that brings me the most joy is the freedom to create whatever I like. Floral design provides a blank canvas on which I can express my creativity. With ever-changing seasons, colors, containers, and styles, there is never a dull moment. Even when working within the parameters of a specific project, I always find a way to infuse my creativity. Moreover, the uplifting banter with my co-workers at the shop and the constant opportunity to learn from them make my job truly fulfilling.
Incorporating flowers into my personal style is a delight for me and my sisters. We all love having phalaenopsis orchid plants in our homes for their beauty, elegance, and longevity. Flowers in our bathrooms and vases placed throughout our houses bring us immense joy. One of my favorite personal style choices is a ring I had designed with intricately carved flowers and birds on the sides. It beautifully combines my love for nature and design.
Aligning my floral designs with a client's vision requires effective communication and understanding. I begin by actively listening to the client, ensuring that I grasp their vision. Based on their preferences, I suggest suitable flowers and explain the reasoning behind my design ideas. If necessary, I ask questions to clarify any expectations and address any unrealistic requests. Transparency and respect are key in these interactions.
If I were to choose a favorite flower-related quote that resonates with me, it would be: "You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry. Don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way." This quote by Walter C. Hagen serves as a beautiful reminder to appreciate the small pleasures in life, to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty that surrounds us.
In conclusion, my expertise and passion for floral design have been cultivated over the years through personal experiences and a deep love for plants. Participating in Fleurs de Villes shows, planning and creating designs, and finding inspiration in various aspects of life have further fueled my dedication to this art form. I find joy in the freedom to create, the ability to incorporate flowers into my personal style, and the satisfaction of aligning my designs with each client's vision. Above all, I cherish the beauty of flowers and the opportunity they provide to appreciate the simple pleasures that life has to offer.
