Compiled by Molly Lucille 

As 2025 ends, we reflect on the remarkable year we’ve shared in our industry. It’s been defined by immense creativity, inspiration and dedication. To honor our shining stars, we asked YOU, our beloved readers, to identify them for the following categories: 

• Favorite Installation Designer 

• Favorite Floral Instagram 

• Favorite New Flower Variety 

• Favorite Floral Couture Designer 

• Favorite New Floral Book 

• Favorite Florists’ Review Cover 

• Favorite Florists’ Review Tutorial 

Your enthusiastic response to our annual call for Readers’ Choice Award nominations truly wowed us. At Florists’ Review, we are immensely proud of this supportive community—one that continually uplifts one another and celebrates shared triumphs and successes. As we look ahead to 2026, let’s carry this spirit forward, nurturing an industry that remains a joyful celebration of creativity and collaboration. Congratulations to all our deserving winners—let’s meet them! 

Favorite Installation Designer

1st Place: Frida Kim, Frida Kim Flowers, London, @Fridakim_london 

Shaped by her early years in the beautiful Korean countryside, London-based Frida Kim expertly blends Eastern and Western perspectives to craft sustainably focused, authentic and elegant floral installations. She expertly crafts sculptural and playful designs, with the ikebana principles of balance, harmony and the beauty of imperfection at the center of her work. In addition to designing lush installations, Kim also teaches workshops around the world, sharing her passion for finding your creative voice and the rich storytelling power of flowers. 

2nd Place: LOAM Studio, Austin, Texas, @weareloam 

3rd Place: Renko Floral, Los Angeles, @renkofloral

Favorite Floral Instagram

1st: The Flowerslinger, Fayetteville, Ark., @theflowerslinger 

The Flowerslinger is an Arkansas-based award-winning floral design studio led by husband-and-wife team Brittany and Doug Murray. Their distinctive style blurs the line between floristry, fine art and storytelling, reflecting their background in the New York City art scene. The fast-paced world of high fashion, art direction, advertising and branding help form their craft—leading them to their award winning, sculptural designs and fan-favorite status across the industry. 

2nd: Fleuropean, Dalhem, Belgium, @fleuropean 

3rd: Glenn.arvor, Hanoi, Vietnam, @glenn.arvor

Favorite New Flower Variety

1st: ‘Levante Blu’ Anemone 

Floraprima 

Cayambe, Ecuador 

The new ‘Levante’ strain from Floraprima is a striking variety of Anemone coronaria. With its soft, multilayered petals in a distinctive purple hue, ‘Levante Blu’ brings elegance and charm to any arrangement—quickly becoming a favorite among our readers, as well as floral designers worldwide. 

2nd: ‘Garden Romance’ Garden Rose 

Alexandra Farms 

Bogota, Colombia 

3rd: ‘Baltazar Candle’ Chrysanthemum 

Flores El Capiro 

Medellin, Colombia 

Favorite Floral Couture Designer

1st: Sue McLeary, Passionflower Sue, Ann Arbor, Mich., @passionflowersue 

Sue McLeary is not only a renowned educator but also an award-winning floral designer and author, known for her unique, boundary-pushing floral art. She is the founder and creative director of the widely acclaimed Passionflower Sue, through which she offers online and in-person instruction for beginning and professional floral designers, as well as destination workshops around the world. Her floral couture creations are truly trendsetting, and her mechanical creations have inspired a new wave of floral couture design.  

2nd: Julia Rose, Flowers by Julia Rose, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, @flowersbyjuliarose 

3rd: Brenda G. Wallace, Floral Atelier, Barcelona, Spain, @floralatelier.es 

Favorite New Floral Book

1st: The Flower Farmers: Inspiration & Advice from Expert Growers, by Debra Prinzing and Robin Avni 

Twenty–nine of today’s most inspiring flower farmers share stories, how-to-cultivate expertise and favorite new varieties in a gorgeously photographed guide. The Flower Farmers presents a curated group of favorite growers, from industry leaders to pioneering newcomers, sharing their specialty knowledge to help foster floral enthusiasts’ flower farming dreams. 

2nd: Sweet Pea School: Growing & Arranging the Garden’s Most Romantic Blooms, by Marryn Mathis 

3rd: Wild Weave, by Alice Fox 

Favorite Florists’ Review Cover

1st: Our April Issue 

Floral design by Brenda G. Wallace of Floral Atelier, Barcelona, Spain 

2nd: Our June Issue 

Floral design by Joey-Lynn Curry of Remington’s Flowers & Co., East Troy, Wis. 

3rd: Our October Issue 

Floral design by Gabor Nagy of Gabor Nagy Floral Design, Budapest, Hungary 

Favorite Florists’ Review Tutorial

1st: “Spectacular Spring Picnic,” presented by Rosaprima 

FR April 2025 

Ana Isabel Vivas of Aniska Creations, Miami 

In a vibrant and joyful floral design inspired by the essence of spring, this color blocked arrangement features stunning Rosaprima roses, Ranunculus and Anemone. Founded by Venezuelan mother/daughter duo Ana Isabel and Anais Vivas, Aniska Creations is a Miami based floral design project, bringing their creativity, skill and heart to weddings, events and floral workshops. Over the years, they have trained more than 500 florists worldwide, inspiring a new generation with their artistry and experience. 

2nd: “Romantic Wedding Centerpiece,” presented by Alexandra Farms 

FR September 2025 

Paulina Nieliwocki of Blue Jasmine Floral, Berkeley Heights, N.J. 

3rd: “Deconstructed Floral Tattoo” 

FR July 2025 

Bethany “Bee” Steinhauser of Bees Hause, Las Vegas 

By Molly Lucille 

In the marketing world, everyone knows faces and voices help sell. Human connection reminds customers that there’s a real person on the other side of a business transaction. In today’s oversaturated digital landscape, putting a face to your brand is more important than ever.  

Customers are inundated with options, and the resulting paralysis of choice plagues every part of our industry. Looking for a wedding florist? Pinterest and Instagram overflow with countless recommendations. Curious about new flower farms or wholesalers? A google search provides dozens of hits. Looking to send a bouquet to a friend in another city? Far too many suggestions become an absolute blur. In the midst of this internet chaos and a market where consumers are increasingly selective with their spending, people are looking for brands they can trust. Buying flowers is an emotional decision—you’re there for the most meaningful moments in their lives. Customers want to know who they’re buying from and to feel that their florist genuinely cares. 

Incorporating your face and personality into your online marketing strategy can be a true game changer. It helps your audience get to know you and your team, building familiarity and trust. If you’re feeling a bit of panic reading that, this article is for you! Putting yourself out there can feel a lot like stage fright—especially if you’re camera-shy or not particularly tech-savvy. But this strategy is far too valuable to let fear hold you back from connecting with your audience. Here are some simple, practical tips to help you overcome those nerves and start standing out amid the online noise. 

Your Presence Is Power 

If showing your face or recording your voice is entirely too intimidating, that’s OK! An easy baby step is to just introduce your presence in your social media marketing. For example, film your hands designing an arrangement, or even a timelapse of you and your team completing an install. We often forget that our clients know very little about “how the sauce is made” and that they’re fascinated by our processes. Showing them your team hard at work can convey your passion and shop personality—in turn, building trust. 

Consistency Is Key 

In the digital world, consistency equals authenticity. While showing your face in your online marketing is a valuable addition to your scheduled content, not every single post needs to include it. Depending on your strategy and schedule, consider adding a weekly “chat,” where you dedicate a single day to filming yourself speaking to your customers. Quick check-ins and reminders of your existence can be so helpful in making customers feel like they know you. Maybe a Monday post celebrating a team member or explaining why you appreciate a certain flower—anything that can help introduce people to your story and your vibe. 

Humanize Your Business With Stories 

As AI proliferates online, customers crave real interactions. What does this mean for your business? A focus on the rawer side of running a flower business, for starters. Previously, a more polished, idealized form of reality was the go-to strategy. But the strategy has shifted—and is predicted to continue to shift. The more “lived in” and “real” your content can feel the better. No more makeup-perfect filters, no more spotlessly clean spaces. What’s hot now is to just be yourself and allow your space to appear the same. You want your clients to feel like they know you, so show them the real you, flaws and all. It can be scary to be that vulnerable, but it’s worth it. Stories are the perfect place to really show this “behind the scenes” magic. Quick, authentic clips on your Instagram story can help you build confidence (since they aren’t part of your permanent feed) and allow you to show real glimpses of yourself without disrupting your feed. Besides, stories have shown for the past few years to be one of the most engaged with platforms on social media, so don’t forget this helpful use of social media! 

From small studio florists to flower farms, wholesalers and retailers, these simple adjustments can elevate your social media marketing strategy—especially in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. It’s easy to forget that buying a bouquet isn’t an everyday occurrence. Many customers purchase flowers only a few times a year, if that, making each interaction deeply emotional and special. Building trust and meaningful relationships with your clients takes time, effort and confidence, but it’s essential as you grow your online presence and dive deeper into social media marketing. So, take a deep breath, stay confident and let your face and personality shine! 

Easy Content to Boost Your Confidence 

Follow this checklist—one step at a time—to get comfortable incorporating your voice and face in your social media posts. 

1. Simply record your hands completing a simple task, such as crafting an arrangement or processing flowers. Or post as a reel with your favorite work song and explain what you like to listen to when you design. 

2. Record a timelapse of you completing a more extensive project, such as a large arrangement, an installation or even pulling a large floral order. Post with a caption describing your thought process while tackling a big project. 

3. Try a voice over! Instagram has an easy voiceover option in the reel, just record a quick video of your favorite flower, or your team’s favorites and add a voiceover explaining why! 

4. Show your face! Record yourself—or you and your team—having fun in your workspace. Don’t be afraid to show your personality, and the synergy of your space and team. Try posting it as a story to help build confidence and then work your way up to a reel. 

5. Begin to schedule regular “check ins” showing your face, and see the conversation unfold. Remember, consistency is key. You’ve got this! 

For Ashkhen Minasyan, what she fancied as a passion transformed into a profession when she founded AY Flowers. That was seven years ago. Now she’s an acclaimed floral artist known for exquisite designs that elevate any occasion. AY Flowers specializes in event and wedding flowers as well as custom arrangements. While Minasyan’s Southern California-based business is thriving, she has remained committed to keeping it small enough to continue working directly with every client. 

“I’m endlessly grateful to the people who believe in my work and allow me to express emotion through flowers,” she says. “Every day I’m reminded how lucky I am to do what I love.” 

Here, the proud winner of the recent Florists’ Review “Best in Blooms” 2025 Design Contest shares her story, including her inspirations and aspirations. 

Tell us about your journey into the world of floral design. What inspired you to become a designer? 

My story with flowers started very naturally. I’ve always loved art, colors and creating things with my hands. When I was younger, I never imagined it could become a career—it was simply something that made me feel calm and inspired. Later, when I worked for one of the top flower studios in Yerevan, [Armenia], I realized how powerful flowers can be. They can change a mood, tell a story, even heal emotions.  

When I moved to California, I wanted to bring that same feeling here. What began as a small personal dream slowly grew into AY Flowers. I didn’t plan for it to become a business—it happened because people started asking me to design for them. Every arrangement still feels personal to me; it’s my favorite way to express emotion and beauty without words. 

What type of flower business is AY Flowers? 

AY Flowers is a full-service studio based in Glendale, Calif. We specialize in event florals, weddings and custom arrangements for special occasions, but we also love creating everyday designs for people who simply want something beautiful in their home. I try to keep the business small enough to stay personal. Every client still works directly with me. What makes AY Flowers different is that every piece is made with emotion. I don’t just arrange flowers; I design with feeling and story. Some days it’s romantic, some days modern or playful, but it always has a soul. 

From where do you draw inspiration when creating your arrangements? 

I find inspiration everywhere: in colors, emotions and even small everyday moments. Sometimes it’s the light coming through a window, sometimes a memory, a place I’ve been or a song I love. Nature always guides me too. I pay attention to how things grow, the way branches move or how petals open. But more than anything, my inspiration comes from people. Every client, every story gives me a feeling, and I translate that feeling into flowers. I think that’s why every arrangement turns out a little different—it carries the emotion of that moment. 

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in floral design? 

Learning never really stops in this field. I follow international floral designers and studios whose styles inspire me, and I love seeing how design evolves in different parts of the world. I also pay attention to what my clients are drawn to; sometimes their ideas naturally reflect new trends before they even become popular. 

I often experiment on my own too. When I have a free moment, I’ll create something just for myself—no rules, no pressure—and that’s when I usually discover new shapes, textures or techniques that later become part of my work. 

What current trends or styles are you most excited about? 

I love that floral design is becoming more natural and expressive again. People want arrangements that feel alive—not too perfect, not too controlled. There’s a beauty in movement, in a little wildness. I think that’s where real emotion lives. 

Sometimes, when I watch the sun set, I’m amazed by the way colors blend in the sky—shades you could never describe, softly melting into one another. Those moments always inspire me. Nature already creates the most incredible color palettes, and I try to bring that same harmony and softness into my work. 

I’m also inspired by the shift toward sustainability and intention: using seasonal flowers, repurposing materials, and designing in a way that feels both beautiful and mindful. It’s a reminder that true style never needs to shout; it just needs to feel honest and alive. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a floral designer? 

The most rewarding part for me is seeing how flowers can touch people. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big event or a small bouquet—when I see someone’s eyes light up, or when they just stop for a second to take it in, that moment means everything to me. 

I also love the quiet side of it. Being alone with the flowers early in the morning, creating something from nothing. It’s peaceful. Sometimes it feels like the flowers themselves tell me what they want to become. 

And maybe the most special part is knowing that my designs become part of people’s memories—birthdays, weddings, celebrations even goodbyes. That connection stays in their hearts, and in mine too. 

How do you balance artistic expression with meeting your clients’ preferences and needs? 

I always try to listen first. Every client has their own story and emotion they want to express through flowers. I take that as my starting point and then build the design around it. I don’t try to change their vision. I just try to make it more beautiful, more alive. 

I believe that trust is everything. When clients feel that I understand them, they give me the freedom to add my own touch—that’s where the magic happens. I bring my style, they bring their emotion, and together it becomes something unique. 

Share with our readers a memorable project or experience that you worked on. 

One of the most memorable projects for me was creating my Celebration of Life design for the “Best in Blooms” contest. It was a very emotional and personal piece because I made it in memory of my father. The heart shape, the soft pastel tones and the flowing movement all carried a message of peace and love. It wasn’t just a floral design; it was a way to express feelings that are hard to put into words. When I saw how people reacted—quietly, with emotion—I realized again that flowers truly have the power to speak to the heart. 

What do you wish you would’ve known when starting out in this field? 

I wish I had known how emotional this work can be—not just creatively, but personally too. When I first started, I thought it was all about technique and design. Later, I understood that flowers carry energy, and as a florist, you give a piece of yourself every time you create. 

I also wish I’d known that it’s OK to grow slowly. You don’t need to rush to be like anyone else. Every mistake teaches you something and every season changes you a little. That’s what makes this career so special—it grows with you. 

What do you hope to do in the future? 

My dream for the future is to keep growing AY Flowers while staying close to my values, such as emotion, honesty and beauty in simplicity. I’d love to open a small creative studio where people can come, feel inspired and see the flowers arrangements being designed. 

I also want to share what I’ve learned—to teach young florists, especially those who have the passion but not the confidence yet. My goal is simple: to keep creating with heart; to make people feel something real; and to bring more beauty into this world, one bouquet at a time. 

Learn more at ayflowers.com and on Instagram.

By Jules Lewis Gibson 

In the fast-paced world of floristry—where early mornings, last-minute requests and endless creativity are part of the job—it’s easy to focus only on getting orders out the door. But do you take time to celebrate? Keep reading to learn why you really should. 

Celebrating big wins, small victories, personal milestones and industry events can brighten your team’s day, energize your shop’s culture and remind everyone why they love working with flowers. And let’s be honest—celebrations are fun! 

Here are creative ways florists can weave celebration into their shop culture: 

Celebrate Shop Achievements and Milestones 

Hit a record Mother’s Day sales goal? Land a big wedding contract? Reach five years in business? 

• Host a shop breakfast or team lunch. 

• Surprise your staff with personalized thank-you bouquets. 

• Share a “team highlight reel” on social media to show customers the faces behind the flowers. 

Celebrate Your Team’s Personal Milestones 

Your team is your greatest asset. Be sure they know it! 

• Create a “Birthday Bloom” tradition. Let the birthday person choose their favorite flower for the week’s window display. 

• Make a scrapbook or bulletin board of photos celebrating your employee’s weddings, babies, graduations and anniversaries. 

• Gift a small plant or bouquet to honor personal achievements like finishing floral design school or earning a new certification. 

Celebrate Seasonal and Calendar Holidays 

Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas are obvious—but why stop there? 

• Plan a “Harvest Arrangement Day” with pumpkin centerpieces in the fall. 

• Host a winter wreathmaking afternoon for staff and loyal customers. 

• Even quieter months can include themed displays. Think pastel Easter florals or bright arrangements for summer festivals. 

Celebrate Quirky “National” Days 

National Tulip Day, National Rose Day or even National Cupcake Day can spark creativity and joy. 

• Run a quick social media giveaway: “Post your favorite tulip memory and win a bouquet!” 

• Invite customers for a 15-minute demo on how to care for that featured bloom. 

• Surprise your team with treats that match the theme. Rose-shaped cookies, anyone? 

Celebrate Your Customers 

A culture of celebration extends beyond your team. 

• Host a Customer Appreciation Day with mini-bouquets for walk-ins. 

• Offer a loyalty punch card with a free arrangement after a certain number of purchases. 

• Snap photos with regular customers and feature them on a “Wall of Bloom Fans.” 

Celebrate Your Community 

Florists are often at the heart of local life. Experiment with creative ways to put your shop out there. 

• Partner with nearby cafes or bakeries for joint events like “Flowers & Pastries Friday.” 

• Donate centerpieces to a local charity event and publicly celebrate the partnership. 

• Enter your shop in local parades or festivals—flowers make everything brighter! 

Celebrate Learning and Growth 

• Schedule a monthly design challenge: pick an unusual flower or theme and see what each designer creates. 

• Reward continuing education. Pay for workshops and celebrate the team member who completes them. 

• Share new techniques in a “Lunch & Learn” session with snacks and laughter. 

An Easy Tip to Get Started 

At your next team meeting, add this simple question to the agenda: “How can we improve our culture of celebration?” It will likely spark some lively discussion. Engaging your staff in some unexpected fun is a sure way to chase away the doldrums and instead boost enthusiasm and comradery.  

Review the categories in this article and mark your shop calendar with special days and milestones to celebrate. Then, plan the fun! Order treats, create a theme arrangement or set up a team photo op. When you create a culture of celebration in your flower shop, you don’t just grow beautiful blooms—you grow a happier, stronger and more energized team.  

Nestled in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Ga., Ginger Rose is a creative floral design studio renowned for its exquisite creations. Specializing in weddings and events across the country, the studio’s mission is simple yet profound: to help clients fall in love with flowers. Through bespoke designs that beautifully narrate each client’s unique story, Ginger Rose transforms every occasion into a botanical masterpiece. 

At the helm is Alyssa Ice, creative director and owner. A floral designer, educator, mother and devoted nature enthusiast, Ice brings her passion for flora to life in her signature style. Her modern take on botanically lush designs blends striking color palettes, intriguing textures and unexpected foliages, to craft arrangements that are as distinctive as they are unforgettable. Under Ice’s artistic direction, Ginger Rose continues to inspire, enchant and redefine floral design. 

Tell us about your journey into the world of floral design. What inspired you to become a floral designer? 

Growing up, I was the creative kid doing art projects and such, but I always told everyone I was going to be a lawyer when I grew up and had never thought about having a creative job as a career. When I was 16 and needing a job, the only place that was hiring in the small California town that I lived in at the time was a flower shop. I had no experience with flowers, but I had fond memories of helping my grandpa in the garden and being surrounded by nature’s beauty. They hired me on the spot to wash buckets and process flowers. After working at that shop for a few years and becoming the lead designer, I knew that my passion was for flowers, so I decided to go to floral design school in Portland, Ore. Once I graduated, I felt that the best place for me to learn even more about the industry was a big city, so I moved to San Francisco. I worked at a few flower design studios, but the shop that really shaped who I am as a designer today was a tiny shop on the corner of Church and Market streets in the Castro District. It was one of the busiest shops in the city, and I really fell in love with the job because I got to interact with customers daily and make custom wrapped bouquets for all of their special life occasions. After working in the flower industry in California for about 10 years, I decided to move across the country to Atlanta to start my own business, and that was about eight years ago  

What type of flower business is Ginger Rose?  

Ginger Rose is a floral design studio specializing in wedding and event design throughout the South. Our style is a modern take on botanically lush and textural garden-like arrangements, and we love to use interesting color palettes, flowers and foliages in our designs. We work with a lot of different types of clients ranging from brand campaigns, corporate events and large-scale weddings, as well as intimate small-scale events.  

From where do you draw inspiration when creating your arrangements? 

It’s somewhat cliché, but I draw my inspiration from the beauty of nature. The elements I work with are already inherently beautiful, so when I am designing, I am inspired by the flowers and foliages themselves.  

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in floral design? 

Through social media. There are so many talented creators who share their designs on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.  

What current trends or styles are you most excited about? 

I am most excited about the wedding industry leaning more into vibrant color palettes. It is fun working with clients who want to explore brighter hues or outside-the-box color combinations when planning their weddings. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a floral designer? 

Creating works of art using the most beautiful medium and being a part of some of the most special moments celebrated by our clients.  

How do you balance artistic expression with meeting your clients’ preferences and needs? 

By being transparent about our style, offerings and boundaries from the get-go when talking with clients. Our clients and vendor referrals usually know our style and methodology when they reach out to us, and they trust us to execute their visions because of that. We always put our clients first, and I appreciate that they allow us to take creative liberty as we see fit. This practice usually produces an outcome that everyone is proud of. 

Share with our readers a memorable project or experience that you worked on. 

I did a wedding last September in Greenville, N.C., on the weekend that Hurricane Helene hit. It was one of the largest weddings that the entire vendor team and I had ever worked on. Helene hit the night before the wedding and knocked out the power, the streets were flooded, trees were down everywhere, and grocery stores and gas stations were out of service. We had to find a new venue at which to hold the wedding in less than 10 hours, but we did it, and the clients were so happy with how everything turned out. 

What do you wish you would’ve known when starting out in this field? 

I wish I would’ve taken the time to learn even more about running a business. As a business grows, the project management, logistics, staffing, taxes, etc., side of things grows as well, so it’s important to educate yourself as much as possible for this type of growth before getting started.  

How do you balance work and motherhood? 

I don’t know if anyone can fully balance both. Some days I feel the need to be fully plugged in with work stuff, and then I am hard on myself that I didn’t get to play with my kids as much as I wanted to that day. Or, vice versa, where I am playing with the kids but know I have several proposals that I need to write. It’s a constant battle of trying to be gentle with my Type A personality and remind myself that I am only one person, and as much as I would like to be a superwoman and be in 10 places at once, it’s not physically possible, so I try to give myself grace in those instances. With that said, I am really proud of how I’ve been able to build my business to where it is while being a full-time stay-at-home mom. It’s a lot of work, but I am living the life that I always dreamed of, and I love that my kids get to see me follow my dreams and be there with me to cheer me on. 

What do you hope to do in the future? 

I hope to continue to inspire people with my creativity. I’m not sure where this industry will take me, but I loved every minute of my journey during the past 19 years, and I look forward to whatever the future may bring. 

Learn more about Alyssa and Ginger Rose, also available on Instagram.

By Jill Brooke 

Many of us at the dawn of our careers, while attending floral design school, were told the following in very stern terms: You shall NOT complain when flowers break because your relationship with your wholesalers is EVERYTHING. This sentiment echoed in my head when I received a bunch of sub-par garden roses—a few of them broken, leaving me with barely a few inches of stem and a flower bud. Another time it was an Anemone, lovely and fragile, that just didn’t have the strength to stand up straight in a vase. Instead of bright and lively, the flower’s petals drooped and curled.  

These are frustrations florists know well. After all, flowers these days are expensive. Each loss can be anywhere from $3 to $8 dollars wholesale. The resourceful among us realize that the best alternative is to take a negative situation and make it a positive. 

A snapped stem doesn’t have to mean the end of a bloom’s beauty—it just changes the role it plays. In fact, some of the most charming arrangements are born from “rescues,” where a flower that’s lost its footing in the vase gains a second act somewhere unexpected. Think of it as the floral design equivalent of upcycling: no petal left behind. 

For this reason, I keep a cupboard full of bud vases in all sizes. Did the stem break 3 inches, 5 inches or is it so low that I must wire it around foliage? If so, Continental Floral Greens has great choices. Then, I can place it into a round 2-inch bud vase, which features only the eye of the flower. 

Believe me, these tiny bud vases have been lifesavers; I scatter them around bar tables and high tops. Not only do I buy them from Accent Decor and Jamali Garden, but I’ve also purchased them from Amazon, which sells sets of 32 for under $35. I recommend keeping a stash of bud vases in multiple colors. For an event for The Garden Club of America, I used blue bud vases to match the table’s tall blue and white chinoiserie porcelain. Another time I brought a lavender shade to a fundraiser for New York’s Bedford Playhouse where a gaggle of celebrities were in attendance.  

Aside from bud vases, teacups are another easy solution. Yes, teacups. Lately, people have found them quite charming. I like to place one large flower head in a cup. Then I display it either in a bathroom or mount it in a bigger bowl full of lemons and limes. The key is to match the teacup design with the colors of your flowers.  

Another clever option is to float the bloom in a shallow bowl filled with water, letting its face be the star. This works beautifully for heavy-headed roses, peonies, Gardenias or Camellias. The petals rest like a lily pad, and with a few candles or scattered petals nearby, this simple design turns into an instant centerpiece. If you have multiple short-stemmed blooms, cluster them in a low compote dish, egg cup or even a vintage sugar bowl for a tabletop jewel box of color. 

A big trend right now is to literally put flowers inside a tall vase for a modern architectural look. This idea is particularly well suited for calla lilies, but many other flowers will work including sunflowers. You can wire some healthy flowers with one that is broken, and no one will know—especially if attached to larger foliage. 

You can also give broken stems new life as mini bouquets. For a whimsical twist, slip them into napkin rings at each place setting for a dinner party or larger event. Additionally, a single blossom wired to a hair clip or brooch can become wearable art for a wedding or banquet. I’ve even collected broken spray roses and frozen them into ice cubes. Party goers always ooh and ah over this.  

Still, when should you speak up to your wholesaler about broken or weak stems? The first time you might take it as a loss—or as one colleague put it, “take it for the team.” But if it happens more than twice, start documenting it with photos. Politely express your concerns if a pattern emerges. Many wholesalers will make it right on the next order. Just be sure to keep records of any sub-par product. Ultimately, don’t rely on a single wholesaler. If more than 7 percent to 10 percent of your product consistently arrives damaged, it’s time to find a new supplier. 

Finally, another guiding principle I follow, especially as a florist. Always have a Plan B. It’s where most of life happens, after all. A broken stem is a reminder that flowers aren’t defined by stature alone. Their presence still holds power—even on a shorter scale. 

By John M. Dole, PhD
Professor, Horticultural Science
North Carolina State University

Presented by American Floral Endowment

We’ve all heard of them—the special remedies or hacks that are supposed to make cut flowers last longer.  New ones seem to pop up on the internet every day. So, what does the science say? First, let’s start with what we know that works. All effective cut flower foods have one or more of three components:  acidifier, anti-microbial agent and a carbohydrate source. The first two control microbial growth in the vase solution and improve water uptake. Carbohydrates fuel the flowers, helping stems last longer, buds to open and improve flower colors. 

The compounds are combined into four main classes of products. The first is hydrators, which promote water uptake and typically contain acidifiers and germicides. Hydrators do not include sugar and, thus, are not used for holding flowers long term. Commercial hydration solutions are available and the amount of time the stems should be kept in the hydration solution varies from a few seconds to 48 hours. The “quick dip”-type solutions primarily reduce the number of microorganisms on the stems. Chlorine tablets added to water also produce solutions that can be used as germicides and hydrators. 

Holding or processing solutions contain all three types of compounds: sugar, an acidifying agent and a germicide. They are used for the transport and storage of cut flowers. These solutions are generally used for several hours, such as overnight, or for several days.  As their name suggests, they are used to hold flowers and keep them fresh but not encourage buds to open too much. 

Consumer flower foods/vase solutions also contain all three types of compounds as well, but they typically contain higher levels of sugar than holding solutions. These are the products we use to fill vases for the customers or give to them in the small packets. Consumers should use these solutions for the first few days of enjoying the flowers, after which time the benefit declines and the vases can be refilled with plain water. 

And finally, there are several species-specific products that have formulations designed for the target species. Rose foods, for example, usually result in a longer vase life than general flowers foods and bulb formulations help keep the foliage green in addition to extending the life of the flowers. Our testing has shown that the species-specific flower foods are effective. 

After years of testing hundreds of cultivars from more than 70 species, we can say that the majority of cut flower species do best with the use of holding and consumer solutions. On the other hand, a smaller number of species benefit from the use of hydrators. It should be noted that a few species are negatively affected by flower foods or at least do not benefit from them. In general, for most species, water or a slow-release chlorine solution should be used for hydration followed by a holding solution, with more specific recommendations for a few of the species. 

So, let’s evaluate the various cut flower vase life “hacks.”   

Pennies: Pennies in the vase water do not provide any of the known benefits of flower foods and not surprisingly, they have no effect on flowers. Leave them in the change jar. 

Sugar: Yes, sugar provides carbohydrates, but without the acidifiers and anti-microbial agents, sugar alone actually shortens the vase life by causing microbial growth, which plugs the stems. 

Lemon juice: It’s a great acidifier but can be problematic without an anti-microbial product when diluted. 

Vinegar: Same as lemon juice but strong smelling. 

Chlorine bleach: This one is commonly listed either individually or combined with sugar. The proportion of bleach to sugar and to water is important as too little bleach can result in gunk in the vase. Add in the fact that the bleach can discolor clothes and fumes can be toxic, it is better to use slow-release chlorine tablets. 

Various combinations of sugar, lemon juice/vinegar and chlorine bleach: Many recipes exist, and we have tried most of them. They occasionally work but mostly do not. It’s difficult to get the proportions correct. 

Soda: Regular soda, or pop as some of us say, includes all three of the compounds—acidifiers, anti-microbial agents and sugar (not the diet sodas!). Sodas actually can work as flower foods if properly diluted, which is the key. Lemon lime sodas should be diluted 1:2 with water. Avoid flavors other than lemon lime because of the food colors in the soda that will discolor the flowers.   

Smashing the ends of stems: According to the theory, smashing the ends of stems increases the surface area to allow more water to enter. However, smashing stems destroys the water conducting cells in the stems and makes it harder for them to take up the flower foods. What’s more, the resulting bits and pieces of stems can be pulled up into the stems, further plugging them.  So, please use the hammer for nails, not flowers. 

Cutting stems on an angle. The reasoning here is that cutting stems on an angle increases the surface area of the stem in contact with the water. No data proves this matters. In fact, cutting stems on an angle will leave a point at the tip which will get mashed when the stems are put in a bucket or vase and the stems hit the bottom (see previous paragraph!). However, angular cuts will help when inserting stems into foam or other mechanics. 

Searing ends of stems with a flame or boiling (or near boiling) water. This is used primarily with species that produce latex to coagulate the latex, which is thought to keep it from plugging the ends of the stems. We have not been able to find a benefit from these treatments on poppies, dahlias or euphorbias. We find that placing stems into water immediately after cutting allows the latex to dissipate. Then put the stems in clean water or hydration solution. This method works even with flowers that produce a lot of latex. However, there are other scientific reports showing that searing works on some species. What to do? Try your own testing. Compare searing with the process that we describe. The hassle of searing treatments alone dictates that you will want to avoid it if possible. 

Interested in learning more? Check out American Floral Endowment (AFE)-funded research projects on post-production handling of roses and other cut flowers at endowment.org/afe-research-reports-post-production-series-400.  

And, of course, it is always good to remind yourself and your staff of the basics of cut flower handling, regardless of the season. Request your free AFE poster at endowment.org/new-poster-gives-tips-for-flower-care. 

By Kat Castagnoli, AIFD 

With Valentine’s Day 2026 landing on a Saturday, florists nationwide are bracing for a complex mix of opportunity and chaos. The good news? Americans’ love affair with flowers shows no sign of fading. 

According to the Society of American Florists (SAF), 35 percent of Americans purchased fresh flowers or plants for Valentine’s Day 2025—the highest level of flower gifting in 11 years—up from 28 percent in 2024 and slightly ahead of 2023’s record 34 percent. Despite rising costs, tariffs and economic uncertainty, 65 percent of floral design professionals say their first-half of 2025 sales are holding steady or rising, and more than one-third expect year-end numbers to surpass last year’s totals. 

Together, these figures point to one prediction. The consumer forecast for next year’s Valentine’s Day looks promisingly profitable. 

AI, Automation and Smarter Selling 

To tackle this “Super Bowl” day in the flower industry, florists are embracing digital tools to boost efficiency and enhance customer experience. “These tools help generate leads, deliver high-touch service and improve communication throughout the buying journey,” says Lori Wheat, AAF, president of Lafayette Florist in Erie, Colo. “They also aid in labor—answering quick FAQs instead of taking up valuable staff time.” 

From marketing automation to chatbots trained on Valentine-specific questions, technology is helping shops streamline operations while maintaining a personal touch. AI is also driving upselling and reminders, making it easier for customers to choose add-ons or schedule recurring deliveries. 

Wheat is testing subscription-based models that keep love blooming long after Feb. 14. She has coined “Send Love. Repeat”—a pickup or delivery subscription for fresh wrapped bouquets, arrangements with recyclable vases or houseplants. It’s a reminder that “love should be expressed beyond Valentine’s Day,” she says. Programs like these turn one-time buyers into loyal, year-round customers. 

Local Love: Balancing Heart and Hustle 

Another defining trend for Valentine’s 2026: local love. Consumers increasingly want gifts rooted in their own communities, and florists are responding by teaming up with neighborhood artisans and growers. “Local chocolates, local artist cards, local candles, locally grown orchid plants—we’re keeping it all close to home,” Wheat explains. 

Still, “pricing remains a challenge as rising costs impact every channel,” she says. “We continue to review our recipes and pricing structures to protect profitability, but keeping pace with cost fluctuations is an ongoing effort.” Her team’s approach: simplify and streamline. 

“We’re regularly adjusting recipes by cost and efficiency and implementing limited selections to maximize production,” notes Wheat. “We’re also collaborating with wholesale partners to stay ahead of fluctuations, all while maintaining the quality and value our customers expect.” 

At the wholesale level, Joost Bongaerts, CEO of Florabundance Inc., told floraldaily.com that Valentine’s Day 2025 saw “substantial growth in online and phone orders, complemented by a surge in last-minute walk-in sales.” He added, “Pickup orders surged significantly, with some florists reporting a 50 percent or higher increase in last-minute pickups.” 

That trend is expected to continue into 2026, especially with the holiday falling on a Saturday. Florists anticipate even higher weekend traffic and same-day pickups—a pattern that reinforces the need for preplanning, efficient staffing and streamlined order systems to handle both online and in-store demand. 

Flowers, Colors and Forms 

The Valentine’s Day 2026 aesthetic is shaping up to be softer, more sculptural and more sustainable—a shift from the hyper-saturated reds of years past toward palettes and textures that feel personal, grounded and elevated. 

The “2025-2026 American Floral Trends” forecast predicts palettes such as Whisper (peach, basil, wild rose), Embrace (blush and honeycomb), and Umbra (lemon, raspberry and coral). Translating that to Valentine’s design means pairing the familiar warmth of red with new neutrals like blush, mauve, terracotta and sage. A bouquet might feature garden roses in dusty pink accented with basil-green foliage, or a modern mix of coral Ranunculus and peach tulips. 

According to a 2026 trend report from James Cress Florist & Events in Smithtown, N.Y., “bold hues, stand-out sculptural arrangements and a return to nature-inspired design are defining 2026.”  

While roses remain the emotional anchor of Valentine’s Day, designers are blending them with character stems that add form and personality—Protea for its architectural presence, Anthurium for sheen and shape, and Ranunculus or sweet peas for softness. Of note, TheSpruce.com calls Protea the major “it” flower for 2026 due to its distinctive sculptural quality and sustainable appeal. 

To add depth, designers are layering textural elements like grasses, seed pods or dried accents to create arrangements that feel fresh from the garden rather than mass-produced. Expect asymmetry, movement and negative space to replace compact symmetry. 

An Artistic Sentiment 

For florists, these shifts offer clear merchandising opportunities: 

• Create two distinct palettes—Classic Romance (red, crimson, merlot) and Modern Love (blush, terracotta, sage). 

• Market sculptural or asymmetrical designs as statement Valentine’s arrangements. 

• Use sustainable or upcycled containers and mechanics to reinforce an eco-conscious message. 

• Incorporate locally grown or seasonal blooms to add a distinctive touch. 

The takeaway: Valentine’s Day 2026 designs should feel curated and intentional. As more customers seek authenticity over excess, the artistry behind each bouquet becomes as important as the sentiment it conveys. 

Timing and Teamwork: Preplanning Pays Off 

Because Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a Saturday—typically the busiest day of the week for florists—encouraging pre-Feb. 14 ordering not only prevents staff burnout but also helps maintain quality and timing. 

“We’re looking to do fresh flowers paired with local chocolates delivered on Thursday or Friday with messaging like, ‘Start Valentine’s Weekend with Love,’” Wheat says. She is also planning early-delivery incentives, tiered pricing and plenty of ready-to-go designs for walk-ins. 

Mary McCarthy, a wedding and events consultant at The Blooming Idea in The Woodlands, Texas, said she begins preparation for Valentine’s Day the day after the previous holiday, according to a February blog on DetailsFlowers.com. “I take stock of what flowers I have left over—what I over-ordered, what didn’t sell well,” she explained. “I also take notes on what processes worked well and didn’t, and where we can improve for the next Valentine’s Day. Keeping records from previous years is so helpful.” 

McCarthy also said it’s essential to reach out to your customer base early. “We send a personalized email three to four weeks before the holiday to ask if they’d like to order the same as last year,” she noted. “We get an excellent response to this—and the customer appreciates the reminder.” 

The team at The Blooming Idea begins prepping vases with greenery a week before Valentine’s, arranges flowers five days in advance and keeps everything in the cooler. “I buy lunch for all the staff on Feb. 13 and 14 and always give a bonus after the holiday for a job well done,” McCarthy said. That kind of foresight and team care keeps both morale and quality high during the year’s most intense holiday. 

Cautious Optimism, Creative Momentum 

While SAF cautions it’s too early to predict 2026 sales precisely, the organization remains “optimistic that the positive trends of 2025 will carry forward into 2026.” Between tech-driven service, subscription models, sustainable aesthetics and local collaborations, florists are proving that creativity and community can thrive even in a challenging economy. 

And, as Wheat put it, the goal for 2026 is simple: “Start early, simplify the menu and make every delivery feel personal.” Because even in an age of automation, flowers remain the most human way to say, “I love you.” 

By Kat Castagnoli, AIFD 

For many florists, retirement planning isn’t just low on the priority list—it often doesn’t exist at all. Long hours, tight margins and a culture that celebrates artistry over financial strategy make it easy to focus on the next big event instead of the next 20 years. Diana Culver knows the risks of that mindset firsthand. 

Her parents opened Magnolia Florist in San Diego in 1983 and ran multiple shops for nearly two decades. “Every dollar went back into rent, overhead, flowers and supplies,” she recalls. “They never owned their building. When the businesses closed, they had nothing to fall back on. My father passed away while still renting their home, and my mother doesn’t have the retirement she imagined.” 

Culver followed in their footsteps, launching Fleur D’Lis Flowers in 2009. By her late twenties, she was on track toward AIFD certification and local success. But then at 29, a breast cancer diagnosis changed everything. 

“On chemo weeks and after surgeries, I couldn’t work,” she says. “Because I hadn’t built other income streams or hired staff to keep things going, there was nothing to cover the gaps. The pressure was enormous.” 

That experience forced her to step away from floral design and rethink her future. “I realized I was working so hard and had nothing to show for it,” Culver explains. “I didn’t see a clear path to long-term security in flowers. That missing piece led me into real estate—and to my mission now of helping florists prepare smarter than I did.” 

Why Real Estate Creates Stability 

For Culver, real estate is the game-changer. “Ownership equals options,” she says. “When you rent, you’re at the mercy of landlords. When you own, you control the space, the income and the future.” 

That ownership can take many forms: buying your shop’s building, investing in a duplex or condo to rent out or transforming part of your shop into an event space. “If I had even one rental property back then, that income could have carried me through my treatment,” she reflects. 

Comerica’s small-business retirement guide emphasizes that entrepreneurs often neglect asset-building outside their business, leaving them vulnerable when sales decline. It also notes that diversification—through real estate, investments and retirement accounts—protects owners from relying solely on their shop as a retirement plan. 

Rethinking Exit Strategies 

Florists who dream of retiring often assume they’ll simply sell their shop someday. But that’s not always realistic. “Most shops are so tied to the owner’s artistry that they’re hard to sell for top dollar,” Culver explains. 

Other options include: 

• Gradual succession: Mentoring a younger designer or employee to take over, sometimes through what’s called the “Golden Handshake,” where the original owner transitions clients over two to five years. 

• Partnerships or acquisitions: Inviting a trusted employee, peer or related business to take on leadership and eventually ownership. 

• Building outside assets: Securing real estate or other investments that generate income, regardless of whether the shop sells. 

Exit planners stress that preparing years in advance—by documenting systems, valuing the business and creating a succession timeline—dramatically improves outcomes. Without that preparation, too many florists close after decades with nothing but leftover supplies. 

Practical First Steps 

So where should florists start? Culver and finance experts alike suggest the following moves: 

• Take an honest inventory: Do you own or rent your shop and home? What equity could you leverage? 

• Open a retirement account: SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or solo 401(k)s can provide tax benefits and growth opportunities, even with modest contributions. 

• Embed savings into pricing: “If I could do it over again, I would have built retirement costs into every design, delivery fee and consultation,” Culver says. 

• Consult professionals: Certified public accountants (CPAs) and fiduciary advisers can help structure business income, create retirement vehicles and identify property opportunities. 

• Systemize your business: Buyers and successors want to see a business that can run without you. Documenting revenue streams and processes now is critical. 

“Business owners must separate personal wealth-building from day-to-day cash flow,” notes Fulton Bank’s small-business retirement guide. “Otherwise, retirement is always at risk of collapse with the business.” 

Redefining Legacy 

For florists who want to pass their shops down, Culver urges intentionality. “Training a successor takes years. Decide whether you want your name and style to live on or whether the brand continues in another form.” 

But she also reframes legacy in broader terms: “Passing down a building, a rental property or even a multi-use space is just as valuable as passing down a shop. It gives the next generation incentive and stability.” 

A Stronger Industry 

Culver imagines a flower industry where conversations about money are as common as conversations about Ranunculus or roses. “I want to see florists proud not just of their artistry, but of their assets,” she says. “I want shops that generate multiple streams of income and designers who get to keep designing or retire because they choose to.” 

Financial advisers echo that vision. They recommend integrating retirement into business planning from day one. They also emphasize that diversifying assets is no longer optional—it’s essential. 

“I picture a future where the next generation of florists doesn’t just inherit the beauty of this industry, but the stability of it too,” Culver concludes. “We can rise up now, plan smarter and prove that florists deserve not only admiration for their work, but respect for their financial futures.” 

5 Retirement Steps Florists Can Take Right Now 

1. Run a Reality Check 
   Make a list: Do you own or rent your shop? Own or rent your home? What’s your equity position? 

2. Open a Retirement Account 
   Even small contributions to a SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA or solo 401(k) create tax advantages and build long-term discipline. 

3. Price for Your Future 
   Add a few dollars into consultation fees, delivery charges or design pricing— earmarked for retirement savings. 

4. Talk to Your CPA 
   A trusted CPA or fiduciary adviser can help you leverage profits, plan for real estate purchases and set up proper accounts. 

5. Create a Successor File 
   Document your client list, processes and vendor contacts. A shop that runs without you is more valuable—and more sellable. 

Every spring, something magical happens inside America’s great museums. Rooms that usually hum with the quiet reverence of hushed voices and still paintings burst into riotous life, buzzing with activity and exuberance. Tulips bend toward Renoirs. Roses echo the pinks in a Rubens. Calla lilies sweep upward to mirror the curves of a Calder sculpture. 

Aptly called “Art in Bloom”—the name most museums have adopted for these floral fundraiser extravaganzas—these events invite florists to interpret works of art in their permanent collections. The results are far more than colorful dialogues between living blooms and static canvases. They are conversations between fragrance and form, between local talent and world masterpieces, between the fleeting and the eternal. 

Beneath the beauty lies something just as vital: these shows have become some of the most successful fundraisers in the museum world, raising millions for programming, outreach and acquisitions. For museums that face the perennial challenge of persuading people to revisit works they may already have seen, flowers are the refresh button. They bring fragrance, texture and color into gallery spaces, making visitors linger longer. They also break perceived barriers—museums can feel “quiet” or even austere—and flowers create a welcoming, joyful environment that is literally “alive.” 

“These are some of our biggest and most popular fundraisers,” says Laura Finan, director of special initiatives at the North Carolina Museum of Art, which has been doing Art in Bloom events for 12 years. “The public now looks forward to it as an annual tradition. Mothers and daughters come, friends and families. The whole community enjoys it.” 

The North Carolina event doesn’t even limit participants to professionals—though the larger installations are given to established designers. For 2026, the museum received 450 requests in six minutes for just 40 spots. Their policy is to take the first 40, with wiggle room in case someone drops out.  

Why Florists Love Them 

For florists, the appeal is obvious. Unlike large-scale exhibitions, such as Fleurs de Villes or the Philadelphia Flower Show—which require weeks of labor, extensive travel and often personal financial sacrifice—Art in Bloom events are usually in their own cities, easier to stage and far less costly. 

Yes, florists often absorb some expenses—since token floral design budgets rarely cover the full cost of creativity—but the time commitment is manageable. Instead of giving up a full week of paid work, a florist may only dedicate a few hours to creating an arrangement. Plus, there are no travel costs either. And the payoff is immense. 

“Art in Bloom DC has become my favorite event to produce,” says floral designer Margo Fischer, renowned for her wedding and event work. “It invites so much creativity, and I love getting to work with such inspiring designers in one space.” 

The camaraderie is part of the magic. Designers swap ideas, meet potential collaborators and show their work to audiences who might hire them later for weddings or parties. For many florists, the exposure is invaluable: their work sits next to masterpieces, gets photographed by thousands, is shared on social media and often gets published in local press. Museums also welcome florists to reach out and offer their talents. It is a symbiotic relationship.  

Why Museums Need Them 

For the public, Art in Bloom gives the museums’ works a reboot.  

Another benefit to these events is that the floral interpretation does not compete with the artwork—it offers a new lens through which to view it. Visitors find themselves looking back and forth, comparing how an orchid cascade might mimic the folds of a gown in a portrait, or how a sculptural arrangement of branches can capture the severity of a cubist composition. 

Furthermore, the tickets are sold with the urgency of a Broadway preview. Flowers only last a few days, and the event is usually from Thursday to Sunday or in some cases a full week with programming around it. Patrons who would never line up for an exhibition of medieval armor happily wait for an Art in Bloom ticket. Museums have noticed—and they’ve leaned into the formula.  Tickets, preview parties, workshops, auctions of flower arrangements, sponsorships, merchandise and food/beverage events each add revenue layers as well. 

For the public, this pairing becomes a multi-sensory playground. Any time you have hundreds of flowers in one setting it elevates the experience.  

The newest arrival to the concept is Newfields, which launched Art in Bloom in its galleries at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). Jonathan Wright, Ruth Lily Director of the Garden and Fairbanks Park at Newfields, spearheaded the idea and expanded on it. “We are thrilled that Art in Bloom has grown over the years. It is the perfect embodiment of our mission, and we are honored to highlight the work of dozens of extraordinary floral artists, alongside the icons from the IMA collection,” he says. “We are looking forward to what our artists will dream up for next year’s edition.” 

Unlike the older East Coast and West Coast stalwarts, this is a fresh experiment, one that shows how the formula continues to spread. Newfields already has a reputation for its gardens and horticultural programming, making the marriage of art and floral interpretation feel especially natural. For Indiana, this event signals a new chapter in museum fundraising: flowers to build community, draw younger audiences and connect the indoors with the outdoors. 

Who gets the credit for starting Art in Bloom? If there is one place that deserves credit for popularizing the format, it’s the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Its Art in Bloom has been dazzling visitors for more than 40 years, pairing works from the MFA’s renowned collection with floral interpretations from professional designers and garden clubs. 

Budding Opportunities 

Overall, for florists, this is an easy branding opportunity—one that’s not only fun but potentially profitable as well. It allows the florist to flex their creative muscles in fresh ways; most museums allow them to choose which work of art they want to reimagine. The florist can echo a Dutch still life, reimagine a Picasso or even mirror the swoop of a modern building. 

Matched together with the art, the flower arrangements are eye-popping, smile-inducing and inspiring pieces that are prototypes of what people can also do in their own homes. Yet another marketing angle. After all, why buy a piece of art and not have a matching flower arrangement to accompany it? 

In the end, Art in Bloom doesn’t just elevate museums—it elevates florists, proving their creations deserve a place alongside the world’s greatest masterpieces or home art.  

Some Shows Worth Checking Out

The Gold Standard: Bouquets to Art in San Francisco 

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco—comprising the de Young and the Legion of Honor—can rightfully claim one of the crown jewels of this movement. Since the mid-1980s, their Bouquets to Art exhibition has invited more than 100 designers each year to reinterpret pieces in their collection. It has grown into one of the museum’s signature annual events. 

The numbers tell the story: Bouquets to Art has raised more than $7 million for the museums since its inception, in turn funding exhibitions, acquisitions and educational programs. Preview parties sell out and Instagram lights up with images of floral installations echoing famous artworks. For San Francisco society, it’s as much a fixture as the opera opening or the symphony gala. 

What makes it work? The blend of prestige (nationally known floral designers are often invited), community (local garden clubs participate) and the irresistible drama of live, short-lived art. 

Minneapolis: Art in Bloom as Civic Ritual 

If San Francisco has glamour, Minneapolis has scale. The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has hosted Art in Bloom for 42 years and counting, drawing nearly 100,000 visitors annually. The event showcases more than 100 floral arrangements paired with artworks throughout the museum’s collection. 

What’s distinctive is Mia’s decision to keep the event itself free to the public. Instead, fundraising flows through sponsorships, memberships, a high-end preview gala called “Party in Bloom,” and companion events like lectures and hands-on workshops. By lowering the barrier to entry, Mia turns Art in Bloom into a civic ritual: a harbinger of spring in Minnesota, when locals are desperate for color after months of snow. 

The scale makes it one of the most influential of all floral fundraisers in America, proving that accessibility and fundraising can go hand in hand. 

The Southern Blossoms: Orlando 

Orlando’s version takes a slightly different tack, blending flowers with antiques and “Tables in Bloom,” where designers create fantastical dining displays. Organized by the Council of 101, a powerhouse volunteer group that supports the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando’s Art in Bloom consists of three days of lectures, marketplace vendors, and masterclasses in addition to floral interpretations. The layers of activity diversify revenue streams and ensure wide community buy-in. 

Oklahoma City: Flowers as Lifeblood 

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is refreshingly blunt: their Art in Bloom is “one of our most important fundraisers of the year.” The event lasts only a weekend, but it supports everything from school tours to art supplies. Local florists are given gallery space to interpret works, and the city turns out. It’s an excellent example of how even mid-sized museums in less populous cities can use the formula to generate vital operating support. 

Cincinnati and Springfield: The Midwest Flourishes 

Cincinnati Art Museum hosts a biannual Art in Bloom that transforms the galleries with more than 60 floral installations. The event dovetails with lectures and performances, pulling in a broader audience. 

Springfield Art Museum in Missouri has added its own twist: combining flowers with fashion. Designers create garments and floral works that riff on each other, making for a spectacle that feels like runway show meets botanical conservatory. This cross-disciplinary approach expands the donor pool and draws lifestyle sponsors who might not otherwise support a museum. 

San Diego: The Signature “Art Alive” 

On the West Coast, San Diego Museum of Art has branded its floral fundraiser not as Art in Bloom but as Art Alive. The name captures the energy of the event, which has become the museum’s signature fundraiser each spring. More than 80 floral designers participate, and in 2025 the event has expanded to include interpretations of the museum’s architecture itself. 

Art Alive exemplifies how these fundraisers evolve to stay fresh. Rather than risk “same-old fatigue,” San Diego continues to innovate, keeping sponsors and visitors engaged year after year. 

Hartford: The Wadsworth Atheneum’s Fine Art & Flowers 

In Hartford, Connecticut, the Wadsworth Atheneum—the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States—hosts Fine Art & Flowers. Now in its fourth decade, it pairs local designers with the museum’s masterpieces. Like San Francisco’s Bouquets to Art, it benefits from longevity: an event that becomes tradition gains layers of meaning, nostalgia and donor loyalty. For the Wadsworth, it’s both a fundraiser and a reaffirmation of its place in the cultural fabric of New England.