Flower designs, flower trends, and flower colors all change for fall. Now we have an emphasis on rust browns, oranges, berries, mums, and pheasant feathers.  Also joining these fall favorites are winter greens. For me, I’m off to start our inaugural school semester in Indianapolis – highly looking forward to that.

Great Designers Needed! Read More

The road has so much to see- especially summer flowers

I took my sights and my clippers and hit the road to see what summer flowers were blooming in gardens across America. Beginning with classes in our schools in Milwaukee followed by Chicago, we worked with some great, fresh summer flowers.

I had the joy of hopping over to California to design a wedding in fantastic Napa Valley. Wine, cheese, and summer flowers- is there more to life? Read More

Flower Power lessons from a flower design professional, my book can help and entertain the beginner to the professional.

Release: Late Fall 2015

About: A contemporary, editorial view on flower design, this book analyzes some innovative techniques and possibilities with an emphasis on Southern Californian styles. With so many beautiful and elegant blooms in California, I developed incredible new design techniques that anyone can apply to their flower design armoire. This book is a look into the Californian flower world and the lessons that I’ve taught at my Los Angeles School of Flower Design.

Features: 

• Elegant photo shots from San Juan Capistrano, CA to Hollywood and top-of-the-line flower design elements for you to indulge in.
• Flower design techniques that are particular to California and other sub-tropical flower designs.
• Miscellaneous design tips that can be used anywhere in the United Sttes or even the world.
• A look inside the world of an American Flower Design School taught by yours truly.
• Other flower facts that you’ve never known!

For more information or inquiries, contact me on my phone at 414-617-7162 or contact me on the Contact page.

Also, if you haven’t already, check out my previous book on professional flower design entitled, “Design Star: Lessons from the New York School of Flower Design”.

With about half of the summer over, but still plenty of sun to hit your late bloomers, it’s important to stay on top of your summer flower game. There are different fertilizers, enhancers, good summer flower sales, and more that can help you keep your garden and your summer flower designs rolling onto your countertop, throughout your garden, and in your windows. Also, there are still plenty of weddings and events left that demand some beautiful flowers.

Here are some midsummer flower tips that should help you out:

• Get your flowers while they’re cheap! Summer flower prices are currently down.
• Best Midsummer Deals: Sunflowers and hydrangeas. Spruce up your garden.
• Remember: cool houses keep cool flowers lasting longer, so keep that AC on- it acts like a cooler!
• Purchase irises when they’re really tight and they will last longer. A couple of drops of bleach in the water will help keep them lasting even longer.
• I recommend Crowning Glory Flower Spray by Floralife to cover all your flowers.
• Our Facebook page will have job opportunities for the fall listed!
• My new book, entitled Flower Power Lessons from the Los Angeles School of Flower Design is complete and will be released in the late fall of 2015.
  My last book, Design Star is still available for purchase. 

Recent Personal Private Flower Lessons

Private Flowering design lessons offer a great opportunity for many things. Not only is the class educational, but it’s extremely enjoyable for everyone involved, myself included. I love getting to meet new people who share the same passion for flowers as I do, even if they don’t have much experience at all- because that’s where I come in. I love working with people and watching the progress that they can make in one night, one week, and the incredible differences a year after. I’ve hosted in plenty of places.

I recently gave great private flower lessons at the enchanting Chatwal Hotel in New York City for a group of 25 women from around the metro area as well as upstate New York.  We even had some Ralph Lauren models in the class and an Italian fashion blogger Gregory DelliCarpini (@pinijr) stopped in.  The dynamic between the students, the flowers, and I is always an engaging one and even with 25 people, it feels like such a small group.

In one night, you can learn more about flowers in our flower stylish design classes than you would spending time weeding out or planting your garden. I can do lessons for anyone if I am in your area or can even travel to you if you have a sizable amount of people. If you are interested in a private flower lessons class for you or your friends give me a call or see my website for more about my private classes.

Macy’s Flower Show is stupendous

Don’t miss Mr. Michael Gaffney at the Macy’s Flower Show in Herald Square March 27th, 2015! This year the Macy’s Flower Show is being held in NYC March 22nd-April 4th and Michael will be there doing flower design demonstrations, hosting a free book give away and plenty of flowers, flowers, flowers for all to see!

For two weeks, the clothing and accessories at Macy’s won’t be the only colorful items on display by the iconic department store. Outside in Broadway Plaza, beautifully bright floral arrangements will announce this year’s Macy’s Flower Show. Special events including live music, kids’ activities and seminars will take place throughout the show. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit macys.com.

We hope to see you there!!

The Valentine’s Day Flowers Scoop 

Well Ladies and Gentlemen,  that special day is upon us….the day of L-O-V-E!  Many people can be stumped on why the cost of flowers sky rocket during this most lovely of holidays…so I will be taking some time in this article to educate on why that is, as well as giving you some helpful tips to getting the Valentine’s Day flowers arrangement that you want and try to save some $$ in the process.

The average American does not realize that there are several factors that come into play when it comes to shipping and receiving the massive amounts of product for the holiday. Here are a few factors as to why we, (Florists included), all pay more for Valentine’s Day flowers:

1.  Growers use manual labor for product development.
2. Transportation of the product costs more.
3. The demand for flowers increases.
4. Economy Factors come into play.
5. Paying for an expert to design the flowers.

After taking a look at these factors, I would suggest the following this Valentine’s Day as some money saving tips:

1. Take a look at the alternatives to the dozen roses vased.  There are many other beautiful Valentine’s Day flowers available this time of year that are equally appealing, but may not be as expensive.
2. Request different colors such as pink, lavendar, purple, white or a combination of color.  Red often is higher priced due to the high demand, etc.
3. Request a delivery date before the actual holiday itself.  Some florists offer incentives for pre-order and different delivery dates.

Buying Local

Now, lets talk about buying LOCAL!!! Support your local florist this holiday.  I cannot tell you how I cringe every time I see the commercials screaming at me from the TV…you know the ones, “ONLY $19.99 for 1 dozen red roses vased!” The truth is, the photos of those arrangements are manipulated to make the public think that they will be receiving a nice big full arrangement for the price listed. But unfortunately, that is not always the case.  To get a big beautiful arrangement of roses in a vase, you will have to pay a reasonable amount.  Remember the saying, “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.”  This rings true for Valentine’s Day flowers as well.  I would suggest calling your local florist and placing an order with them directly so that you know exactly what you will be sending… and you never know, they may be offering some additional perks & incentives to buy!

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day flowers and remember to thank your florist!  Many sacrifice time with their own loved ones and ‘special night out’ so that you can enjoy yours!