Monday, October 28, 2013

Meeting Amy Stewart

What a way to usher in my 41st year than with an evening  at Cylburn Arboretum with Amy Stewart! For those of you don’t know, Amy Stewart is an amazing writing of books, blogs and all things gardening. On this night, she was at Cylburn to read from her most recent book, the Drunken Botanist. For me though, Amy is most known (and loved) for authoring the book: Flower Confidential.

Flower Confidential, which was IMG_5833published in 2007 played of pivotal role in our decision to start LoCoFlo. It was, and still is, one of the most comprehensive looks at the global cut flower industry. It came to me at the perfect time. I was working part time on a farm, meeting flower farmers, starting to try my hand at floral design and feeling restless in my day job. It sparked something in me, something that let me know that there was an opportunity within the cut flower industry for something different, something unique, something sustainable…something local.

So, while we were standing in line to meet Amy, Eric kept telling me not to burst out crying…which I almost did. I was just so excited! I wanted to tell her everything about LoCoFlo and how grateful I was and how because of her, we were really changing the industry in our little corner of the world. Instead, with a line of people behind me, I told her a little of everything in a hurried, jumbled, tear filled shpeal. She was gracious and excited to hear my story and hopefully didn’t think I was too much of a flower stalker! What I really wanted, was to sit on a little sofa and have a cocktail with her and talk about flowers.

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The Drunken Botanist reading and discussion was awesome and super interesting for plant nerds, cocktail nerds  and normal people alike. I got to visit with friends (thanks Chesapeake Wine Company) drink yummy cocktails (thanks Rye) and enjoy my birthday in the best way possible!