Sunday, December 29, 2013

(Cool) Projects

(Cool) Projects: by Carling A.W. Elder

carling for blogBack in August, Ellen and I had the pleasure of meeting with Heather Weisse Walsh, Editor of (cool) progeny, to hear all about this fun, family-friendly publication, and to see why Local Color Flowers might want a dose of (cool).

Started by Heather and her husband a few years ago, (cool) progeny is an online resource for parents that is dedicated to “putting (cool) back in to the crazy, upside down world of modern parenting.” Heather told us that when she and her husband became new parents, they kept striking out while searching for information about family-friendly events and activities in Baltimore. So they took matters into their own hands, and (cool) progeny was born!

(cool) progeny is bursting with good stuff! The website is divided into seven main categories of: eat, play, learn & create, style, parents, party, and out & about. Each category features articles from guest contributors who are all experts in different fields. When Heather asked if Local Color Flowers would like to partner with (cool) progeny as “Floral Experts,” we thought it might be fun to come up with some kid appropriate floral projects. So we began brainstorming…

The first project was Halloween Terrariums.  It was easy to get the kids involved in building a terrarium. They could layer the ingredients of their terrariums (rocks, charcoal, and dirt), plant the succulents, and then have a blast decorating their terrarium vessels! The Halloween Terrariums gave the kids some of their first experiences caring for plants, and they turned out so fun! 

(cool) progeny makes a #halloween terrarium with local color flowers in baltimore! #holidays #gardening #kids

Our second project with (cool) progeny was a “Thankful Tablescape”  For this project, the kids got to forage for natural elements such as mini pumpkins, seed pods, and Indian corn to place on their family Thanksgiving table. They also got to write what they were thankful for on the gourds and pumpkins. At the same time, the adults could design a seasonal arrangement in a large pumpkin as a centerpiece. The kids had a great time picking out their favorite natural elements for this project, and it was an easy way to include children in Thanksgiving decorating.

Thanksgiving + Kids: Thankful Tablescapes with Local Color Flowers and (cool) progeny

The third project was Holiday Swags.  A swag (a bundle of greenery that hangs on your door) is perhaps the easiest holiday floral project you can make! I loved working with Lila (Heather’s beautiful daughter) on this project. It was so fun to show her the different evergreen and berry varieties as we made her swag, and to see which decorations she chose. I wasn’t too surprised when she chose a sparkly silver ribbon and shiny Christmas ornaments :).

How to Make a Holiday Swag - (cool) progeny

In the floral industry, we don’t often get to work with children. We mostly work with Brides, Wedding Planners, and well, other adults. As is necessary, conversations are often centered around details, time-lines, and requirements. There’s not much opportunity to just play with all of our amazing plants and flowers and see what comes out of unbridled creativity.  Working with the kids and seeing the flowers through their eyes was so much fun!

What I loved most about our projects with (cool) progeny was the chance to create and have pure fun with flowers and these cool kids. I’ve worked with evergreens a million times, but I don’t know if Lila ever had. I could see her curiosity as she felt the different branches and sniffed their spicy scents. Making these floral projects was a first-time experience for these kids, and it was exciting for them. Their excitement was exciting to me.

It makes me so happy to have had a small part in these kids’ first exposure to the floral world. I’m grateful to (cool) progeny for recognizing the value in teaching children early about the world of flowers, and for creating the online space to share these teachings with others. More (cool) progeny and Local Color Flowers collaborations are in the future, and I can’t wait to play some more!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Beaming with Pride

butterbeeI can’t tell you how excited I am to share this story from the Friends School of Baltimore Magazine this month.

The story, written by LoCoFlo designer Carling Elder is the story of two Friends School alums that came together to create something amazing in Baltimore and along the way, became fast friends. The two friends are no ordinary young women. Laura Beth, my dear friend and founder of Butterbee Farm is a passionate, driven entrepreneur who is creating a sustainable flower farm in Baltimore. Irene Donnelly, also one of LoCoFlo’s designers, is a skilled floral designer, a creative artist and business owner (check out Snark Machine) and a truly joyful soul to be around.

Carling got together with Laura Beth and Irene and interviewed them for this article. In addition to being a fabulous designer, Carling is a great writer (as evidenced by her recent Honorable Mention Award from the City Paper in their annual poetry contest). The article, beautifully captures so much of what we are trying to do at Local Color Flowers. We’re working hard to help support new growers, connect like minded folks around the business of growing local flowers and have fun while we’re doing it.

I’m so happy that LoCoFlo played a supporting role in bringing these three women together. They inspire me every single day. I’m so grateful that for their contributions to our business as well as their passion and commitment to local flowers and farmers. Way to go team!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

LoCoFlo’s Got a New Grower! Introducing Flowers by Bauers

The flower farming community in our region is pretty tight. Most growers know each other and LoCoFlo’s been fortunate to meet and work with many of them. That being said, Dave Dowling, of Farmhouse Flowers had been telling me for years about a grower close to Baltimore that grew snaps in the winter. This year, with more and more winter orders coming in, I thought I would do the research to find this mystery grower.

Their name is Flowers By Bauers and they are located in Jarrettsville, just north of Baltimore. They’ve been in business for over 30 years and the work they do is pretty incredible! Here are some of the things I love about Flowers By Bauers:

  • they are SO passionate about their work (the first day I met Matt Bauer he talked enthusiastically about his work and his plans for the future!)
  • they deliver
  • they have beautiful snaps all winter (and stock starting in January)
  • they’re only 23 miles away

snaps flowers by bauers

Flowers By Bauers is not your average flower farm. This family run business is modeled off the Dutch way of growing …in giant greenhouses. Not only are all of their plants grown indoors…they are also grown hydroponically. Click HERE to watch a short video from MPT profiling Flowers By Bauers showing just how it’s done. (they’re the first segment!)

I’m so grateful to have been introduced to this amazing flower farm. Can’t wait to get a tour of their operations in 2014!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Local Color Flowers, Mr. Gorgeous and the Baltimore Beauty Pageant

I can’t lie. When I got the email from Mr. Gorgeous asking if LoCoFlo would be willing to provide a bouquet for the winner of the Baltimore Beauty Pageant, I jumped at the chance. I mean…how can you say NO to Mr Gorgeous!

If you’re not familiar with Trixie Little (and Monkey) and Mr. Gorgeous, you are missing out on one of the true gems of Baltimore!! Trixie Little and her husband Monkey are “an acrobatic burlesque super duo” that has been entertaining Charm City (and the world) for the past 10 years. Mr. Gorgeous, (aka Eric Gorsuch) is a 6ft 5 inch burlesque/circus performer extraordinaire that famously partners with Trixie and Monkey in Baltimore best holiday show: the HOLIDAY SPECTAC-U-THON at the Creative Alliance.

spectacular

So you can see why I was so excited to meet Mr. Gorgeous and have him use our flowers in the pageant! Irene made a spectacular bouquet for the winner including all sorts of local goodies…including “hairy balls”. (what pageant would be complete without them!)

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The pageant, hosted by Trixie and Mr. Gorgeous at the Otto Bar featured five beautiful, burlesque “contestants” including one of our 2014 brides “Ruby Rockafella”. While she didn’t win, Ruby Rockafella looked fabulous!

Everyone at Local Color Flowers wants to congratulate the winner…the gorgeous…Sunny Sighed! 

Way to go Baltimore! Another reason we LOVE you!

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Decking the Halls…LoCoFlo Style

December is here, weddings are over for the year and we are in full holiday mode!

We’ve got so much fun stuff happening over the next few weeks!

This Saturday is our last wreath making class! There are currently still spots available!

holiday_winter_wreath

We’re also offering a holiday terrarium class on Sunday, December 15 at 11am. I’m super excited for this class because our terrariums are going to take on a holiday twist! Picture a little winter wonderland…with succulents…under glass!

Finally, we’re offering two holiday centerpiece classes on December 23rd (10am and 7pm). This is a great way to bring some of your crafty, DIY love to the dinner table on Christmas! Sign up today!

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If you don’t want to MAKE your holiday goodies (we can’t all be Martha!), you can come out to Makers Alley on December 14th from 10am-2pm at Local Color Flowers! We’ve got amazing local vendors including Rat Czar, Priya Means Love, Snark Machine, Charm City Cook, Highway to Hill, Byrdie, Kinderhook Snacks, Two Back Flats and of course…Local Color Flowers.  They’ll be ready to sell you some awesome holiday gifts for everyone on your list!

 makers alley

Finally, we’ve got loads of holiday offerings to decorate your home and to share with others! Check out our holiday page for more details on how to order! Our CSA and other holiday gifts have been featured in Baltimore Magazine’s Holiday Guide, the City Paper’s Holiday Guide and Cool Progeny’s Holiday Guide!

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Happy Holidays Everyone!!