Berlin Flower Shop News
A Floral Designer Who Forages in the Hills of Malibu - The New York Times
Monday, August 24, 2020Indeed, Moreno-Bunge is part of a new wave of designers — among them the Berlin-based studio Mary Lennox and the New York-based Joshua Werber — for whom the term florist seems too narrow a definition; they’re artists who not only confirm the obvious appeal of blooms but also reveal the magnificence of their landscapes’ less flamboyant elements: leaves, vegetables, seedpods, weeds and humble grasses.The florist creates a wild, sculptural arrangement of plants including golden rain tree, oats, artichoke flowers and green persimmons.CreditCredit...Scott J. RossThis approach has made Isa Isa — Moreno-Bunge’s five-year-old floral design business, which creates effervescent, naturalistic arrangements and installations — the studio of choice for many of L.A.’s most interesting brands. Visitors to the Chinatown store of the clothing label Eckhaus Latta in 2018 might have noticed a single, ethereal white Iceland poppy emerging from a dense green cluster of beadlike dates, slatted areca palm leaves and the drooping, fist-size fruit of the silk floss tree, arranged by Moreno-Bunge in a pitcher on a table of accessories. More recently, she displayed three green tromboncino squash, coiled like snakes, alongside bouquets of black tomatoes, olive branches and unripened persimmons and lemons, at the women’s clothing boutique Shaina Mote... https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/10/t-magazine/sophia-moreno-bunge-floral-design.html
Feed the soul: In chaotic times, gardening becomes therapy - Sentinel & Enterprise
Thursday, April 02, 2020Those with a garden are the lucky ones,” said Heidi Schaletzky, standing on the lawn beneath a cherry tree in the north of Berlin.Schaletzky and her husband have been cultivating a plot in the “Free Country” community garden for the past eight years, growing strawberries, salad greens and kohlrabi. So far, access to garden plots remains exempt from restrictions intended to stop the spread of the virus in Germany.“We’ll be able to see other people, too,” she said. “As long as they stay on their side of the fence.”As the weather warms, garden shops are bustling as other businesses shut during the outbreak.At the Almaden Valley Nursery in San Jose, California, rose expert John Harp has seen a mix of new gardeners and regulars. Customers can’t come into the shop, so their online orders are brought to their vehicles in the parking lot.“Around town everyone is gardening right now,” Harp said. “They’re looking to be a little bit more self-sufficient.”This home-grown attitude goes back to World War II, when millions of people cultivated victory gardens to protect against potential food shortages while boosting patriotism and morale.Hollie Niblett, who lives near Kansas City, Kansas, hopes the victory gardens come back. Niblett, who has a degree in horticultural therapy, tends to a kitchen garden near her backdoor, perennial flowers, flowering trees and shrubs, and upper and lower grassy yards connected by a path through an area left in its natural condition.“There are so many things about it that feed my soul,” she said. “Right now, more than anything, my garden gives me hope, gives me purpose and provides a sense of connection to something bigger than myself.”For beginners, wonderment awaits. Just south of Atlanta, 10-year-old Ezra Gandy’s love for playing baseball has been paused. He and his grandmother, Melanie Nunnally, recently started an outdoor garden, planting strawberries, cabbage, broccoli, kale and asparagus.“I like digging in the dirt because I like to see all the bugs and stuff that’s in the ground,” he said.The nonprofit group KidsGardening.org suggests that children grow their own salads or do other activities.The virus scare could even usher in a new crop of gardeners who start from seed rather than risk the crowds buying starter plants.Kendra Schilling of Scott Depot, West Virginia, doesn’t have space for a sprawling garden, so she’s planting potatoes in a bucket and trying to figure out with her teenage daughter what to do with other vegetable seeds.“I usually go buy the plants and stick them in the dirt. But this year we’re going to try to do the seeds,” she says. “Thank God for YouTube.”___Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report. https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2020/03/31/feed-the-soul-in-chaotic-times-gardening-becomes-therapy/
How Floral Arrangements Began to Take Over the Table — and the Entire Room - The New York Times
Thursday, March 12, 2020The daughter of contemporary art gallerists, Barber moved from her native Sydney, Australia, in 2012 to Berlin, where, in her studio, Mary Lennox, she often crafts monumental Rorschach-like installations that seem not merely to defy gravity but to openly taunt it: armfuls of dried pampas grass, amaranth and loopy hops that hang from hooks on the ceiling; a geyser of translucent lunaria seedpods — glinting like silver dollars — in place of a chandelier in a Paris apartment; a staircase banister wrapped with cherry and orange boughs braided with Queen Anne’s lace. While she works with fresh flowers in the spring and summer, Barber finds herself increasingly using dried materials; their stiffness lends itself to abstraction and frees her from using imported commercial flowers from the Netherlands or China in the autumn and winter. “More and more, people want something that can be reused and have another life,” she says. “I have hardly been asked to do a regular table centerpiece lately, which I think is indicative of change in the air.”At the Chorin Abbey in Brandenburg, Germany, Ruby Barber of the floral studio Mary Lennox creates a boundaryless climbing formation of dried hydrangea and dried marcela.CreditCredit...By Guido CastagnoliIt makes a certain sense that the once ubiquitous symmetrical dome of roses, clonelike in its perfection, seems to have vanished. “Let’s face it, they were like a salon blowout,” says Alex Eagle, who often features Barber’s concoctions in her eponymous clothing and furniture boutique in Berlin. The demise of conventional floristry has been hastened as well by the rejection of toxic floral foam; its replacements — chicken wire or recycled coconut husks — have spurred creativity. At a recent dinner Eagle hosted at her London home, the florist Simone Gooch of Fjura placed rose plants in large cubes of exposed soil at the center of the table, their roots fanning out in all directions. “They were so transfixing, so beautiful to look at. Afterwards, I took them an... https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/t-magazine/flower-arrangements-sculptures.html
David Gruman - Clarksville Now
Sunday, February 09, 2020Brookfield, WI on November 12, 1957. He graduated from Brookfield Central High School in 1975. David married Tammy in 1982. He worked for over 25 years for Gruman Construction, Inc. of New Berlin, WI. He retired to Dover, TN in 2012, where he enjoyed time with many friends. Although “retired”, Dave soon found himself happily work for Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency. “Grandpa Big” enjoyed visiting his grandchildren and was an avid sports fan.David is preceded in death by his parents Karen and Lawrence Gruman. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Gruman of Dover; Daughters: Heather Kohls (Matthew) of Milwaukee, WI, and Kristina Laurishke (William) of Sussex, WI; Grandchildren: Tierra, Dwight, Carlos and Faith Laurishke; and, Siblings Joel (Sharon) of Delafield, WI, Thomas (Gail) of Brookfield, WI, Robert (Makela) of Sugar Hill, GA, and Tricia Muesbeck (Dale) of Sun Prairie, WI.The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Fort Donelson Memorial United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Fort Donelson Memorial United Methodist Church. Services will conclude with a luncheon at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorial contrib... https://clarksvillenow.com/local/david-gruman/
Coming to LA: Fleurs De Villes - PerishableNews
Tuesday, October 22, 2019Bowers Museum and Sherman Library & Gardens.In keeping with the meaning of Fleurs de Villes (flowers of cities), eight of the mannequins are clothed in interpretations of stylish cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo and Shanghai.“Fleurs de Villes is a showcase for local, world-class floral design,” says Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall. “This fall, we are delighted to partner with South Coast Plaza, a renowned international destination, for our U.S. West Coast debut. Our crowd-drawing pop-up shows are stunning examples of the artistry of flowers and are unique multi-sensory experiences.”Sherman Library & Gardens joins participating florists and floral designers including Above the Stem, Bella Blooms, Bottles and Blooms, Bonne Fleur Floral & Special Event Design, Corona del Mar Florist, Couture Flowers, Fleurish, Floral Fete, Flowers by Enzo, The Flower Stand, Inessa Nichols Design, Jacob Maarse Florist, Lauren Drake Designs, Penelope Pots, Yellow Vase, and White Lilac Inc. Event & Floral Design in creating the floral fashion. Mayesh Wholesale Florist is providing the flowers for the five-day event.“We are thrilled to partner with Fleurs De Villes, participating in an event that brings luxury floral art to the public,” says Yvonne Ashton, Mayesh, Director of Marketing. “We are excited to support initiatives that cultivates an appreciation and love of floral design with the people, and showcases the talents of our fantastic California florists.” ... https://www.perishablenews.com/floral/coming-to-la-fleurs-de-villes/
New Hampshire florists see demand bloom despite event cancellations - New Hampshire Business Review
Wednesday, December 02, 2020More people are also seeking blossoms native to the area, said researcher Kaitlyn Orde at the University of New Hampshire’s Sideman Lab.The number of farms producing field-grown cut flowers in New Hampshire climbed from 64 to 101 farms, an increase of about 60%, in the decade from 2007 to 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).“Cut flowers are an increasingly important specialty crop in the state,” said Orde, “and [the spike] illustrates that consumer demand is strong for regionally-grown flowers.”Despite the lack of special events, Bob Cote of wholesaler Baystate Farm Direct Flowers in Bedford says business has been brisk. However, the continued postponement of large gatherings for funerals and nuptials is not hardy news for florists powering through less than ideal conditions. “Weddings are our bread and butter for the summer,” Cote said.Floral shops, like other retailers, are adjusting their operations to address customers’ hesitancy to browse in their aisles. In addition to offering delivery and curbside pickup, Hewson encourages people to visit her open-air greenhouse where she transferred many of her ancillary gift items. She also posted that same inventory on a revamped website.“We’re still using that [the greenhouse and the website] for people who don’t feel comfortable coming into the store,” she said. “Being inventive is what got us through.”Catalysts for compassion‘We have been crazy, crazy, crazy’ busy, says Shirley Wrenn of Shirley’s Flowers and Sweets in Nashua, who recently added a third vehicle to keep up with demand for flowers. (Photo by Sheryl Rich-Kern)Community well-wishers also helped merchants withstand the pandemic’s aftermath. One customer started what Hewson calls a “flower chain.”In April, Maryanne Jackson of North Conway purchased 20 table-sized bouquets of friezes, roses and greenery from Hewson with a note wishing people “joy and color,” asking them to support small businesses and consider paying forward the gift. Many of the recipients heeded the suggestion and called Hewson’s shop for more orders.“It was a real Easter bunny, Christmas elf, tooth fairy kind of opportunity for us,” said Jackson.That investment of kindness restored the dreariness of March, generating enough revenues to maintain Hewson’s cash flow.With the Mother’s Day rush behind them, florists are mixed on what the future will hold.Pandemics don’t have silver linings, but they’re catalysts for compassion. Aimee Godbout of the family-owned Jacques Flowers in Manchester, said she expects sales to drop off during summer, but she’s seen an uptick in customers placing orders outside of special occasions.“There’s the everyday ‘I miss you,’” as people choose flowers for parents they’re unable to visit, a neighbor who can’t get out of the house or the local nursing staff, she said.“Right now there’s a lot of ugliness happening in the world,” said Godbout. Working a... https://www.nhbr.com/new-hampshire-florists-see-demand-bloom-despite-event-cancelations/
Research aims to support growing cut flower industry - New Haven Register
Thursday, April 02, 2020EDT, Saturday, March 21, 2020 DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — Flowers are a growing industry in New Hampshire, and there's new research planned to help farmers and florists hoping to get in on the trend. The University of New Hampshire is starting the first study to evaluate three types of cold-hardy hydrangea species for cut flower and landscape use. Officials say the number of farms producing field-grown cut flowers in the state increased by 60 percent from 2007 to 2017, indicating growing consumer demand for regionally-grown flowers. The university-based New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station will spend the next three years evaluating hydrangea species to better inform farmers on key characteristics and performance, including the vase life of cut stems. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Research-aims-to-support-growing-cut-flower-15147801.php
Upper Dauphin’s Macklin Ayers, Steel-High’s Mehki Flowers selected to Pa. Football Writers’ Class 2A All-Stat - PennLive
Saturday, January 18, 2020Ohio State last week, is one of eight Tigers to be selected, including a trio of linebackers in Michigan State-bound Cal Haladay, Preston Zachman (Wisconsin) and Max Tillett (New Hampshire).Southern Columbia won its third straight PIAA championship earlier this month, defeating Avonworth 74-7 at Hersheypark Stadium.Fleming caught 72 passes for 1,538 yards and 23 touchdowns in his final season to become the state’s all-time leader in yards and receiving touchdowns.Since 2009, sports writers who cover high school football around the Commonwealth have overseen the all-state process. Players are nominated in all six classifications, and then a statewide ballot is issued to afford all writers the opportunity to cast their votes.Upper Dauphin’s record-setting athlete, Macklin Ayers, joined Steel-High’s Mehki Flowers on the team’s defensive side. A tremendous two-way talent, Ayers accounted for 3,230 yards (1,960 rush) and 48 touchdowns at quarterback.The Tri-Valley League player of the year also contributed 107 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions as a linebacker, guiding the Trojans to a District 3 title and state quarterfinal berth against Southern Columbia.Ayers set single-season and career marks for rushing yards and combined yards.Flowers, who starred as a wide receiver and defensive back, produced 18 touchdowns and six interceptions... https://www.pennlive.com/highschoolsports/football/2019/12/upper-dauphins-macklin-ayers-steel-highs-mehki-flowers-selected-to-pa-football-writers-class-2a-all-state-team.html
At Christmas time, poinsettias for everyone who mattered - The Boston Globe
Wednesday, December 11, 2019It just seems like people forget,” Fred says. “I made up my mind that as long as I live, I won’t forget.”Which is why every November, sometimes before, he drives to New Hampshire (“No taxes. I’m Scottish, you know”) to the Dollar Tree where he buys 100 poinsettias (120 this year) for one dollar each. “See? They have five flowers on each stem.” Then he adds a bow (“I make them myself. I had my own florist business, Carousel Flowers in Chelsea. I did it out of my house with just three regular refrigerators.”) And then he drives to the 20 cemeteries where his relatives and friends are buried. He parks his car, grabs his cane, walks to the headstone he wants, places his poinsettias on the grave, then stands for a moment, remembering.AdvertisementHe travels as far north as Wells, Maine, (“That’s where the owners of the Valerie’s Restaurant in Ogunquit are buried. They used to make Caesar salad right at the table.”); and as far south as the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne where Dennis LeFort, one of his best friends, is buried (“He was a Frenchman”). It takes him a week to make the flower arrangements, (“I make each bow myself”) and a week to deliver them. He says he doesn’t mind. “It’s nice to remember all the good people I’ve known.”The day we drive to Everett, his poinsettias are already on all of the graves. He finished early this year, Dec. 1. “Which cemetery do you want to go to so I can see your work?” I ask him, thinking he’ll choose someplace close to where he lives in Quincy. But he chooses Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett because that’s where most of his family is buried and where he will be buried. His stone is already engraved, he tells me.Fred was diagnosed with cancer this year. But he insists he’s in great shape for the shape he’s in. The cancer is gone (“That’s what they say”), and after some hard months, he has his strength back. Most of it, at least. This day he says, with a shrug and a smile, “If this is my last Christmas, I’m gonna enjoy it.” Then he eases himself into my car, propping his cane between his knees.AdvertisementHe tells me stories as I drive. At the cemetery, he tells me more stories. He points to his brothers’ graves. One is a World War II veteran. The other a veteran of Korea. “There were six of us,” he says. “Boy, girl, boy, girl. Boy, girl. I’m the only one left.”There’s snow on the ground and the snow has buried his... https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/globelocal/2019/12/11/christmas-time-poinsettias-for-everyone-who-mattered/rMrpN2ISnDXX7pdSDe0fXN/story.html