From an industry leader in the farm-to-centerpiece movement comes this book on how to grow, harvest, and arrange gorgeous blooms year-round. Owner of Floret Flower Farms in Skagit Valley, Washington, Erin Benzakein combines her passion for farming local with her knack for floral design in this beautiful guide that is equal parts instruction and photographic inspiration. Readers will learn to keep a stunning flower garden so they can cut and arrange seasonal blooms for their home without ever going to the florist or supermarket. Organized by season and featuring common easy-to-grow varietals, the book also includes 12 stunning DIY arrangement projects.
Erin Benzakein is the founder of Floret Flower Farm. Considered one of the nation's leading 'farmer florists,' a term she has helped popularize to describe those skilled at both flower farming and floral design, she is also an accomplished author, teacher, and entrepreneur. In addition to building and managing her own company, Erin has published extensively on dozens of popular wedding websites and blogs. Known for lush, airy, romantic floral designs, Erin is consistently pushing the limits of what can be used in a bouquet. She lives, farms, and writes from her home in Washington's scenic Skagit Valley.Julie Chai is a writer and editor who has worked with Sunset Magazine and Gardenista. She writes regularly about growing edibles, small-space gardening, outdoor decorating, and low maintenance landscapes. An avid do-it-yourselfer, she loves helping new gardeners get started. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.Michele M. Waite is a photographer whose style mixes a classic, timeless look with fresh and modern whimsy. Her photography has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The New York Times, In Style magazine, and the Seattle Metropolitan. She lives in Washington with her husband and two daughters.