Flower of the Month: Sunflower

For October, let's talk about sunflowers. I can't help but smile when they're around. Besides bringing cheer and warmth to the room, they are economically important as they are a source of oil, dye and seeds for us. They are mostly available in the summer but also available in the spring and fall. I love using them as a focal flower in rustic arrangements, and even just one stem is impactful! Some arrangements I've created for my home with sunflowers and any leftover flowers I had on hand:

Sweet Woodruff's Floral Retreat

Last month, I had the most wonderful opportunity to attend Sweet Woodruff's fall flower retreat. I've been a fan of Sweet Woodruff and its owner, Lisa Collins, since the beginning of my flower journey. I love her design style--so natural and effortless with a sophisticated touch. I read her blog, and I was so excited when she posted about offering a three-day workshop. I had to attend even it meant being away from my husband on our wedding anniversary and canceling and rescheduling a few appointments. I'm glad I did because I learned so much about the flower business and the icing on the cake? It took place in a delightful town called Minden Hills, ON. It was a few hours from Toronto and little bit isolated but totally okay. In my opinion, peace and quiet are key ingredients in any type of retreats!    

My darling room! We stayed in the most charming lakeside cottage and had the most delectable meals while there. 

As mentioned above, I learned a ton. During our first day, we talked about the business side of flowers--marketing and sourcing. 

Day two was all about playing with flowers. The Sweet Woodruff team demonstrated their techniques for creating a centerpiece and a wedding bouquet, and then we design our own. We had the chance to use the most gorgeous blooms in our designs!

Glorious sweet peas!

I've been wanting to design with Juliet garden roses forever, and I was thrilled I finally had a chance.

Sweet Woodruff's marvelous and artful demo centerpiece.

The final day comprised of a collaborative photo shoot (my first one ever!). Here is When He Found Her, a super talented film photographer named Reid Lambshead, shooting my centerpiece and pretty Lauren, one of Lisa's team members, modeling my bouquet for the styled shoot. Sweet Woodruff showed the attendees how to style a shoot, which is so fun but definitely a lot of work. I can't wait to see Reid's professional pics! 

Lisa's style, talent, attention to detail and work ethic are unmatched. It was an unbelievable privilege to have met her and see her in action. l left Canada totally inspired!