Written by Hannah Gibbs
When I was younger, my favorite sign of spring was when the crocus flowers would start to sprout in my parents garden. This is when my love for flowers began. It brought me so much excitement to know the spring and summer months were upon us. It also meant the peonies and lilacs would start to bloom and eventually our hydrangea bushes, which were all right in my backyard.
Around three years ago, I got the opportunity to work for a local, established flower shop in Andover, MA that also specializes in indoor and outdoor plants. My knowledge of flowers, herbs, house plants, and more has greatly increased over the past few years. From the numerous flowers we use in our arrangements, to the multiple varieties of each flower and their flowering season, I’ve been able to learn so much. Through this job, the meaning of flowers has changed for me. I have been able to appreciate that floral design is a form of art and a creative outlet for the designers that can portray a strong message to others. Flowers can be used for many occasions: weddings, baby showers, funerals, birthdays, as well as just to make someone’s day a little bit brighter. I am always on the lookout for flowers blooming around me, and I love to share tips and tricks on how to care for them with others.
Local floral gardens are places I enjoy visiting and supporting. One in particular, Tendercrop Farm in Newbury, MA, has the most beautiful dahlias in the late summer and early fall months. The Steven Coolidge Estate in North Andover, MA has gorgeous floral cutting gardens where my mom and I enjoy picking our own bouquets of flowers.
Flowers are very universal and everyone can find joy in them. When I really think about it, it amazes me how the earth grows and provides us with such beautiful blooms to appreciate. Flowers are nature’s artwork. I am very grateful for my experience of getting to work with flowers, and I hope others can see how special they truly are.
