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Episode 120: Francoise Weeks                                

Botanical Brouhaha Expert Discussion Panel: Session 45

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                                                                                                                                                                         image via Amy Merrick 

The Question:

So many of us are using foraged or home grown foliage more and more to keep cost down, use locally grown product, and make our work unique. I would love to know what foliage you are using, growing, gathering, foraging. Any unique foliage finds? How do you hydrate/prep your favorite(s)?


The Answers:

This is a new area for me. This is my first summer with a proper garden as we moved houses at the end of last year. I have also been inspired by so many of my fellow Chapel Designers. It has been amazing to watch all the different foliages in my garden develop and even flower. I used some Sambucus nigra Black Lace for a Halloween event last year. It’s almost black leaf was perfect for the occasion. I have also inherited some amazing hosta plants which I will be using for a wedding in July.

-Nick Priestly (Mood Flowers)

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Mock orange, ocean spray, copper beach are my current seasonal favourites. I treat them like I do any woody stem – an angle cut and then a deep cut up the length of the stem and then in deep water.

-Clare Day (Clare Day Flowers)

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I use plenty of homegrown or foraged foliages… basically anything that grows naturally in my garden (north of France) is used (hazel, privet, cherry plum, clematis, salix, fern, ivy vine, …) and I also grow specific foliage and fillers (amarantus, white and black ammi, spirea, dusty miller, …). I do not give them any specific treatment, I just use them as any other foliage and so far it has worked out great!

-Laetitia Mayor (Floresie)

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These days I’ve been quite smitten with Raspberry Foliage and Salmonberry Foliage – both hot numbers here in PNW! I typically pick up Raspberry Foliage from Seattle Wholesale Growers Market. The Salmonberry foliage I pick out of my backyard. Both are large and bright green leaves which give a great pop to the flowers.

-Alicia Schwede (Bella Fiori)

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Bella Fiori

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Bella Fiori

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I love walking around my yard or scoping out new random foliage while walking my dog. Right now I am growing lots of herbs in my vegetable garden, such as Mint, Sage and Rosemary and also have been using unripened Blueberries and Raspberries from my yard. I also have pots of Geranium Leaf, Dusty Miller, Lamb’s Ear, a variety of Ferns and succulents in the back of my studio. Hosta is another great foliage that in Connecticut grows everywhere. I usually like to pick the foliage in the morning or after the sun goes down and then give it ample time in a vase of clean water to hydrate. If I am using a new foliage for boutonnieres or corsages I usually like to test it’s hardiness by leaving it out of water for a little while to see how it stands up.  Using only a couple stems of a new or different foliage can add that perfect touch of texture and interest to your arrangements.

-Elisabeth Zemetis (Blush Floral Design)

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Thanks Elisabeth, Alicia, Laetitia, Clare and Nick!


Are you familiar with the work of Sweet Woodruff…incredible, isn’t it?

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When He Found Her Photography

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Vicky Starz Photography

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Have a great Wednesday!

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  1. This is my favorite question so far 🙂
    Love using foraged greens, but sometimes it can be pretty risky if you’re not sure how they’ll hold up!

  2. Tricia says:

    Thanks Amy! Wink, wink! Lots of really great suggestions and use info. Loved it perfect timing to. Need to use tons of foliage in upcoming design. I plan to use my our garden as big source. Thanks all!

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