Reliable Means Sustainable

Wearable flowers and large-scale installations are incredibly rewarding to create, but require material knowledge and engineering know-how — especially if one intends to operate sustainably. 

I’ve learned that one can create these fleeting designs with low or zero waste by leaning on sturdy plant materials. I depend on long-lasting, naturally dried or fresh, sturdy materials - reliables, as I call them - to execute these designs so that they look great for the length of an event. 

These activities are what I focus on as a sustainable studio florist and teacher. You can download a list of my trusted foliage and flowers to start finding your own favorite reliables for sustainable floral design: 

Creative Freedom as a Bonus

With these hard-working reliable materials as my primary elements and consideration for key factors, I can design largely water-free and 100% foam free. 

This concept is viewed as floral blasphemy in some circles, but is quickly gaining traction with florists and clients alike. More and more of us are examining our choices and how they impact our health and the health of our environment, and the world of floristry is no exception.

The days of dependence on single-use plastic hydration methods are limited, as more and more of us recognize that the end does not justify the means- art made from nature should not contribute to its destruction. In addition to reducing waste, the freedom that water-free design allows is truly transformative. 

Designing this way can feel intimidating, but will set you free in terms of what you can create.

Of course different types of designs have different needs. Foam-free large-scale installation designs need special consideration of stem-length, because in order to achieve an abundant look and size, designers often want to maintain as much stem length as possible. Whereas with wearable flowers the concern is hydrating the surface of the petals and leaves of the design elements to keep the piece looking fresh for the amount of time it’ll be worn.

Use the list below to help you as you craft your plans. These are materials I use and trust, and feel comfortable sharing with you. Use this as a helpful guide, but please keep your specific environment and display needs in mind. Please test on your own and grow your own list of “reliables.” 

Ready to go further?

For more on the hydration chamber, and how to make your own floral wearables, check out my book “The Art of Wearable Flowers,” and my extensive library of self-paced online classes.