From late May’s first lilac-scented mornings through October’s dahlia-rich sunsets, our floral studio’s design table tells the story of Michigan’s fields in real time. Roses are clipped at dawn in Ann Arbor, lisianthus arrives cool and dewy from Belleville, and armfuls of fragrant mint and baptisia roll in from the Michigan Flower Growers Cooperative’s weekly market in Ypsilanti. Because these stems make the journey from field to vase in a single day, their color saturation, perfume, and vase life eclipse anything that has spent days in transit. For our clients, that translates to arrangements that open more fully, linger longer, and conjure the unmistakable vitality of Midwest summer.

Working together with the cooperative also allows us to curate varieties that rarely reach conventional wholesale coolers. Growers sow limited runs of heirloom scabiosa, cappuccino-toned ranunculus, and coral zinnias specifically for our palette, knowing we will champion their craftsmanship. Choosing local keeps thousands of travel miles off every bouquet while investing directly in the next generation of small family farms. It is slow luxury in the truest sense: deeply rooted, impeccably fresh, and ethically sourced.

Of course, discerning design sometimes calls for the whisper-thin petals of Japanese sweet peas or the stately form of Dutch peonies, and we will never deny ourselves (or you!) the pleasure of those treasures. Yet even amid such rarities, Michigan-grown stems remain the heartbeat of our summer work, anchoring each piece with authenticity and an aroma that simply cannot be flown in. The next time you step into our studio, breathe deeply—what you’re smelling was alive in a Michigan field just yesterday.

We’re especially thrilled to share this passion for Michigan-grown beauty with you firsthand at our upcoming Market Floral Workshop on August 15. Held at the height of the local growing season, this hands-on experience invites participants to design with an abundance of just-harvested blooms—everything from velvety celosia to trailing amaranth, straight from our favorite fields. You’ll learn the art of arranging with what’s in season, guided by our team, surrounded by the fragrance and texture that only local flowers can offer. A few spots remain, so we welcome you to join us in celebrating the richness of Michigan’s floral landscape—one stem at a time.