Careful Choices

Michelle’s experience has taught her which flowers are customer favorites. “My number one sellers are hydrangeas. People love them, either fresh or dried,” she says. In addition, she grows the most popular annuals and perennials in abundance.

Besides flowers, each bouquet contains bright foliage for texture and additional color. These materials are often referred to as filler. “Over time, I’ve sharpened my vision on what makes a good filler as well as a nice landscape plant you can whack on to use in bouquets,” she says. “Nandina is my favorite--it’s such a versatile plant seasonally.” Pittosporum is another top contender, with its rounded, slightly waxy leaves.