Slow Flowers Challenge

You’re invited to Join the Slow Flowers Challenge!

The Slow Flowers Challenge is an ongoing practice of creating seasonal arrangements and sharing your designs with the Slow Flowers Tribe.

Why: The practice is timeless. The gesture is universal. Inspired by the exquisite beauty of a garden or by the sentiment of a special occasion, we gather flowers, foliage and branches, placing their stems in a vessel to display in our homes or give to another. Floral design is a three-dimensional art form that blends horticulture and nature with sculptural composition. At its best, bouquet making is a personal expression unique to the designer’s tastes and point of view.

Behind the artistry there are some practicalities: Tools, supplies and techniques; an understanding of when plants grow and bloom; and an appreciation of color theory and the principles of design.

The more frequently you arrange flowers, the more familiar you’ll become with each of these aspects.

I embarked on a 52-week exploration of design, from November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012, during seasons both abundant and spare, relying on locally-grown elements from my garden, nearby farms and flower fields.

Never was I disappointed by what I discovered and learned. I was rewarded by the results of my “slow flowers” odyssey.
I encourage you to give it a try and take your own creative journey with the Slow Flowers Challenge.

When: The 2015 Challenge runs from January 2015 through December 2015. You can join at any time during the year.

How Often: The Challenge format allows you to participate at whatever frequency works for your schedule. I suggest these options: 365 Days or 52 Weeks or 12 Months or 4 Seasons.

When I created the Slow Flowers book, I designed one bouquet per week for 52 weeks. But you might decide to create a monthly bouquet, or a seasonal arrangement – or, if you’re really dedicated – a daily design! The main thing is that you decide what works for you.

Share! Post a photo of your arrangement to our Slow Flowers Challenge Pinterest Page. Please use these hashtags so others can see what you’ve created: #slowflowerschallenge, #americangrown, #slowflowers, #originmatters, @myslowflowers

We Have Resources to Help & Inspire You:
· Receive a weekly email with season-perfect Slow Flowers Tips for your cutting garden and personal floral design studio. Each will include what to plant now, what to harvest now, how to find seeds, plants or cut ingredients, and essential tools/supplies for the Slow Flowers Challenge.

· Submit photographs of your arrangements to our Monthly Slow Flowers Challenge Pinterest Page.