Mother Nature

by Chelle Gerhardt

It isn’t easy for mom to find time to herself, and it’s even harder for her to get a chance to relax and unwind. This inspired me to bring a piece of tranquility in the midst of her busy lifestyle. The soothing shades of greens to the calming hues of lavender, you can’t help but get a sense of serenity. The peaceful motion of the woven grasses, the binding of branches, and the fragrance of the flowers all work together to allow mom’s mind to drift into her happy place.

Flowers and materials featured: Dendrobium orchid blossoms, cymbidium orchids, anthuriums, allium, miniature calla lilies, roses, lily grass, monstera leaf, calathea foliage, succulents, Midollino sticks and tree branch

About the Florist: Chelle Gerhardt

Chelle is lead floral designer and manager at Shirley’s Flowers and Gifts, Inc., in Rogers, Ark. She specializes in weddings and events, and Chelle’s floral designs have appeared in such magazines as At Home in Arkansas, Celebrate Arkansas Magazine, Northwest Arkansas CitiScapes and Arkansas Bride. Chelle won the 2012 Ozark Florist Association’s Design Competition and the 2011 Arkansas Florists Association’s (AFA’s) Design Contest, and she placed third in the AFA’s 2012 Mid America Invitational Cup Competition. She is an accredited Arkansas Master Florist.

by Rowena Johnson

The word “mother” makes me think of Mother Nature and how all mothers are connected, although we all have our own stories. Flowers emulate life — a seed is planted, it’s nurtured, grows, blooms and reseeds so life goes on. My arrangement is natural and garden looking with a tree of life in the center. The life tree celebrates motherhood. With the help of our customers, we received photos of mothers with their children. I shaped them into leaves for the tree of life.

Flowers and materials featured: Corkscrew willow, gerber daisies, Atlantis white daisies, dianthus, delphinium, Star of Bethlehem, hydrangea, stock, campanula, thistle, polka dot plants, pencil cactus, radishes, broccoli, permanent mushrooms, distressed wood, two clay pots, sheet moss, arrowhead leaves, Roosevelt Fern, squirrel tail sprengeri, salal, baker fern, variegated pittosporum and a saucer

About the Florist: Rowena Johnson

Ro is lead designer of Rochette’s Florist in Farmville, Va. Her floral design career was inspired while living on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The high school was having its prom and had no florist on base. With no experience, she began creating flowers, realizing and nurturing her floral skills. Upon return to the U.S., she began taking classes at Virginia Beach Vo Tech and gaining experience working with local florists. Her 30 plus year career has included work for Bob Timberlake, Inc., Sandals Resorts and Mays Wholesale to name a few. Designing on a competitive level is new for Ro and she already has a few awards with the Virginia Professional Florist Association.