Flowers + Plants for the Home: A Stylist's Guide
I’m kicking off a new series here called Flowers + Plants for the Home, a Stylist’s guide. In my years in visual merchandising, styling and interior design, I have relied heavily on plants and flowers to make spaces feel interesting, beautiful and complete.
For the first post in this series, I’m keeping it local with my favorite places to buy flowers in Seattle. I still consider myself new-ish to the area, so let me know what I’m missing!
Pikes Place Market on as Saturday Morning / Photograph by Chloe Csadenyi-Benson © 2019
Pike Place Market
As touristy as it is, I will always love the glow of the red Pike Place Market sign against the cool backdrop of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains. It has the kind of energy and history that can be difficult to find in Seattle and if you can weave your way through the crowds, the long hall of flower vendors is not to be missed.
Strictly seasonal and priced to sell, the flowers here are an absolute steal. $25 can buy you a luxe, full and gorgeous arrangement - the kind that would cost you more than $100 at a traditional florist. Late may, when the intoxicating fumes of lilacs take over, is a particularly good time to visit the market.
Seattle Wholesale Grower’s Market / Photograph by Lauren L Caron © 2019
Seattle Wholesale Grower’s Market
This farmer-owned cooperative has the best in local, seasonal flowers at wholesale prices. The staff is super knowledgeable and helpful, and it’s conveniently located right in Georgetown next to many of the showrooms I frequent. The market is also open to the public every Friday from 10am - 2pm.
Ballard Farmers Market / Photograph by Lauren L Caron © 2019
Ballard Farmers Market + West Seattle Farmers Market
Farmers markets are an amazing resource for flowers at fair prices. I particularly love the Ballard farmers market and the West Seattle farmers market for their flowers, food, and pet-friendly atmospheres.
Lauren Floral Arranging for a Shoot / Photograph by Sarah Atwood © 2018
Grocery Store Finds
I’m often in a rush when I’m hunt for flowers. Whether I’m collecting supplies for a photoshoot or preparing for company in my home, grocery stores can be a super convenient and affordable resource for flowers when you’re on the go. My favorites in this category are QFC (the one in cap hill particularly), Safeway, and Trader Joe’s.
One of my favorite ways to make grocery store flowers feel a little more natural is to combine them with anything you can forage from your own backyard. I particularly love these that I created for a Gather event on Vashon in the fall of 2017.
