Build your own Bouquet event

Nearly 20 participants flocked over to the New Richland Liquor Store on Thursday, Aug. 21. Many enjoyed beverages as they learned more about flower arrangement. As part of a “Build your own Bouquet” event care of Hartland Flowers Minnesota, they had been told to expect “A delightful evening of flower arranging,” where they would “unleash creativity and learn the art of bouquet-making from talented local floral experts.”

 

Participants began by selecting among upcycled mason jars or vases in various colors. The room was dimly lit, but it worked out well as participants were sifting through 12 buckets of freshly picked flowers and arrangements in numerous varieties.

 

Haley Nagel and Andi Staloch are the creators of Hartland Flowers, a business they say is unlike typical flower shops. Said Nagel, “We do biweekly flower subscriptions, with seven different pickup locations.” 

 

Staloch added, “We both grow flowers, so we thought we should start a business.” The flowers they grow are local and include quite a variety–asters, zinnias, irises, garden roses, snapdragons, gladiolas, Danes, Gerbera Daisies, sunflowers and German chamomile. There were also numerous greens for accentuation. One of the most used tools for the day was the scissors; every person had a pair to clip back that pesky leaf or unruly petal.  

 

Nearby, Taylor Heideman, who had her head down in concentration, said without looking up, “I’ve been signed up for tonight since May. I’m also really looking forward to participating in what these girls do next year.” Bailey Petersen and Katie Reed nodded their heads in agreement.

 

On the sales side of Hartland Flowers, the company website explains customers can choose and pay for a bouquet, then pick it up at any one of five listed locations: New Richland Liquor Store from 10:00 to 5:00; Nagel’s Nursery in Medford from 11:00 to 5:00; Ginger P. Designs of Janesville from 10:00 to 4:00; Lacey’s Catering in Wells from 10:45 to 1:00, or Lush Cakes in Waseca from 10:00 to 2:30. Or, if customers prefer, they can pick up their purchase with Haley in Hartland or, for those close to Wells, with Andi.

 

The two say they are willing to create any type of floral arrangement for birthdays, anniversaries or any other special event, including funerals.

 

Those wishing to visit the website www.hartlandflowersmn.com, are cautioned to be sure “MN” appears at the end, since there is another business with the same name in Michigan. Hartland Flowers has another Build your own Bouquet class coming up on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Hartland University in Hartland; interested persons can use the website to sign up.