Floristry isn’t just my job, it’s my lifelong passion. I knew when I was 16, right after my GCSEs, that this was the path I’d follow. For me, it was never just about arranging flowers in a vase. I wanted to understand the whole story of a flower, where it begins, how it’s nurtured, and the journey it takes before it lands in a client’s hands. Without that knowledge, you can’t truly connect with the flowers you’re working with.
That’s why, even on holiday, I can’t resist turning my travels into learning experiences. My most recent trip took me to Ecuador, home to some of the world’s most remarkable roses, to visit Tessa Corp. This wasn’t my first time seeking out growers in South America; last year, I had an incredible visit to Alexandra Farms in Colombia (a trip I recommend to anyone who loves authenticity and raw culture!).
Tessa’s Roses Have Extraordinary Size and Vibrancy
This time, I knew I had to see Tessa Roses, a farm I first discovered at the IFTF Show back in 2022. Their roses stood out to me then, with their extraordinary size and vibrancy, and I’d been following their journey ever since.
Walking into Tessa’s world was breathtaking. Thanks to the wonderful Sebastian Olmedo, I had the chance to tour their vast farm, 220 hectares (over 540 acres) dedicated to roses and specialty flowers.
The sheer scale, precision, and care behind their operation blew me away. Every stem is the result of meticulous science, human dedication, and a deep love for flowers.
It reminded me of something a mentor once said: “Paints provide the ingredients to create a picture.” In our world, flowers are the paint. The more we understand them, from soil to vase, the more beautifully we can tell stories through our designs.
Buying From These Farms Doesn’t Just Mean Sourcing Extraordinary Flowers
Being so close to Holland, my buying has always focused heavily on Dutch flowers, but I’ve long admired the character and richness of Ecuadorian and Colombian blooms. There’s something about South American roses that feels raw and cultural, deeply tied to the land and the people who cultivate them.
Buying from these farms doesn’t just mean sourcing extraordinary flowers; it also means supporting the communities that dedicate their lives to growing them, preserving traditions, and creating opportunities that ripple far beyond the fields. Seeing these flowers at the source makes me fall in love with them even more. These visits fuel my creativity and keep me connected to the heart of the industry.
Weaving Knowledge, Passion, and Artistry Into Meaningful Experiences
Floristry, for me, has always been about more than arrangements; it’s about weaving knowledge, passion, and artistry into meaningful experiences. Visiting growers like Tessa Roses reminds me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.
Thank you, Tessa, for opening your doors and letting me see the magic behind the blooms.
