Photographs by Jonathan Pollack
Before opening her own business in Kirkwood four years ago. Last September, she moved her quaint fl orist shop to a space on Manchester, where she specializes in custom floral arrangements and unique vases. These days, her daughter Casey helps run the business and assists in setting up for weddings and during busy times like Valentine's Day. We asked Wehking to share some green-thumb guidance.
What made you decide to get into the floral business? I've always loved flowers and color. I went to school for horticulture and decided a couple years ago to go ahead and follow my dream.
What's the biggest trend in floral arrangements right now? That's a difficult question. Floral arranging is like decorating a house: It's a matter of taste. If I had to pick a trend, though, I would go with monochromatic — sticking with one color and just using beautiful flowers.
What's your most sought-after centerpiece? It's probably several smaller arrangements instead of one big one. Having several small ones creates a statement and can be used on a table of any shape or size.
What's your favorite Valentine's Day arrangement that you've created? A big vase of white Phalaenopsis orchids. A fun way to send Valentine's Day flowers is the way that flowers used to be given: wrapped in bright tissue and given in a rose box or tied up with a big bow. The presentation is exciting. Everyone has pretty vases; they are just waiting for some special flowers.
What do you see as the best base flower for each season? That's by far the best part of my job. There's always something new. For winter, I'd suggest bulbs, paperwhites, amaryllis or tulips. During spring, there are flowering branches, Quince (my favorite), cherry- and apple-blossom, and pussy willow. Sunflowers, tuberose and zinnias are best for summer. And for fall, I'd recommend dahlias and lots of berries, with chinaberry and snowberry in particular.
Do you have any advice for creating arrangements at home? Check out your yard. You might fi nd magnolias, forsythias, holly, hosta leaves, peonies or hydrangeas. Even if you don't have a whole yard full of flowers, one single stem can make a wonderful statement.
Are there any other rules or tricks of the trade? There are no rules. Flowers look beautiful in any way, shape or size — just like they grow in the garden. Just enjoy!
BLOOMIN' BUCKETS, 9844 Manchester, 314-961-4040, bloominbuckets.com
