Archives for March 2012

Flower Shop Network had a chance to find out what makes Karyn Schneider of The Petal Patch in McFarland WI tick, and why she feels the floral industry is a fun and exciting profession.

We asked her a few questions and found some very insightful information.

Flower Shop Network: How long have you been a florist?
Florist: I am in year #18!

Flower Shop Network: When did open your flower shop in McFarland, WI?
Florist: 1994

Flower Shop Network: What are your floral specialties?
Florist: I specialize in unusual, different designs and bright contrasting colors in my arrangements, and of course, I specialize in wedding work!

Flower Shop Network: What is your favorite flower?
Florist: My first love is Baronia Heather. Even though it may be more of a filler/bush, it is so fabulous.

Flower Shop Network: What is your favorite wedding bouquet?
Florist: Honestly, it’s usually the one I’m working on, I live vicariously through them all. I loved one last year with blue Vanda Orchids, ivory Vendela Roses, lavender Freesia, Stephanotis and a little diamond bling. But, I’ve just rewritten this answer 4 times, and spent 30 minutes looking through my photo album, changing my mind over and over!

Flower Shop Network: What would you say are the top flower trends in MCFARLAND WI?
Florist: My customers are getting into hydrangea and have embraced Green Trick Dianthus recently; their favorites are always the bright unique mixes.

Flower Shop Network: How have you used the Wisconsin state flower in your designs?
Florist: The state flower is a woodland violet (viola papilionacea) and I have not used it in an arrangement, they are pretty tiny.

Flower Shop Network: What has been the best part of being a florist in Wisconsin?
Florist: In Wisconsin, we talk about the weather a lot. Flowers are a big part of every season here. We enjoy them in our gardens in the summer and in our houses to brighten the gloomy winter days. One of the best things about being a florist in the small town of McFarland, Wisconsin, is forming relationships with my customers and knowing what they each like. They are so appreciative and complimentary.

Flower Shop Network: Do you have a floral design philosophy?
Florist: Always think outside of the box, try something new every day. I think using different containers, new and unusual flowers and greens, gives the customer a better image of the floral industry in general. Keeping it current is important.

Flower Shop Network: What style do you specialize in — modern, traditional, romantic, etc.?
Florist: I specialize in Non-traditional arrangements.

Flower Shop Network: What makes your arrangements better or different than anybody else’s?
Florist: I like to use unique combos of flowers and colors in non-traditional ways. No traditional “roundy” arrangements in my cooler. I want my customer to feel special and unique, just like their flowers!

Flower Shop Network: Do you remember the first time you received flowers?
Florist: I got a flower arrangement from my boyfriend in High School for Prom. My family did not get or purchase flowers, so it was a big surprise to have flowers delivered to our house. My family are gardeners, so our flowers were always planted in our yard.

Flower Shop Network: How did you get started in the floral business?
Florist: I became partners with someone who had started a shop, then bought her out 6 months later.

Flower Shop Network: Favorite arrangements or other designs you’ve done?
Florist: An awesome casket spray for an avid gardener that included clay pots with moss, bright yellow and orange large Gerbera daisies, blue iris, purple and red tulips, bright pink and coral roses, all clustered and draping, with eriostomen greens. I got complimentary phone calls from the family, the minister, and the funeral director. That was a nice piece.