Meet Wildflower: Fall Picks, Tips & More!

Happy almost Friday!

I’m pretty dang excited about today’s blog post highlighting one of my dear friends, and the floral magic-maker behind 99% of the floral arrangements you’ll see styled throughout my portfolio: Brooke Shoemaker of Wildflower San Diego. Wildflower is a boutique floral studio specializing in weddings, events, and bespoke floral deliveries. We had the pleasure of asking Brooke about florals she’s loving at the moment and tips on making your own arrangement. Need I say more?

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Q & A with Brooke Shoemaker of Wildflower San Diego

What florals are you loving at the moment? Any goodies specific to fall?

Fall - like spring - feels like such a fun transitioning season. We start gravitating towards warmer peachy tones with the pops of deep burgundy and wild textured elements.

San Diego’s move to fall is subtle (if at all noticeable!) but, some of my local favorites to eye & forage around town are the gorgeous Rain Tree Pods that are shaded in most amazing pink and orange-y hues. Pampass Grass is also at an all time high for being full & lush.

In the markets, I’ll gravitate towards rich gold garden roses (like honey dijon). Even when I feel like I’ve had my fill of summer dahlias, they still get me in the fall - they are so effortlessly feminine and pair so well with all the fall foliages.

To top it off, a merlot scabiosa or a chocolate cosmo adds the perfect dark & moody touch.

What are your favorite 'fillers' you like to use for arrangements?

I love to finish and fill in an arrangement with a good texture. Dried goodies are having a real moment right now and as we transition to fall / winter, using branches or fruits and berries is always so fun!

Tips for making your own arrangement for us newbies: ready, set, go!

When I teach a class, one of the first things I tell people is don’t get discouraged early on!

Making an arrangement is all about layering and building. I can’t tell you how many times I will start something and think to myself “this is terrible - where is this going” but, you just keeping adding, keeping layering and it will come together.

In a more ‘practical’ sense - use tape. Tape a clear grid to the top of your vessel to help support and lift your ingredients. Start with adding your base level items (greens, little flowers) in at a diagonal & finish off with your biggest & most favored blooms. Then VOILA! Before you know it, a beautiful at-home arrangement :)


Feeling inspired? Us too! Shop our favorite floral-related goodies and ceramics to spice up your table this holiday season.

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