With Freedom, Books Flowers and the Moon, who could not be happy - Oscar Wilde
Why, hello there! My name is Wendy and I have a passion for flowers, cheerleading on the flower sisterhood of florists (of course not leaving the gents out) I wanted to share my fav top ten flower books. TRUE STORY: I have ordered SO many books via Booktopia (as well as other sources) a "Personal Relationships Manager" reached out as "I am a valued customer and was willing to research orders with me" Pretty cool although I have not used it! Instantly had a flashback of the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic" where the credit card companies were chasing her and she was on the floor with her credit cards in ice blocks in the freezer saying "They said I was a valued customer" LOL ---RUN Girl!!
By the way, these are in no particular order. FYI: Although, I am not completely sustainable I am working to go "all in"!
A Guide To Floral Mechanics - by Sarah Diligent and William Mazuch
Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers by Erin Benzakein, Chris Benzakein
Flower Colour Theory by Darrock and Michael Putnam
The Flower Hunter - Lucy Hunter
100 Australian Wildflowers - by Mel Baxter
A Tree in the House Annabelle Hickson
Cultivated - The Elements of Floral Style - Christin Geall
Floriography by Jessica Roux
The Book of Flowers by Pierre-Joseph Redoute
The Flower Expert - Fleur McHarg
On Flowers: Lessons from an Accidental Florist - Amy Merrick
1. A Guide To Floral Mechanics - by Sarah Diligent and William Mazuch
This book is a step by step guide on creating floral mechanics substantially. This is one of my go-to's, it has beautiful yet simple design of the physical mechanics of floristry. I cannot recommend this one high enough! This is one of my bibles! Simple yet so elegant. Very thoughtful read and if new to sustainable techniques, this is a MUST.
2. Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers by - Erin Benzakein, Chris Benzakein
No surprise, THE founder of Floret Flower Farm is on the list. She is one of the "who's who" of the floral industry. With the likes of Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines it is no wonder she is making huge waves. From her gorgeous images of identifying what is what, to an easy to follow guide. So easy to get lost in all of her work, even though I only have listed this one book, I have most of her works, she is that amazing! She literally creates from the past, present and future. Her works are modern with an elegant warmth, whilst cleverly including the "how too's", all ingredients for flowers and seasons. It is smart and wonderful work of inspiration. It has everything from beginning to end. If this beauty does not grace your shelf, what are you waiting for?
3. Flower Colour Theory by - Darrock and Michael Putnam
Where would we be without the Flower Colour Theory book? This is a guide on all things colour! Take the humble colour wheel and adds flowers/life to it in a way that we did not even KNOW we needed! The size is pretty cool that would fit perfectly into your handbag. As these gents have collaborated with Dior and Gwyneth Paltrow, we would expect nothing more! This entire book is pure inspiration.. Def worth having!
4. The Flower Hunter - By Lucy Hunter
This beautiful heirloom book is a perfect way to get inspired! The white washed other worldly vases abundantly filled with each season of magnificent blooms. This book feels lux in so many ways, from creating a summer table for entertaining to dying with all natural ingredients. She is a master of linking vintage finds and weaving into her flower world. We get to join in her imagination. This is another book, I sip wine and dream about flowers.. THANK you Lucy!!! xx
5. 100 Australian Wildflowers - by Mel Baxter
This little beauty is 100 of the most wonderful Australian natives. On the left page is a "70s style" vintage cartoon of the beloved flowers and on the right page is information on the flower with ALL the flower names and the history behind each one. She brings in cultural references ie "White Elderberry" - carries a lot of weight in ancient medicine (so for Harry Potter fans think Elder Wood)". Also included all uses, culinary/food/medicine etc. Planting guides and the locations, of where you find these beauties in the beautiful rugged Australia. If you love Australian natives, this is a must have! (Natives are some of my most fav) THANK you Mel!
6. A Tree in the House by - Annabelle Hickson
I cannot say how much I love this book! This book journeys through "Flower Basics" to "The Flower Toolkit". I know I talk ALOT about images, but goodness, can I move to the farm too? So dreamy! One of my fav things is she has "Fav Flowers by the Season", chats about availability/geography of flowers "Plants that well out of Water" (LOVEEEE) and funny--- "Flower things I simply refuse to do".. It is beautiful, farmhouse, sooo much fun! Please add this to your shelf, your bookfriends will be glad!
7. Cultivated - The Elements of Floral Style - by- Christin Geall
This is a another one of those gem of a book and a BOLD one! This is philosophical wandering through all types of topics from color theory to floral design that reflects art styles through the centuries to the ethics of foraging flowers.
One of my fav things is the breakdown of vessel materials as well as of the "Caring for Flowers". This is a carefully crafted book of history and how to's. She draws upon fine-art and historical sources—the paintings of the Dutch still-life masters, the proportions of Versailles whilst including a colour wheel with each examples of her work/images. Think philosophy of life with flowers!
8. Floriography by Jessica Roux
Ohhh my! Be still my beating Victorian heart! The language of flowers is full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind each one. This is historically used as a means of secret communication, steeped in folklore and a must have! This would be a beautiful offering to add to your florist shopping along with fresh/dried flowers. GORGEOUS book! It is the Nancy Drew of flower books! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...
9. The Book of Flowers by Pierre-Joseph Redoute
French flower painter Pierre-Joseph Redoute (1759-1840) has been dubbed "the Raphael of flowers," and is regarded to this day as a master of botanical illustration. You have seen his work and may not have realized this was him. Known as "Talleyrand of the Art" (I had to look this up - Talleyrand is a man whom is respected leader in national or international affairs)
It is a heavy book but well worth your time! If you were to only have one book from the list, this would be it. He is masterful, incredibly talented and the arts owe many thanks to him. Steeped in history and wonder. We should all own his book, as he "was in the room where it happened" LOL **Hamilton reference, if you are a fan**
10. The Flower Expert - Fleur McHarg
This Australian florist is on the worlds stage and the go-to in Australia for all things floral. She is certainly incredibly talented, this book feels like a high end fashion mag for flowers. Love her natural style. Beautiful coffee table book, her work is just stunning and as I live in Australia, love to share local experts andddd beautiful books!
11. On Flowers: Lessons from an Accidental Florist - by Amy Merrick
Okay, first thing! I love this gal! She allows us to read her diary about flowers. You cannot help but feel passion for florals as you read along. Her images have a retro vibe and it so wonderful she gives real personality to all florals.
Think Memoirs of a Geisha for Flowers (yes, she actually went to Japan) ! You are going to have to read all about it. Her own "love letters to flowers" - Know I prob should not say this, but don't be fooled by the jacket cover, it is SO worth it!
Well there you have it folks! My top 11 books! What are some of your favorites? Love to hear about them!
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