Behind the Scenes of Filoli’s Fall Flora Parties
As the jewel tones of autumn saturate the Garden, the Filoli team prepares to host one of our favorite seasonal programs: the Fall Flora Parties. We can’t wait to hear the sounds of laughter echo from the Ballroom Terrace as guests weave greens, flowers, and dried embellishments into their own autumnal wreath. It’s always a joyful scene as friends and family get creative side-by-side against the stunning backdrop of the meadows and Santa Cruz Mountains.
Interpretation Manager Willa Brock sat down with Floral Party leads Aimee Saunders and Emily Hughes to talk about what happens behind-the-scenes as they get ready for this year’s Parties – and about their backgrounds and passion for floral design.
Willa: Could you each share a bit about your journey to becoming a floral designer?
Aimee: Nineteen years ago, my mom planned a birthday surprise day for my dad and it involved tickets to the Bouquets to Art show at the Legion of Honor. I went with them, and my mind was blown open. I realized that there is more to floristry than weddings and funerals! When I came home, I immediately started looking up classes and I saw that Filoli was offering a floral design program. I spent the whole summer completing it and felt ready to quit my job to pursue my new passion. But the same week that I graduated from the program, three other huge things happened: I started dating the man who would become my husband, I got a big promotion at work, and my sister died.
I ended up taking the promotion and staying at that job for 9 more years, putting my floral design aspirations on the shelf. Then in January of 2014, I was ready again: I signed back up for classes at City College and took every floral job I could. Today, I’m the Floral Workshop Instructor here at Filoli, which means I lead the Flora Parties and help engage our guests in floral design projects and tap into their own creativity.
It’s really a full circle moment for me. I feel like that’s why I’m on this earth, to share beauty with other people.
Emily: Like many florists, this fell into place for me somewhat by accident. My journey started in 2017, when I was looking for a creative outlet in between teaching positions, and found just that at a San Francisco-based company. Floral design was a medium I hadn’t given much thought, but I was hooked.
When I moved from retail floristry to special events florals, it was a dream for me to be able to bring clients’ visions to life while also having such abundant creative freedom. The floral community is such a wonderful space with many talented individuals who all bring their own areas of expertise; be it interior design, fine arts, etc. I practiced music and creative writing in school, so I love incorporating some aspect of storytelling into my instructing and personal designs. Having joined Filoli as the Floral and Decor Coordinator, I feel incredibly lucky to create with others.
Willa: How do you choose the materials for Filoli’s Flora Parties?
Aimee: We work really closely with the Horticulture team and talk to them first to find out what is in abundance that we can harvest. There is always a Filoli-grown specialty to feature. But because of the quantity needed, we also supplement at the San Francisco Flower Market. We’re looking for what’s in season and what’s local. That’s more sustainable from an environmental viewpoint, plus it’s easier on the flowers since they don’t have to travel too far.
Emily: I typically choose materials for classes I know will hold up well over time. For wreaths, that would be things that dry in place and hold their color well, and for vase arrangements, it’s items that have a longer vase life. I’m also mindful of ways to incorporate new sustainable mechanics to our designs – like curly willow in place of chicken wire, moss or wool in place of floral foam, etc.
Naturally, the other side of this process is: What kind of color story do I want to create and share with others? What’s the intention behind the class and the piece we are designing together?
Willa: So what are you currently harvesting for the Fall Wreath Parties? Do you have a favorite plant or flower from Filoli’s Garden that you are excited to incorporate?
Emily: Guests can expect all those classic and yummy fall tones: deep oranges, burgundy, and sage greens. I took inspiration from the lushness of fall abundance and the natural saturation that happens when the season changes. I’m always excited to work with dahlias, and Filoli has such an amazing variety of them, so I know guests will be eager to play with those.
One thing I’m bringing in from the market is variegated maples and different textured foliage. Learning color theory is one thing, but I think grasping how to design with different textures will be something new for guests. I’ve been working with our Horticulture team to harvest materials for drying like scabiosa pods, strawflower, sunflower heads, and amaranth.
Aimee: I’m excited for seed heads and dried grasses. I’m always drawn to materials that are in their dormant phase but still have something to offer. It taps into the seasonality within us as well, during the shorter days and longer nights of fall and winter – an invitation to cultivate more rest and quiet. The garden is the best teacher.
Willa: What is your favorite part of the parties?
Aimee: Seeing the finished creations and the pride and joy of the people walking out! I learn so much about design from the guests, just by seeing different interpretations of the material. There has never been a class that hasn’t shown me a new way to use something or a new color combination. I get as much as I give.
Emily: Seeing the guests’ enthusiasm. When they come in and are so eager to get their hands on materials – I love it. One particular moment that’s alway my favorite is when they feel like they’re making a breakthrough. When they let that wall down, loosen up, and just go with their creative intuition. I hear many people claim “I don’t have a creative bone in my body” and then make a centerpiece like they’ve had previous design training. Everyone has that capability, so it’s cool to see people access it.
There was one particular evening when we were wrapping up our final Summer Flora party, and I was asked to take a photo of three women who came together. They shared they were grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter; one celebrating a medical victory, one celebrating a 50th birthday, and the other going off to college. Three generations, all going through major milestones of their own, but sharing a first experience doing a floral workshop. It was such a beautiful moment!
Are you ready to make your own beautiful memories with friends or family at Filoli’s Fall Flora Party? Reserve your spot today.