Columbus Alive Article:: Style: EcoFlora

Style: EcoFlora

Wednesday October 5, 2011 8:50 PM

By Jackie Mantey

Columbus Alive

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Soldiers of the “buy local” revolution have a new Clintonville base.
EcoFlora opened its retail location two weeks ago on the corner of High and Weber after a year of selling its arrangements of sustainable and organic flowers online.
The new shop offers bouquets for order and delivery, and a refrigerator of Ohio-grown flowers (owner Eva Provenzale’s main dealer is Columbus’ Sunny Meadows Flower Farm) allows customers to come in and pick their own. Lilies are $5 each, Billy Balls $1.80 each. Air plants, like the $19 large bromeliads, are available, too.
Nothing in EcoFlora is from outside the U.S., Provenzale said. The roster of artisans in the inventory are mostly from Central Ohio.
Shoppers will find Mason jar hanging light fixtures, antiqued fork picture stands and spoon bracelets from Blacklick artist Basilicus Jones; cocktail rings and asymmetrical necklaces made from repurposed jewels by Lewis Center designer The Dark at Heart; and Dia de los Muertos-inspired quilts and quilt postcards from Worthington’s 21st Century Art Quilts and Curious Goods.
A cabinet on one side of the store holds locally made eco-friendly beauty products, like lotion and balms from Crafty by Nature and bars for both humans and dogs ($5-$8) from Gretel’s Handcrafted Soap.
Provenzale’s contributions include her popular light bulb terrariums (three for $20) and a garden of found glassware that shoppers can purchase alone or as a vase for their bouquets.
“I like to be able to be creative,” Provenzale said. “And I like independent thinking.”
Photos by Jodi Miller

Uniquely YOUR style bouquet

When country super-star, Miranda Lambert, walked down the aisle to meet her cowboy, and fellow country super-star, Blake Shelton, she not only rocked her stellar cowboy boots, she carried a brooch bouquet designed from pieces given to her by her bridesmaids. InnCredible!

And Miranda is not the only bride choosing to walk 'flower free'. As 'green' trends gain in popularity, couples are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly, and for some, bridal bouquets are taking on a whole new look. In fact, if you can imagine it, you can probably bouquet-it!

Brooch bouquets are by-far the most popular twist on the traditional flower bouquet. And while these bouquets are gorgeous, they can also be a wee bit on the heavy side. It is reported that Miranda's bouquet weighed about 5 pounds! But, does any bride really care when she's carrying a bouquet this beautiful!!! Nope, not one little bit!

If you're not 'into' brooches, how about buttons? We all have button jars at home, right? How sweet is this? Love it!

Another big trend this year is paper flower bouquets. In fact, the latest edition of 'The Knot - Northern California' has an entire page devoted to paper bouquets. Lovely! And, I can't even tell these are paper, can you?

And while we're talking about paper, let's not forget the most popular paper art, origami. If you love origami, here's the perfect bouquet! And, I don't know about you, but to me, those look like dollar bills. Talk about a 'head start' on marriage!

Pinwheels are hugely popular too...and if your theme is centered around this fun childhood favorite, why not carry that theme through your bouquet? Darling...darling...darling!

Love feathers? Well take a look at this InnCredible bouquet...it's so whimsical!

Every year the butterflies come back to Pacific Grove, California, but you can have them with you on your special day with a fab butterfly bouquet. Don't you just love this! It's so bright and colorful.

And, if you're a crafty-girl, you might want to consider this fun felt bouquet complete with button centers. All I can say is...too cute for words! We have some of this style of awesome "flowers" in the shop now!

If you really want to go DIY, this ribbon bouquet might just be your 'cup of tea'.

All you non-traditional, edgy brides might want to consider an awesome metal bouquet...

Love the look but want a bit more glam? Well, add a few pearls! Simple and elegant!

Getting married at the beach, then how about carrying a seashell bouquet as you walk down the sand to meet your husband-to-be! What a beautiful look!

And I couldn't end this blog post without mentioning one of our favorite trends...succulents. If you're using succulents on your tables, why not carry this campy bouquet?

The good news about these bouquets is that they will last virtually forever! Well, accept for the succulent bouquet, that is...

Just remember, the choice is always yours. Pick the bouquet that fits your personality, the theme of your wedding and your colors, and enjoy your big day!

thanks to inncredible events

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com

EcoFlora on facebook

614.266.1618

3030 N High St

Columbus, Ohio 43202

m-f: 8a-6p sat:: 9a-5p sun:: 10a-4p

Summer Blooms

Ok, It's been a little while since my last post!
It has been a very busy summer. I will get keys to the shop on Wednesday this week (ahhh! sooo soon!!) I have been getting things together for the grand opening, as well as doing weddings and trudging though my "day job". I have built up a great relationship with a few different local farmers, and I found out last week that my favorite one is going to grow flowers this winter in a heated green house! I'm so excited for what the future will bring!
This is a video of an absolutely amazing wedding that I got to be a part of, a few weeks ago.
Nick and Meg August 13, 2011
Jenny Haas was the photographer, she is absoultely amazing and I hope to work with her brides many more times!

 

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com

EcoFlora on facebook

614.266.1618

Who wants to TRADE!?!??!?!

City: Bartering for entrepreneurs

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Thursday, June 23, 2011  08:00 AM

By John Ross • Photo by Jodi Miller

Columbus Alive

The hand-knitted gloves and scarf would've cost most buyers about $50.
Local florist Eva Provenzale didn't feel like paying cash. Instead she crafted a birthday arrangement for the seamstress, and the two called it a deal.
Flowers for winter wear, even steven.
"I would do every single transaction in trade if I could," said Provenzale, who runs organic flower operation EcoFlora. "It's super fun. Everyone ends up getting a great deal."
The city's already strong entrepreneurial community has exploded lately with more people growing food, crafting clothes, sewing messenger bags, arranging flowers and bringing other ideas to life by hand.
And this set often trades what it makes for what it needs.
Nearly extirpated by credit cards and global commerce, bartering is back big time in Columbus.
"Everyone is kind of owning what they do, and I think that's why things are changing," said Provenzale, who so far has traded flowers for vases, containers, jewelry and other plants. "I think this is the way that the world should be - back to basics."
Daniel McKewen, owner of Seagull Bags, agreed.
"Most people I know that run small businesses end up spending a lot of money," he explained. "Money is flying around all over the place. It's a breath of fresh air to be able to get something or trade something that doesn't involve money."
Over the years, McKewen has traded his custom messenger bags for nearly everything: cycling gear, camping and climbing supplies, food and even mechanical work on his car.
The art of trading requires creating a quality product, making a wise switch pitch and developing relationships with people who have things you need, McKewen said.
"Bartering puts the emphasis on the individual and the relationship rather than the product," he added.
In addition to interacting with entrepreneurs, Columbus barterers often enjoy getting stuff at a lower cost and swapping out their surplus for something else.
"I usually have all the produce I need," said Becky Swingle of Dangling Carrot Farm, which sells at Pearl Market. "I gave someone tomato plants for bread. I've traded salads for cheese. Once I traded for a fancy haircut with a lot of tomatoes."

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com

EcoFlora on facebook

614.266.1618

Tom & Becky wedding 9.25 (my birthday too!)

It has been a while since the wedding, but this week we got photos! YAY!

 This was such a fun wedding!!! I brought just a few bunches of flowers with me to the farm, where the wedding was held. When I got there, there were BUCKETS of wild flowers waiting! I did all of the arrangements (minus the bouquets) on the day of the wedding, on location!

The rain mostly held off!

This is the Groom and the Minister about 40min before the wedding!

 Shawn (best man and brother), Mom, Tom (groom)

 Patiently waiting.

Can you believe this couple has been together for 12 years! They were committed before the wedding, now they just have the lovely piece of paper!



EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com

EcoFlora on facebook

614.266.1618

EcoFlora's article in Columbus Alive!

Q&A: Eva Provenzale

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Wednesday, June 8, 2011  07:37 PM

By John Ross • Photo by Jodi Miller

Columbus Alive

Eva Provenzale
Age: 25
Day job: Patient care associate, Ohio State University Medical Center
Neighborhood: Weinland Park
Hometown: Columbus
ecofloradesign.com

Petals and vases, color and glass adorn the small upstairs studio where Eva Provenzale arranges bouquets for EcoFlora, the organic floral service she started last year. On Sept. 1, she'll move her budding business into a Clintonville storefront at the corner of East Weber Road and North High Street.
The florist shared about living a life in bloom.

In Cleveland, I needed a job, so I got a job at a garden center. I loved it. I worked 60 hours a week there. They were also florists, so I got to talk to the ladies who had been there 20 years doing flower arranging.

When I moved back home, there was a flower shop opening up near my parents' house. I managed that building, and then I decided to go back to school to do nursing. That's why I got the job at the hospital. But the more I work there, the more I realize I like doing this.

My grandmother was in a garden club, and she used to do flower arrangements for competition. My mom said she constantly won first place. So I think it's kind of in my blood.

I love everything about flowers. I love arranging them, putting them together. Obviously, flowers are already beautiful. But once you put them together, I think you can coordinate colors and really send a message.

Since I've been doing this on my own, I've been doing the deliveries as well. I love to see people's faces when you drop things off. I'll walk out, and I'll wait just a second. I always hear, "Oh, oh my gosh!" Every time.

In our new space, we'll have fresh flowers on hand all the time. During the growing season, all of them will be from Central Ohio. The space is so big that we think we're going to turn some of it into an art gallery. We'll also have local crafts. We want to make it a cool place to hang out but also have everything there that people can buy.

Flowers are not a need. People aren't coming to you because they have to. They're coming to you because they want to.

I actually have gotten flowers from my boyfriend once. Since I've met him, I've been working at a flower shop. When we get into arguments, if he feels like he needs to do something, he's like, "What do I do now?"

Three things I can't live without are my family, human interaction and home-cooked meals.

Columbus Alive Q&A with Eva Provenzale

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com
EcoFlora on facebook
614.266.1618

Flower Club!

Interested in getting a weekly bouquet of locally grown flowers?

Sign up for the flower club by calling us today! 614.266.1618

Sign up now and have an arrangement delivered to a location of your choice! Each week we will make a beautiful arrangement and exchange it for the one we delivered the week prior!

Arrangements start at just $10.00 per week!

Delivery is FREE inside 270 and only $1.00 outside 270!

Sign up for 5, 10 or 20 weeks at a time!

Arrangements can be in a vase, or just a bouquet! Have them delivered to your sweetheart, or treat yourself!

Call us today to get details!

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com
EcoFlora on facebook
614.266.1618

tips for green events!

Going Green for your event

Tip #1

Think Simply.  The less design elements you use, the easier it is to make the event green/organic or sustainable.  Now, simple doesn’t necessarily mean sparse or even cheap for that matter (although if you have a budget in mind, simple can make it easier to save money).  But simple and less complicated usually means less travel for all the materials and more control over where they came from, how they were grown or made, etc.  By using 10 dozen organic roses grown in CA for example, it is easier to control the green idea than if we chose 10 different kinds of flowers.  Some of these flowers could be organic, others may or may not be and others may be grown outside of the US.
Simple can also help prevent headaches.

Tip #2

Use what you love.  This means follow your heart when you design your event.  What’s most important to you?  If what is most important to you is that there are candles in every corner and on every table, then that’s where you can focus your green time.  How can you make candles sustainable?  What are the least wasteful or least toxic varieties?  How can they be incorporated into your design so they really show up?  What do you do with all those leftover candle holders or votives once you are done?  Not only will it make your event more green, but it will make you happy when you are done, because you’re looking forward to how beautiful it will all look once it’s put together.

Tip #3

Look on Craigslist.  Or, your local goodwill or salvation army store.  There are many finds to be had that have already been used and loved by other people.  Reusing items is probably the most sustainable thing we can do in our world today.  It’s way better than making new organic stuff and breaking down and re-processing old scrap stuff like plastic and metals.  I know: that 70′s inspired dress may not be what you imagined for a bridesmaid dress, but there are some things that we actually like vintage.  Vintage vases, plates, shoes, hats, fabrics, chandeliers, tea cans, napkins, etc.  For more modern items used for weddings and decor, you can find other brides or grooms who are selling it or giving it away on craigslist, which is a great alternative to buying it brand new.
Now, this may all take a little more time than you have.  So it’s best to start early.  Or, find a local wedding planner or event designer who has time to find these things.  Some of us also collect items like this especially to rent out for events.

Tip #4

Stay close to home.  Yes, it’s actually easier to plan an event that is in your own back yard.  It’s easier to find locally sourced food, local artesans, locally grown flowers, etc.  It’s also better for the air and that global warming business.  Who knew.  If you do have to travel, avoid taking your whole extended family, less is more when it comes to driving and flying.  And, take a look at carbon offsets and tree planting programs.  Although it’s sort of like blowing carcinogens and carbon smoke into the air and then growing a tree to clear it up, it’s better than nothing.

Tip #5

Use what we already have.  One of the best ways to stay simple, green and even stay on a budget is to use and reuse what is already surrounding us.  Why not create a lovely arrangement using photos from your family collection.  Or ask friends to bring a token of your relationship to the ceremony to help decorate the altar.  Maybe you decide to do a photo booth, so ask your friends and family to bring weird hats, scarves, boas and masks or cheese heads they may have to the reception so others can use them as costume.  Too often we go out and purchase unnecessary stuff, and it could be just as easy to just ask around and it may be even more fun!   Plus, when it’s something of a homework assignment, many guests will be inspired and enjoy helping out in the fun.

Tip #6

Stay at one place.  This day and age more and more people are opting to have their events in one location.  This is great because if you do it right, you can use decorations that will make one location festive, and so reducing the amount of decor that needs to be used for a separate venue for your ceremony.  You are also inviting guests to come and stay at one place, so they don’t have to drive to two different places, often driving around looking for parking at both, which reduces the carbon footprint and saves your guest’s a little stress.  For a bride and groom, staying at one location can also mean less stress for you, so you don’t have to worry about driving around and getting to the reception on time. It also means more time for pictures!


re-posted from gorgeous and green

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com
EcoFlora on facebook
614.266.1618

new flower garden

I live in the city of Columbus, so I never thought I could actually grow the flowers that I use for my arrangements. I have a fairly large yard and sure every once in a while I take a clipping, but I just thought my space was too small to harvest from. But this spring, motivated by my neighbors, I decided to start planting. My space is limited, but it has wonderful dirt and plenty of sun! It will be so lovely to go out in the morning and cut what I am going to use that day!

 yay! Ladybugs!!

 Its nothing much right now, but someday....

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com
EcoFlora on facebook
614.266.1618