Set amid the unique climate of the Saginaw Bay region of Michigan where the soil is fertile, you’ll find the flower farm and studio, Reinhardt Blooms (RB). “The farm has been in our family since 1880.  In an attempt to make this small 60 acre parcel of land a working farm again, 13 years ago my parents and I began growing flowers (starting small)” shares daughter Katie Wachowiak who heads up the design and events aspect of their flower operation.

Currently the family farm makes use of approximately 30 acres to grow and produce 100 varieties of fresh cut flower and dried everlasting varieties.  “The timing was perfect because I was a new mother and had purpose to further justify leave from my full time hospital position, my mother left the US Postal Service, and my father retired from the Dow Chemical Company.  Each of us handle an element of the operation, event design is my passion” says Wachowiak.

INTERVIEW: Katie Wachowiak,  Reinhardt Blooms, Saginaw Bay, Michigan USA

01 Floral Aesthetic
The arrangements I design are fresh, seasonal, lush with a touch of whimsy.  I begin by incorporating what is currently surrounding me in the gardens outside the studio; adding in carefully selected formal blooms often sourced from small growers just like us around the country.  I am incredibly lucky to have such a bounty available right here!

 02 The Thanksgiving Arrangment
I am a big fan of tabletop whimsy.  At this very moment I like antique books, copper nesting bowls, seasonal fruit, a handmade turkey made by, and a birds nest found by my daughters all piled atop a tray that was my grandmothers.  My house is filled with meaningful things, and I love my own centerpieces to be presented in a unique way or alongside artifacts that create added interest.

Last week I created a small arrangement with roses leftover from a recent event paired with fall foliage and textures found by circling my yard.  I had found a geography book in our farmhouse studio and photographed them together.  It contained garden roses, Japanese maple leaves, pieris, dried globe thistle, ornamental peppers, privet berry, and a few grass plumes.

03 The Inspiration
I am inspired by the flowers at hand, along with nature and my surroundings.  Yes, I live on a flower farm, but often find my self foraging along roadsides for that perfect branch or berries that can only be found in the wild.

 04 The Holiday
A lovingly set table with soft lighting from taper candles in vintage holders.  A garland hand wired together the afternoon of the gathering along with good food and friends makes entertaining complete at my house.  To have the luxury of time to cook for the people I love is a treasured gift with the nature of operating a flower farm/design studio.  Autumn and winter nights are especially cherished in our household.

 Photo Source: Katie Wachowiak