Born and raised in the tropics, I grew up with exotic flowers all around me. One of my father’s joys was bringing home orchids for my mom, sister and me from a friend’s greenhouse in Jakarta - I think it started there, Dad! Later, living in Minnesota as a teenager, I learned most of what I know about flowers during several summers gardening in the early morning hours with a dear elderly friend. But truth be told, my love for designing and arranging flowers came from my godmother, a floral designer herself. I have many good memories of working weddings or events with her as she taught and encouraged me and let my inner design diva go! Love you, Joyce! Then, freshman year in college, I had the privilege of training with a horticulturist from Holland. Working with him in his studio is where I gained a greater appreciation for the care and “art” of flower arranging,
