A New Twist on Church Flowers

I had an unusual opportunity on Sunday to create an offering for the parishioners for the wonderful Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The Church of the Wayfarer is an extraordinary house of worship with its meandering gardens nestled within the local charm that only Carmel-by-the Sea has to offer.


Pastor Norm Mowery is an beacon of warmth and kindness for everyone he meets. Our paths crossed recently and he suggested that I create an arrangement to share with his congregation from his bountiful garden for Sunday's service for Earth Day.

I decided to use a combination of greens and whites being it was for Earth Day. Green to me symbolizes new beginnings and white expresses a feeling of hope. I have made numerous presentations and given lots of hands on demonstrations, but never in front of a church during Sunday service.

What a treat. I thought I would share this wonderful experience with you.

Remember flowers give warmth and beauty wherever they maybe!

Laguna Beach Patriots' Day Parade

Cheryl and I were going through some recent emails from one of our friends in Laguna Beach who forwarded us photographs of our winning entry in last month's Laguna Beach Patriots' Day Parade.

We had the winning entry last year also. They said it is unheard of giving the first place award to the same group two years in a row.

What a great event - fabulous weather, a lot of people out enjoying themselves, flags everywhere, just a nice celebration. Our entry was a bit whimsical, and we thought you might like to take a look at it.

Lining up to ride in the parade...

Putting the final touches before we drive in the parade

Cheryl and I at the parade with the VW

The Laguna Beach Garden Club ladies...

If it stood still, it got decorated...

Remember, floral design is not just for museums and mausoleums - it is for just about everything we do every day. Hey, go wild out there!

What is AIFD?

I often have people ask me about the "AIFD" designation after my name. It stands for the American Institute of Floral Designers. It is equivalent to American Institute of Architects (AIA) for architects, or the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for interior designers.

AIFD was established in 1965 by a small group of leading floral designers dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. Today, it is the leading non-profit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With nearly 1,200 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.

Accredited membership in AIFD is selective. To be accredited, a floral designer must fulfill rigid qualifications and demonstrate advanced professional ability. Members are distinguished by the letters "AIFD" used as an addendum to their name. To maintain accreditation, they must meet certain continuing education requirements.

From diverse backgrounds and interests, from small-town florists large-scale party designers, from college professors to Rose Parade consultants, from nationally known corporate advisors in product development to winners in international design competition, AIFD members are found in virtually every aspect of floriculture.

I have been an accredited member of AIFD for over 25 years. Every year as the seasons change my designs change and evolve. It can be the wonderful scent of the first spring flowers that bloom to the numerous bulbs that are pushing their way through the warm soil to reach the bright sunlight that enlighten my designs. I am also intrigued and motivated when I find a great new container or an interesting and stimulating new client. These are a few of the areas that keep me challenged and forever designing with such a beautiful medium.

See more of my work at http://www.michaelmerritt.com/.

Michael Merritt, AIFD at Bouquets to Art 2009

I was a featured artist at the 25th Bouquets to Art fundraiser March 17-21 at the de Young Gallery in San Francisco. That's me working on my design for the show - see the photos.

I always enjoy this venue seeing old friends and colleagues. Bouquets to Art is the largest fundraiser held to benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and one of the country’s premier floral events.

See more of my work at Michael Merritt Designs.