A look back at Detroit Flower Week

Autumn is a wistful time, for we Michiganders know that winter is just around the corner, so what better time for a last gasp of garden season? Lisa Waud is the creator of Flower House and the owner of Pot & Box floral design. She teamed up with event designer Haley Lertola of Detroit Cultivated to present Detroit Flower Week, which brought together internationally acclaimed floral designers and flower farmers for a week of presentations and workshops at the Jam Handy Building, an eye-popping installation at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library, and opportunities for learning and floral enjoyment.

Words + Photos by Sarah Rose Sharp.

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Flower Week organizers Lisa Waud (left) and Haley Lertola.
Flower Week organizers Lisa Waud (left) and Haley Lertola.
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Detail and installation view of British botanical artist Joseph Massie's installation at the Detroit Public Library, the scene of a closing night dinner reception on October 15.
Detail and installation view of British botanical artist Joseph Massie's installation at the Detroit Public Library, the scene of a closing night dinner reception on October 15.
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The Jam Handy was jam-packed with floral installations, from arrangements to hanging displays.
The Jam Handy was jam-packed with floral installations, from arrangements to hanging displays.
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Detail and installation view of British botanical artist Joseph Massie's installation at the Detroit Public Library, the scene of a closing night dinner reception on October 15.
Detail and installation view of British botanical artist Joseph Massie's installation at the Detroit Public Library, the scene of a closing night dinner reception on October 15.
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The week's curriculum included flower arrangement workshops and presentations by international floral designers.
The week's curriculum included flower arrangement workshops and presentations by international floral designers.
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Working to achieve balance in expansive arrangements is an art form, made more challenging by use of materials with a short shelf life.
Working to achieve balance in expansive arrangements is an art form, made more challenging by use of materials with a short shelf life.
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Alchemy (http://www.alchemyhenna.com/blog/the-alchemy-vardo), a pop-up shop in a painted wagon, offered a collection of niche natural skin-care & botanical fragrances.
Alchemy (http://www.alchemyhenna.com/blog/the-alchemy-vardo), a pop-up shop in a painted wagon, offered a collection of niche natural skin-care & botanical fragrances.
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resenters included The Bloom Project (https://thebloomproject.org/), which reclaims flowers used for one-off events, such as weddings and galas, and uses them to create bouquets to donate to hospice and palliative care patients.
resenters included The Bloom Project (https://thebloomproject.org/), which reclaims flowers used for one-off events, such as weddings and galas, and uses them to create bouquets to donate to hospice and palliative care patients.
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A market featured an array of flower accessories, including artisinal One Gather vases by artists Michelle Plucinsky.
A market featured an array of flower accessories, including artisinal One Gather vases by artists Michelle Plucinsky.
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A market featured an array of flower accessories, including artisinal One Gather vases by artists Michelle Plucinsky.
A market featured an array of flower accessories, including artisinal One Gather vases by artists Michelle Plucinsky.
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Stock up on sunshine and flowers while you can; it's going to be a long haul to spring!
Stock up on sunshine and flowers while you can; it's going to be a long haul to spring!
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Stock up on sunshine and flowers while you can; it's going to be a long haul to spring!
Stock up on sunshine and flowers while you can; it's going to be a long haul to spring!
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Detail and installation view of British botanical artist Joseph Massie's installation at the Detroit Public Library, the scene of a closing night dinner reception on October 15.
Detail and installation view of British botanical artist Joseph Massie's installation at the Detroit Public Library, the scene of a closing night dinner reception on October 15.
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