After graduating from Bucknell University and obtaining a masters in education from the University of Pennsylvania, I started teaching high school French and English in rural southern Virginia.  On the summers off from teaching, I began developing my gardens.  With the birth of my two children, I left the classroom and aggressively pursued my gardening passion full time.  I personally planted thousands of trees, bushes, and perennials throughout our property at the lake. Included in this plan are a variety of garden rooms and spaces that are connected by organized paths.  My gardens now consist of over 300 rose bushes, a field of over 400 peony bushes, an extensive variety of specialty bearded irises, hundreds of Oriental lilies, dahlia beds, a diverse array of hydrangea bushes, and a vegetable garden.  I love working in the dirt, watching my garden grow and change with the seasons, and sharing my bounty with others.

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During my years as a member of the Garden Club of Virginia from 1994-2003, I learned how to condition, arrange, and exhibit my flowers for their many flower shows and home tours.  Soon after, I took on more challenging events such as weddings for former babysitters and arrangements for friends' special events.  Attending workshops whenever I can, I am constantly learning and experimenting with new techniques and styles.  I forage from my gardens and use my flowers whenever possible and then supplement from wholesale sources as needed.  My approach to flower arranging is artistic and organic, using high-end seasonal flowers and lots of texture.

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Follow @lakebloomerfloraldesign on Instagram or check out my Blog for the latest and greatest. Please use the contact form found here for inquiries.