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Flower Child Kendra Schirmer of Laurel Creek Florals creates brilliant bouquets from her own dynamic garden / by Stephanie Trotter // photography by Paul Mehaffey
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ind cascades through Jocassee Gorges, caressing Kendra Schirmer’s organic palate at Laurel Creek Florals. Just like Monet, the artist draws inspiration from nature’s bounty; yet, unlike the French master, Kendra’s medium is flowers. Her striking sculptures, utilizing pods and petals, leaves and stems, are in high demand. “I never thought I’d find such artistic satisfaction in floral design,” the creative reveals. “I find myself getting to that trans-like state as I work on a design, and I think, ‘Oh, that’s what people feel when they’re playing music.’ They get that high and vibe on each other. That’s what I’m feeling with the flowers.” Please pardon the pun, but the root of her raw materials elevates the beauty of her art. Each showpiece is filled with seasonal ingredients grown just beyond her farmhouse door on a quarter-acre plot tucked among trees at her Appalachian hideaway in Sunset, South
Carolina. “Some of the crop is designated for bouquets for the Swamp Rabbit Café, with bright, hot colors,” the 31-yearold points out. “Then I like to grow the weirder colors with muted muddy tones, funky stuff for my own play time. Right now, I probably have the most variety I’ve ever had all blooming at once, and it’s a lot of fun.” La Belle Époque tulips, Chantilly snapdragons, brilliant orlaya, subtle delphiniums. Kendra’s composition is sublime, with sophisticated balance and juxtaposing qualities. Textural seedpods, silky casings, conical buds, pointed turkey feathers. “I try to let the flowers speak in their natural voice,” the craftswoman explains of her unique style. “I try to make it look like the way the garden is. I try to grow a couple of new things and experiment every season. That’s the most exciting day for me, the little treats I fold in. It’s hard to say what my favorite is, like picking a favorite child. It’s usually the newest thing that I’ve not had bloom before.” It goes without saying, her art is prey to weather and animals. But it’s the picky bride she detests the most. “I don’t like clients who have a recipe for me,” the florist admits.
50 TOWN / towncarolina.com
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5/18/19 9:32 AM