Wilson composes mixed gardenstyle bouquets using flowers such as dahlias, snapdragons and blackberries (left). In addition to plants, she stocks the store with locally sourced specialty items and a signature line of candles—crafted with petals, stems and leaves—she launched earlier this year (opposite).
nature and art. It was a fun dream. I didn’t think it would ever be a reality.” But with an artist for a mother and an entrepreneur father, her childhood fantasy had a ring of destiny about it. Although Wilson’s shop is known for its unique stems, such as blushing bride protea and king protea, much of her inventory, from zinnias and sunflowers to dahlias and Queen Anne’s lace, comes from nearby farms. “I get flowers fresh every day,” she says. “I really believe in buying locally—it’s a huge passion.” Wilson has even begun collaborating with local farmers, advising them which blooms to plant, with the promise of selling them in her shop. Connecting others with her passion seems to drive much of Wilson’s retail philosophy. When customers admitted being unsure about how to arrange succulents, she created a Succulent Bar, where staff helps visitors create their own
masterpieces using numerous plant options—the shop receives 300 new succulents a week—along with crystals, quartz, rocks, vessels and sand. “People can come here and play and get a quick tutorial,” she says. “It’s also a fun place for girls to come with their girlfriends and a bottle of wine.” While many women turn to Wilson for her ability to create elaborate bridal bouquets of unexpected elements, Wilson admits she herself would choose a more quaint arrangement— “probably just a handful of blooming herbs. Something simple, small and green: dark plum basil, blooming oregano, thyme and mint.” This rugged take on beauty isn’t surprising, coming from someone who clusters foraged wildflowers in hotel ice buckets when she travels. “I think having something from outside in your house makes you slow down,” Wilson says. “Something so fleeting and beautiful makes you pause.” LUXESOURCE.COM / 251
_LX_AZ36_SM_Wilson.indd 251
10/11/16 5:39 PM