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In Full Bloom
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Longtime Durhamite Gillian Rose Galdy of Bloomin’ Rose Flowers struggled to find her niche in the professional world after earning her printmaking visual arts degree from Guilford College. But soon, a lifelong passion for flowers and creating floral crowns opened up a new possibility for Gillian: floral design. “[It was] the answer to being able to have a creative outlet that actually could be sustainable financially,” Gillian says. Her path now clear, she started working at Ninth Street Flowers under Durham florist Stephanie Garrett. Gillian’s art savvy informed her arrangements of flowers, and she confidently began constructing large, highly structured centerpieces with as much ease as her bud vases and flower crowns. “I’ve been trained to do anything,” Gillian says of her work with Stephanie. “I learned under the hands of someone who does floral design through an artistic lens.” And what’s more impressive is that Gillian does it all with sustainable, locally grown and, often, chance-driven blossoms. “There’s a bit of flexibility that’s involved,” Gillian says. Working with what the farmers have on hand, her clients are understanding of the fact that they might not get peonies or tulips or whatever they have in mind. “My business is very much dedicated to the idea of using seasonal, local blooms and everything that comes with that,” Gillian says. Naturally, as a locally minded florist, Gillian is a huge fan of the farms she works with, such as Durham Farmers’ Market regulars Wild Scallions Farm, Waterdog Farms and Bluebird Meadows, as well as Funny Girl Farm, Sol Patch Farms and Spring Forth Farm. Thankfully, with close to 20 events under her belt, she has not yet had any trouble providing a bride with the color palette she desires. I swoon over Gillian’s designs and feel great about supporting her sustainable business model, but what I really love about Bloomin’ Rose 42
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After honing her skills at Ninth Street Flowers, Gillian (left) took her enthusiasm for creating floral arrangements using locally grown flowers and started her own business. Floral crowns (above) are one of her specialties.
is Gillian herself. She’s a talented, warm and inviting individual: enjoyable to chat with and impressively intuitive about creating custom designs for her clients. After their weddings, many of Gillian’s brides have been known to come back, requesting to help her with other events. And the Durham community recognizes her spark, too. “It’s just been this incredible, overwhelming wave of support and love I’ve received from this community,” Gillian says about starting her business and watching it grow. “That’s been my Durham experience.” – Laura Zolman Kirk Gillian is available by appointment for weddings and events, big or small. “I will do crowns, if it’s far enough in advance, anytime,” she says. 919-641-7476; bloominroseflowers@gmail.com
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