This week in Washington has been a whirlwind of changing weather patterns, impacting daily routines and preparations for an upcoming Seasonal Floral Intensive. Despite the challenges, the garden continues to flourish, yielding an abundance of flowers. The team is dedicated to managing the harvest, packaging, and shipping while simultaneously organizing the intensive workshop. This period, characterized by both frantic activity and profound beauty, truly embodies the essence of late summer.
The past week brought significant meteorological shifts. Monday saw the region's second hottest day, leading to widespread fatigue. This was quickly followed by a dramatic change on Tuesday, with thunderstorms and continuous heavy rainfall extending into Wednesday, necessitating the use of full rain gear for harvesting—a rare occurrence. By Thursday, however, clear skies and warmer temperatures returned, promising a pleasant end to the week.
Amidst these weather fluctuations, the primary focus remains on managing the garden's prolific output. The team is tirelessly harvesting, preparing, and distributing the flowers. Concurrently, extensive preparations are underway for the highly anticipated Seasonal Floral Intensive scheduled for the following week. This dual focus often creates a sense of being simultaneously in control and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks and blossoms.
August is consistently a month of extraordinary bounty. The sheer volume of growth and activity can be likened to a roller coaster ride, filled with intense moments of both challenge and immense satisfaction. Despite the demanding nature of the work, the intrinsic beauty of the flowers and the creative process remain at the forefront, making the effort worthwhile.
Inspired by the untamed growth in certain sections of the garden, a special floral arrangement was crafted this week. This bouquet aims to capture the essence of late summer's natural, somewhat wild transition. It features goldenrod, rudbeckia triloba, 'Indian Summer,' 'Prairie Sun,' and fennel, showcasing the natural beauty available during this season.
The article concludes with an invitation to engage with the broader community of flower enthusiasts. Recognizing the difficulty of finding extra time during peak summer, readers are encouraged to create their own seasonal floral arrangements. They can then share photos of their creations online and link them in the comments, or use the hashtag #seasonalfloweralliance on Instagram to connect with a global network of flower lovers.
The journey through the week in Washington illustrates a harmonious blend of nature's unpredictability and human dedication. From navigating extreme weather to meticulously preparing for a major floral workshop, the experience underscores the vibrant, challenging, yet ultimately rewarding nature of working with the earth's bounty during late summer. The emphasis on community sharing further enriches this experience, fostering a global appreciation for seasonal blooms.