We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Harms. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I discovered my passion for floral design through a diverse array of art courses during my time at Sacramento Waldorf School. These classes, ranging from ceramics to calligraphy, not only nurtured my creativity but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for our natural world. In our high school gardening class, I learned to identify local trees and plant species, sparking a fascination with the beauty of nature that continues to inspire me today.

My journey into floral design began with no formal training. With determination, passion, and a wealth of resources from online tutorials, I embarked on a self-taught exploration of floral artistry—experimenting with large arrangements and flower crowns and seeking feedback from friends and family. In the decade since then, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my skills and have found confidence in my craft.

Central to my approach is the ability to view the natural world through the lens of a forager. I gather as much as I can for each bouquet—from wild places, forgotten spaces, and gardens. I use the phrase floral alchemist as a nod to the technique of looking at plants in their basic elements, growing in the wild, and transforming them collectively into something new and magical. This skill, cultivated through years of observation and practice, informs every aspect of my design process allowing me to create compositions that radiate with the beauty of the seasons and have a certain naturalism that reflects what I see in the world around me.

The biggest obstacle I face in my learning journey is time. Balancing my part-time floral design work with full-time commitments as an Institutional Advancement Professional, in addition to the responsibilities of motherhood, often presents challenges. I have learned to lean into my passion and drive to ensure I carve out the time for continued education and exploration. The greatest lessons have often come from my collaborations with other floral designers. This collaborative work is one of the things I love most about this field—folks are not just willing, but excited to share their skills.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Jessica Harms and I founded Lady Bird Wildflowers Floral Design three years ago, driven by my passion for local blooms and seasonal, foraged foliage. I’m based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in bucolic Bucks County. I specialize in arrangements that showcase the vibrant colors and textures of Bucks and Hunterdon County’s finest blooms. I call myself a floral alchemist because I believe that nature is magic! My work is best described as, “floral alchemy, seasonally driven.”

Most of my business is done through the Lady Bird Wildflowers monthly flower subscription, Moon Bloom, which is themed around and delivered on the full moon every month. Every arrangement comes with a poem I love that reflects the theme of that month’s full moon. I round out sales with floral arranging workshops, flower crown vending at events, and a handful of intimate event florals. I take pride in Lady Bird Wildflower’s unique offerings.

Beyond my love for floral design, sustainability is at the core of Lady Bird Wildflower’s ethos. I prioritize sourcing from local growers and foraging responsibly, minimizing the environmental impact of each arrangement, and supporting community growers and artisans. My arrangements are foam-free, and I take care to source upcycled vases and vessels for my arrangements.

I think the elements that set my work apart are the inclusion of local and foraged materials. I love incorporating unexpected touches into my designs—you’ll often find unopened dogwood buds, mid-winter dried grasses, and grapevine tendrils tucked into arrangements. Watching my arrangements evolve, even once in their vessel, feels true to nature’s lifecycle and an acknowledgment that there is beauty at every stage of life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a floral artist is helping clients see that nature is for everyone. In my flower arranging workshops I talk about the importance of local foraging, encouraging folks to see the beauty that’s all around us. I’ve picked leaves from huge oakleaf hydrangeas in the parking lot of my grocery store. I’ve pulled over on the side of a highway to pick Queen Anne’s Lace. I’ve collected armfuls of downed magnolia branches after a late winter storm snapped them from their tree. I think it is magnificent and incredibly important to spend time observing the natural world, and I love sharing that feeling with clients.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had come to realize how important networking is sooner. I think the floral design community is incredibly supportive. Folks in this space don’t gatekeep and they’re happy to offer help, share techniques, and even amplify your brand on their social media pages. I’m grateful to be a part of this community and am driven to bring that benefit to others at the beginning of their career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ladybirdwildflowers.com/
• Instagram: ladybirdwildflowers