Rooted in Beauty | Carly Dennett of Flowerland

| photography by carly dennett & flowerland |

“Rooted in Beauty” is a celebration of the quiet magic that happens when people tend to the things they love - gardens, flowers, and the spaces that grow around them. In this series, we’re sharing the stories of three women who inspire us deeply: dear friends of Elsie Green whose lives are intertwined with soil, stems, and seasons.

Each comes to gardening in her own way - one a member of our team, one a familiar face from our shop’s past, and one the steward of a beloved local nursery - but all share a thoughtful, intuitive approach to cultivating beauty. We asked them to reflect on their gardens, their rituals, and what draws them back, again and again, to the work of growing.

Alongside their words, they’ve each curated a selection of favorite pieces from our new garden collection - tools and objects they reach for in their own spaces.

This series is an invitation to slow down, step outside, and see what takes root.

| photography by laura jaeger |

Meet Carly Dennett, a dear friend of ours and the current owner of Albany's beloved Flowerland. She's an expert curator of beautiful things and spaces, and we sat down with her to soak up some of her expertise.

How did your relationship with plants and flowers begin?

In Mendocino, where I grew up. I remember being drawn in by flowers, Cistus “rock rose” being one of the first. I was mesmerized by their tissue paper like petals each with a single spot near the center. Irises, I would try to bring home only to find that their heads would fall off along the way. Honeysuckle, extracting the stamen and eating the small drop of nectar that followed. And blackberries of course, growing in a dense thicket near my home in Caspar. Tart, sweet, and wild. I still think blackberries make the best of all pies. The redwood forest was my backyard. I was fortunate to grow up there, being a lover of nature.

| photography by laura jaeger |

What drew you specifically to creating a space like Flowerland?

Prior to Flowerland, I had been working on people's gardens, and then as a merchandiser. I also grew up in retail. My parents had a small jewelry store in downtown Mendocino for over 30 years. My mother was very passionate about finding beautiful pieces to display and arrange in her store.

It was 2008 and I had just quit my job when the opportunity arose. I loved the Flowerland space, the way it was nestled between two apartment buildings. Something mighty and resilient, still holding its place since 1947. There was so much unlimited possibility, I found it both inspiring and overwhelming all at the same time. I still feel the same way about it actually. Finding my way through with intuition, inspiration, and physical work has been deeply satisfying. I have also come to realize that I was seeking connection, a sense of community.

| photography by laura jaeger |

How do you approach mixing flowers and foliage in a way that feels natural and not overly designed?

Honestly there is no time or extra energy to overdesign a nursery. Prior to flowerland in the context of merchandising, I could perfect a space. I soon learned that I would not be able to achieve that kind of control with Flowerland. Nurseries are by nature everchanging. Only the constant influx and selling of living things makes it work. There are brief moments in the spring and when the holidays begin that we can make it just so, but it's fleeting. I’ve had to learn to be ok with the messes and rough edges, which does not naturally align with my ocd tendencies.

How do you think about seasonality when designing a garden or outdoor space?

I try to picture it during all the months of the year, and layer the plants accordingly. I’ve had years of observation but still I find this very challenging. I would much rather go to the nursery and select a bunch of plants and place them in real time, planting a balance of things that will bring year round interest. I find my imagination works best when I can be inspired by what's in front of me. Making something out of the materials provided is my favorite, and flowerland has no shortage of inspiring plants and objects.

What makes an outdoor space feel truly inviting to you?

Being surrounded and dwarfed by plants. Plenty of shade, because I am not a fan of direct sun. In the shade I feel like the plants are taking care of me. I prefer many shades of green in various forms and textures. Flowers being secondary and sparse. This probably has something to do with all the time I spent in the woods as a kid.

Is there a particular moment each spring that feels magical to you?

My first adult plant obsession was old roses. They’re so resilient and produce flowers of all shapes and colors, plus fragrance! I know I said mostly greens are my fav, but some roses come in such exceptional colors and forms. Pruning them is so satisfying, and then watching them burst with growth in the spring, anticipating that soon these beautiful intoxicating flowers will emerge. I have 3 favorite roses in my garden, they are all the colours I can allow. Mauve, apricot-pink, and deep purple. Also, when the japanese maples begin to emerge, I fall in love with them all over again. Spring is just magical. Even the grumpiest of humans are susceptible to its charms.