WORLD'S BEST DESIGNS
SEASONAL/HOLIDAY

Kathy Cowgill Cathy Cowgill Flowers Inc. 4315 Hills & Dales Rd. Canton, OH U.S.A. 44708

Kathy Cowgill's 23 years as a retail floral professional culminated recently in the move to her newest location, the popular Cathy Cowgill Flowers Inc. The shop occupies 4000 square feet of prime retail space in Canton, Ohio, and employs a staff of 12. Her husband and business partner, John Cowgill, is a third-generation florist whose well-known family florist business dates back to 1909. Kathy is an FTD Master Designer and FTD Master Florist, and is often organizationally involved on a district level in the America's Cup competition sponsored by FTD every four years. Kathy's design style leans to the naturalistic look, and her own garden is the source of much inspiration. "I've come to see foliage as a beautiful, sellable 'flower'," she notes. Her business savvy is on an equal footing with her passion for flowers: "Being in the floral business today is like being a kid in a candy store. You have so much to choose from as a designer, but you have to let your business wisdom guide your choices, too." Her advice to fellow floral professionals: "Other florists are not your only competition. You need to convince customers why they should be buying flowers in general, and your flowers in particular, as gifts, instead of jewelry or clothing, for example."

OASIS® Brand Products
Chosen For This Design— And Why
Kathy used the OASIS® Wreath Base as the foundation of her design. "I chose the OASIS® Wreath Base over others for several reasons. First, it can be float soaked, which is convenient. The plastic back is very secure and stable, and provides a water reservoir so flowers last longer. And because OASIS® Floral Foam is used, I can be sure that it saturates evenly and gives the flowers longer life. I also save time using the OASIS Wreath Base. This arrangement only took 45 minutes and would have taken much longer if I used other foam bases." Securing the candles in the wreath design are OASIS® Candle Stakes. "Far superior to others on the market," remarks Kathy. "The longer prongs can be cut to the length I need, and there are no squared edges on the base to cut off or mask. Also, the three-pronged design of the OASIS® product is more stable than the typical one-pronged holders."

The Bountiful Harvest Wreath Instructions: Estimated time: 45 minutes Float soak an OASIS® Wreath Base Insert the birch twigs at opposite ends of the wreath, gather them together in the middle and tie with raffia to create the "handle". Cover three sections of the wreath with natural sheet moss. Insert three Candle Stakes, the tops of which have been wrapped with raffia. (For a more natural look, don't place the candles an equal distance from each other.) Insert bear grass at the base of birch twig on one side. Add clustered seed eucalyptus at same side of base. Add four bell cups. Add two sections of eucalyptus leaves in apavé style. Remove mini pumpkins from stem and insert individually. Add clusters of strawflowers and micro pomps. Add Gerbera daisies and sunflowers to create height. Cluster pincushion protea at base of birch. Oncidium orchids create additional height and width. After all flowers are inserted, add pieces of curly willow to help create a sense of depth. Insert candles in Candle Stakes. Approximate Retail Value: $75.00-$95.00 "Emphasize to your customer that the Bountiful Harvest Wreath could last for several weeks, simply because the profusion of material at the base dries quite beautifully on its own, and the few taller flowers could be easily and inexpensively replaced as needed. The cost of this arrangement could be reduced with less expensive flowers if budget dictates." My Shopping List: OASIS® Wreath Base; three OASIS® 1" Candle Stakes; three sunflowers; four Gerbera daisies; four stems Oncidium orchids; ten mini pumpkins; three pincushion protea; birch twig; raffia for handle and wrapping Candle Stakes; two stems seed eucalyptus; two stems variegated pittosporum; three stems burgundy strawflower; three stems micro pomp; curly grapevine; eight pieces bear grass; four bell cups; sheet moss; three 15" tapered candles. Some Tips: * The Bountiful Harvest Wreath can be sold for several, equally appropriate situations: - The stunning centerpiece of a large buffet table, whether your client is entertaining at home or in some other setting. Trim the table with wheat for an added effect. - Picture it as a gorgeous focal point on an entrance table in a home orcorporate environment.