Finding Community and Connection Through Flowers

One of the most common themes running through nearly every conversation I’ve had this past year has been how lonely and isolated we’re all feeling despite being more “connected” than ever. There is such a deep desire for community and connection (in real life) and even the most introverted people I know, myself included, are longing for human connection.
Earlier this spring, to my surprise (and everyone else’s), I felt an overwhelming desire to host an in-person gathering. I wanted to be able to look into other people’s eyes, ask them questions, and have conversations face to face without a screen between us. So in June, we welcomed a group of 40 workshop alumni from all over the country to participate in a discussion about their flower dreams, their current struggles, and how we might be able to help.
We put together a beautiful little film from the day that is overflowing with so much hope and heart, and I’m really excited to finally be able to share it with you. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up or a little brightness in your day, this is for you.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FLORET ONLINE WORKSHOP
www.floretflow...
© Copyright Floret LLC
Sign up for our newsletter: www.floretflow...
Website: www.floretflow...
Instagram: / floretflower
Facebook: / floretflowers
Pinterest: / floretflwrfarm
Subscribe to our channel: / @floretflowerfarm
#floret #flowerfarm #cutflowers #erinbenzakein #floretworkshop

[@mamarachelanne]

How is it that every time I watch a video from your team like this I’m always teary and feel seen and at peace?? ❤

[@kerricoleman8524]

Exactly!!!

[@amandamclachlan]

100% same experience!!!

[@louiseann_venusandneptune]

Ok so I was sobbing almost from the get go - to see so many other people, be as so madly in love with the flowers, and to act around them like I act around flowers, and to hear their intense need to have flowers and the eco system, behind the growing of flowers, as part of their life, is so beautiful. When I found Erin on the internet (I was 50), I knew I had found my Guru, someone who feels like I do about the world I live in - an intense need to have my nose in the flowers, to care for the bees butterfly’s and worms lol via the soil, and a mad collector of seeds - that was such a beautiful relief. Now to see the Floret alumni community for ‘real’ it made me truly sob happy tears. Thank you to all participants for being brave enough to travel away from your soil patch, to meet each other, to go in front of the cameras and be filmed - you all made a difference to at least me. However my flower future turns out, in whatever direction I choose to be with, around and for flowers, I will always be immensely grateful for the Floret Team giving me permission to start allowing me to act on my loves. 🌸 🌺 🌹 💐 (and to be a database / knowledge collecting nerd) ❤ 🇬🇧 2018 floret alumni

[@PattyPetersonThatsMe]

Within 2 minutes, I was teary. Within 10, I was overcome by the honesty of people opening up to share with other like-minded people their own hopes, desires, and fears. This is community, and it is beautiful! Thank you for this episode. My heart is full! 🥰

[@ztag1p]

It’s wonderful that you did this - we NEED community.

[@tibmartiekenitzer7843]

1000%

[@bloomsonthehill6207]

This was such a lovely video, I felt the passion behind it. I was in tears, this is how I feel about my little flower farm and my love for my flowers, what I do, how hard I work and how hard I try.

[@memethomas5402]

No matter your age, its Okay to go after your dreams, especially those (flowers) that Fill Your Soul!! All it takes to start is planting 1 seed❤((HUGS)) THANK YOUUU! to each of you sharing your stories of yourlove and passion for Joy with flowers!! Very Special!!

[@Flowers4Everyone]

Inspiration for any business and life progression, really. Be passionate, learn skills, apply them, know there will be failures, but you'll work hard for what you want, and it will grow. Flowers are magical and inspirational on so many levels.

[@Serendipity_Strawberry_Farm]

I have just cried the entire way through this footage. It is OK to follow our dreams, give ourselves permission to enjoy this amazing beautiful journey.

[@mistygeller3193]

It’s truly amazing how impactful even just this short video is. I literally feel the energy of this joy and excitement and unity that makes me giggle and smile but also makes me tear up! For all of the same reasons ❤️ Flower people really are special, they want to share a connection that doesn’t have to be explained 🥰

[@louiseann_venusandneptune]

❤

[@SallieJarboe-l1c]

Watching this video brought tears to my eyes. To hear others express the joy that I have discovered on my flower journey, flower people are a special breed of people, there is such incredible joy being surrounded with flowers and other flower lovers. I want to come to your farm but just know, I will probably cry tears of joy the entire time.

[@jamiehill3220]

Why am I crying 😢!?!? Oh what a wonderful video! There were so many statements made in this video that spoke to me. So many things I too have thought when weighing the cost of growing beautiful things.

[@barbll000]

Nothing is more energizing and renewing of the spirit than to be with fellow flower and gardening lovers.

[@tammygrady3530]

Amazingly sweet video humanity at its finest. Thanks, Floret and Erin for making this possible.

[@lyndajohneddy3685]

oh my I am so surprised at the feelings that well up inside me from listening and watching you all connect! I have chills and tears at the same time. We are all meant to connect and flowers is a real good reason to connect. I love flowers and I support many local flower farmers in my area. I want them all to thrive and never stop doing what they do because it brings joy to my life. thank you all

[@jeannerusch5264]

Yes! You are my people! I was crying through most of this too. It is so much how I feel as well. I am not a flower farmer, but I just moved from the Bay Area, where I lived for 30 years, North, to a spot where I could have more space and heat to grow things, and flowers are what I really love. I am afraid that I won't be able to do it, that they won't grow, that I won't actually be a gardener, but seeing this film made me feel such an alignment with others who unabashedly love flowers and are working out how to have them in their lives it gave me hope and inspiration. Thank you for making this and sharing it. It makes me fell so glad that you are all out there. I wish I could be part of this community too. You are my people, even if it's just the love and cultivation of beautiful things and the caretaking of the biodiversity and health of the environment.

[@nostromo7928]

In times of upheaval a garden of flowers is a healing place to be. To just "BE." And the sense of safety, love and belonging within an intentionally peaceful community is something we all need. I'm glad you all had such a wonderful time. ❤

[@tarotbysemaj2424]

I guess it must be something in the air. I awoke this morning thinking hard about friendships, what they mean and how easy they seem to be when we are young. How HUMAN connection is so important to our understanding to our connecting and the value it adds when we get to see different ways to get to the same solution. This was a brilliant display of LOVE, just plain and simple. I always feel that is the core of who you are ERIN, just a soul traveling this space wanting to share more LOVE, how ever it decides to show up.🧡✨🧡

[@christinedemir9474]

I agree, this has been on my mind of late as well and Erin’s video resonated with me deeply too.

[@skipprince7169]

What an awesome video. It was absolutely great to see and hear the many different people and stories

[@MyAvalonGarden]

Wonderful video! I hope you continue to film more content like this. You've captured something very special - thank you!

[@Firesidenomad]

Their is something about Floret that is infectious, genuine, and heart felt

[@amandamclachlan]

Tears flow, dreaming seems possible, connecting with the earth and the elements is medicine, and the community you have created is absolutely beautiful!!! I am so grateful I found you on Instagram years ago. I adore your vision, passion, and thoughtfulness. Your team is AMAZING!!! Thank you all for what you have created that brings me inspiration and hope!!!🩵🙌🏻🩵

[@gchn5497]

I loved this video! "Flower people are special!" Thank you, Erin and team, for all your work and bringing this to life! "To love flowers!❤ it's another place with so much beauty!

[@thevelvetbee4519]

Could have watched for 2 hours. Beautifully photographed, wonderful, flower farmers, very motivating. 💞

[@beaverrunfarm]

What a great time for this video. Coming to the end of my fourth season, with a lot of ups and downs, okay mostly downs, but this gave me hope and inspiration for next season, which I know will be a game changer, thank you.

[@jeanieroscher]

Yep, this had me crying. I was so touched by the bravery, the vulnerability, the dedication and devotion on display by the participants. I have tried living by Rumi's "Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do ". Erin, you are doing just that, and leading the way for others to do the same. You are truly inspiring. As a retired landscape designer, my favorite part of any design was creating the flower beds, or incorporating as many flowers in the design as I thought the owners could deal with. Now it is my time to introduce flowers and the birds, bees and butterflies that my garden attracts, to my two young grandchildren. My hope is to pass on to them, and those still to come, this love of flowers, and awareness of the soul satisfying "work" that is gardening. I hope to make it to Floret Farm one day. I'd love to meet you and be amongst all those flowers, and Yes, I'd probably be crying. xo

[@jacquelinekennemer9149]

Well this was absolutely stunning. I completely understand that feeling of loneliness in farming. It was so good to hear Chris say those words. We're not alone. We are a wonderful collective of people who love growing beautiful things and sharing them with the world. Thank you so much for creating such a thoughtful space for other flower farmers to come and share in the joy and then share it with all of us. Keep up the great work you're doing in the world.

[@christinedemir9474]

Oh Erin you are just so amazing. Your insights into connection and creating community and how you bring this into being are so inspiring. Thank you so much for being brave and courageous and showing others how to be!!

[@HunterValleyStorage]

This is probably the best video I have ever seen. So very inspiring to see all of these lovely people and growers of flowers. God bless you all.

[@TheAllieMartin]

Wow - this video moved me to tears. What an incredible experience it must have been for you all to gather together!

[@tinacrump454]

I just watched this video and was absolutely blown away by the incredible sense of oneness, peace, and can-do spirit it conveyed. The passion and dedication at Floret Flower Farm are truly inspiring. I am hoping to be a part of this amazing journey and contribute to such a beautiful and meaningful cause. Thank you all for sharing this wonderful experience! PS..I was teary eyed as well, but smiling the whole time

[@SandiPeterson-i6n]

These flowers come from God's amazing creation, His creative hand in each flower causes so to be in awe of what He gave us. Thank you Lord!

[@Michelle-hi1nd]

Sitting alone with my dogs before the sun is up balling my eyes out watching this. Everything you do touches my heart so deeply. Thank you ❤

[@apriloestman8304]

This made me cry. So beautiful to see the magic of the flower community coming together. Flower farming is a really lonely endeavor at times, but this video is uplifting and made me feel even more grateful to be a part of something really special. A vicarious experience to be sure but still very heartfelt. Thank you, Floret and to each member who took time away from their schedules to fly out and make this possible.

[@seedsofimbolc]

This hits home in so many ways. Grounded, inspiring, joy-full, connection. God's grace in flowers🙌🫶🙏

[@ckjohnson6396]

Loved this so much!! Feeling inspired, seen, and a connection to each of the flower-lovers out there.

[@jillwyckoff5152]

Had me in tears (where's the tissues). Made me motivated to expand my little garden, and ready for the next adventure in flowers! Thank you, Floret Team, for inspiring and motivating the community of flower growers (lovers).

[@kathiebrown4581]

Erin and team, This video made me cry tears of joy and connection. Thank you from Western Massachusetts where I’ve been immersed in flowers all my life, and learning about dahlia growing from you since the 2020 lockdown. I drank in every single video (multiple times) and book and newsletter. Growing dahlias was my creative outlet to help me deal with my grief; and it still is.

[@10karlkarl]

An inspiration for any community facilitator. So beautiful and humanizing. Thanks Erin.

[@bluesky7226]

Lovely and inspiring! We were created for connections and community. And that little wisper, Erin, was the voice of God prompting you to do what you do best...bringing people together through sharing and creating.❤

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

Kinda out of words...just sending lots off love carried upon prayers wings. 🤗🙏🌻

[@theflowersocialcic]

Beautiful ❤ it has inspired me to keep going, hearing people talk about their love of flowers was some of that just resonated with me and made me realise just how much I feel the same way. Thank you x

[@karinjohnston6568]

Beautiful and inspiring!

[@Wendy-nf1cp]

That was incredibly inspiring. Thank you, thank you, thank you. ❤

[@tibmartiekenitzer7843]

it is nice to have a team. Thanks for encouraging us all!!

[@everbloomfields5197]

so fun to see some familiar faces here! love this for my alumni friends!

[@pamfromwashington]

Moved to tears repeatedly! Hope to have the chance to meet Erin and her team here in Skagit one day. Until then, Erin, the rest of us introverts see you, love you and are so grateful to be in your beautiful circle. Happy October from Sedro!

[@KirstinLDavidson]

7:03 Frost. Her emotions. That’s me too as I’m currently in waiting mode as our temperatures continue to drop here in zone 4b. Loved seeing others like me with the same giddiness I would feel if I were there! Thank-you Erin for inspiring community in a generally solitary field for small scale growers.

[@rosekoerber8084]

So beautiful!! I love this so much, and totally relate to the love and connection here with the flowers! ❤

[@kaytrenialee5130]

As always your videos are always beautiful and inspiring!🌸

[@maejovelyncorporal6799]

It is really inspirng and truly amazing :)

[@LisaMerriman-z6g]

“Are you real, cuz I’m real!” 🥰

[@RedneckHillbillies]

I am tearing up in the first few minutes, and I am not even a flower farmer. (Yet?) 😉

[@michelleziemianska9706]

So happy to know I was not the only person in tears...

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

What an answered lrayer!!! Amazing!

[@viennecordet]

Love this!!! Yeah!

[@DawnetteSquires-d1u]

These are my kind of people...loved this.

[@hwoodred]

This was inspiring and uplifting. 💐💐💐💐

[@mmlittleblue]

Beautiful video. Thank you so much!

[@kimberlymayeux-maillet2363]

Are you crying? I'm not crying. Lol This video was so touching, it touched my heart.

[@KikiatPollinatorFarm]

I would love to see more about how you mimic healthy soil in your seedling mix (around @13:14) - maybe in an updated workshop module? ❤

[@vynedvyne59]

Creation and all its gifts ❤

[@beijaflorblooms]

Wonderful… how I’d love to come up from Brazil for a meetup someday! Class of 2024.

[@lyndastevens9726]

Wow! Loved the video! ❤

[@rachelfaith7654]

❤❤❤

[@stephanielemay5993]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one crying over here 😂

[@lilbeegail13]

Can anyone tell me what those beautiful flowers are that Erin is cutting and placing in the galvanized buckets? It looks like a kind of rose maybe? They are gorgeous and I’m a bit obsessed now. Thank you!

[@marileestevesnow3566]

I was wondering too, maybe an English shrub rose?

[@Tracymw99]

Everyone is so happy. 🩷Love it.. nothing like working at a bank 😒 the words you hear in this video says everything….dreams, passion purpose, love, community, connection.

[@LindaWhitman-sr2es]

❤❤❤❤