Flora Collection

Jordan’s Ode to Lotuses

“The lotus flower can’t grow without a thick layer of mud to sink its roots into. When I go through significant periods of transition, I head to the lotus pond in the park in St. Louis near my house. The lotuses only bloom for a short period during the year, but I’ll still check on them most days when they’re there. The lotus flowers remind me that we need the mud to create beauty in our lives and that change is our only constant.”

Hadley's Ode to Baby's Breath

“Flowers have always been close to my heart because one of my fondest childhood memories was taking walks around the neighborhood with my mom. She would always point out different flowers or other plants and teach me their names and sometimes unique things about them. My first tattoo was a bundle of flowers including baby’s breath, which is her favorite flower. I also like to attribute my love for flowers to the quote ‘may the flowers remind you why the rain was necessary.’”

Abby's Ode to Lavender

“They say scent is the strongest sense, and I know this to be true. I love the smell of lavender because its smell brings me back to watching my grandmother’s hands work away in her garden and the smell of my mother’s hugs. It is a smell that has been passed on through generations in my family”

Anna's Ode to Poppies

“Poppies have always been very special to me and have given me a special connection to my ancestors. My great-great grandmother was actually the first person to start making the Remembrance Day poppy Piña in Canada after the war. She also rescued hundreds of Jewish war orphans and offered them shelter. Every time I see a poppy I think of her and the amazing things she did, and even though I could never have met her I feel a connection to her wherever I go. I always send pictures of poppy’s to my granny, as she speaks about my great-great granny and her poppy’s often.”

Alexa's Ode to Daffodils

“I was experiencing a period of depression while I was studying abroad and one day I accidentally wandered into a field of Daffodils. It was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen and it reminded how many lovely things there were in the world to be grateful for. Daffodils to me are like sunshine and happiness in flower form, and to me they represent hope. I didn’t conquer my depression in that field of flowers but it helped me find a little light while I was in a dark place. They have been my favorite flowers ever since.”

Rachel's Ode to Sunflowers

“I’ve loved sunflowers since I was a kid and used to grow 6-8 foot tall ones with my father. Sunflowers have a resilience that I just find strength in when I’m having a rough day. I’ve always loved that when sunflowers don’t have any sun to turn towards, they turn to each other and I think it’s a lesson humans should take to heart.”