Tracy Liu, Oak and Willow

Vancouver

By
Fleurs de Villes

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR FLORAL DESIGN?

My passion for floral design really took off growing up in my parents' nursery, surrounded by gorgeous flowers every day. It was impossible not to get inspired by all the colours and beauty around me! Flowers have this incredible way of transforming a space and telling a story, and that’s what made me fall in love with floral design. It’s my way of channeling that excitement and creating something beautiful and meaningful!

YOUR ‘WINTER WONDERLAND’ FRAME WON BEST IN SHOW AT NOËL IN VANCOUVER – YOUR FIRST EVER FLEURS DE VILLES SHOW! DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS AND TRICKS TO SHARE WITH FLORISTS WHO WILL BE PARTICIPATING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2025?

Winning Best in Show at my first Fleurs de Villes NOEL show with my 'Winter Wonderland' frame was such an exciting and humbling experience! For anyone participating for the first time in 2025, my biggest tip would be to stay true to your vision and trust your creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flowers, textures, and materials to create something unique. Time management is key – plan ahead and give yourself enough time to perfect the details and most importantly, enjoy the process! The energy and community of Fleurs de Villes is so inspiring, and it’s all about showcasing your passion for floral design.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHEN WORKING WITH FLOWERS AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?

One of the biggest challenges when working with flowers is keeping them fresh, especially in different temperatures and environments. Flowers are delicate, and they can wilt quickly if not properly cared for. I always ensure that I’m working in a cool space and that flowers are properly hydrated before I start designing. Another challenge is finding the right balance of textures and colours in a design, but that’s part of the fun! I experiment and trust my instincts, often stepping back to assess the overall look before finalizing anything. Ultimately, flexibility is key – things don’t always go as planned, but that’s when creativity really comes into play.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED FLOWER IN YOUR OPINION?

In my opinion, the most underrated flower is the carnation. It often gets overlooked, but it’s such a versatile flower! Carnations come in so many colours, have a wonderful fragrance, and last a long time in arrangements. They’re also great for adding texture and volume without overpowering the design. I think people tend to underestimate them, but they really have so much to offer!

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING A FLORAL BUSINESS?

The most challenging part of running a floral business is managing logistics – making sure flowers arrive fresh and on time, especially for big events. Balancing creativity with the practical side of things, like budgeting and scheduling, can also be tricky. But it’s all part of the process and what makes the work so rewarding.

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR FLORAL DESIGN?

My passion for floral design really took off growing up in my parents' nursery, surrounded by gorgeous flowers every day. It was impossible not to get inspired by all the colours and beauty around me! Flowers have this incredible way of transforming a space and telling a story, and that’s what made me fall in love with floral design. It’s my way of channeling that excitement and creating something beautiful and meaningful!

YOUR ‘WINTER WONDERLAND’ FRAME WON BEST IN SHOW AT NOËL IN VANCOUVER – YOUR FIRST EVER FLEURS DE VILLES SHOW! DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS AND TRICKS TO SHARE WITH FLORISTS WHO WILL BE PARTICIPATING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2025?

Winning Best in Show at my first Fleurs de Villes NOEL show with my 'Winter Wonderland' frame was such an exciting and humbling experience! For anyone participating for the first time in 2025, my biggest tip would be to stay true to your vision and trust your creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flowers, textures, and materials to create something unique. Time management is key – plan ahead and give yourself enough time to perfect the details and most importantly, enjoy the process! The energy and community of Fleurs de Villes is so inspiring, and it’s all about showcasing your passion for floral design.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHEN WORKING WITH FLOWERS AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?

One of the biggest challenges when working with flowers is keeping them fresh, especially in different temperatures and environments. Flowers are delicate, and they can wilt quickly if not properly cared for. I always ensure that I’m working in a cool space and that flowers are properly hydrated before I start designing. Another challenge is finding the right balance of textures and colours in a design, but that’s part of the fun! I experiment and trust my instincts, often stepping back to assess the overall look before finalizing anything. Ultimately, flexibility is key – things don’t always go as planned, but that’s when creativity really comes into play.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED FLOWER IN YOUR OPINION?

In my opinion, the most underrated flower is the carnation. It often gets overlooked, but it’s such a versatile flower! Carnations come in so many colours, have a wonderful fragrance, and last a long time in arrangements. They’re also great for adding texture and volume without overpowering the design. I think people tend to underestimate them, but they really have so much to offer!

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING A FLORAL BUSINESS?

The most challenging part of running a floral business is managing logistics – making sure flowers arrive fresh and on time, especially for big events. Balancing creativity with the practical side of things, like budgeting and scheduling, can also be tricky. But it’s all part of the process and what makes the work so rewarding.

PICTURE YOUR DREAM GARDEN – WHAT TYPES OF FLOWERS/PLANTS WOULD YOU INCLUDE, AND WHY?

My dream garden would be filled with a mix of bright, fragrant flowers. Peonies for their soft, romantic blooms, lavender for its calming scent, and sunflowers to bring in some happiness and colour. I’d also add climbing roses for a bit of elegance and wildflowers for a natural, easygoing vibe. I want the garden to feel lively, peaceful, and full of beauty with every turn I make!

WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL ARRANGEMENT YOU HAVE CREATED?

The most meaningful arrangement I’ve ever created was for a close friend’s wedding. It wasn’t just about the flowers – it was about capturing their love story and making their special day unforgettable. I used a mix of soft peonies, roses, and greenery, which were symbolic of their relationship: delicate, strong, and full of growth. The joy on their faces when they saw the arrangements was such a rewarding moment for me – it felt like I had contributed something truly personal and memorable.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWER-RELATED QUOTE OR SAYING THAT RESONATES WITH YOU?

A quote I love is, 'Flowers are the music of the ground, from Earth's lips spoken without sound.' (Edwin Curran, American poet) It captures how flowers have a way of expressing emotions and beauty without saying a word. They’re like nature’s little reminders of how simple things can have such a big impact.

A NOTE FROM FLEURS DE VILLES:

As a new florist, Tracy blew us away with not only one, but two gorgeous floral creations along Robson Street. Each inspired by a classic holiday song, she not only made clear nods to the lyrics (see the mistletoe on the "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" heart), but also exhibited and incredible level of artistry and creativity. The amaranthus icicles hanging off her "Winter Wonderland" frame elevated the entire piece. I'm so excited to see what Oak and Willow come up with next!

- Tina Barkley, Co-founder

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