The Magic of Flowers with Floral Designer Gabriela Salazar

Interview by Alison Engstrom; Photography by Ngoc Minh Ngo, Courtesy of Rizzoli

What was your first experience with flowers, and why do you think it was so powerful?

My first relation with flowers comes from my mother and grandmother, both still-life painters. Flowers were always in their studios as inspiration for their artwork. My mother always 'talked to' her garden flowers. She taught me that plants respond to love, care, and dedication. For sure, she had a very intimate relationship with her garden. I grew up witnessing her devotion to nature. I guess I never knew my childhood was the beginning of a close, lifelong affair with flowers. I always felt safe in my mom's garden, the same way I feel in my own garden now. My garden is the place I always want to go back to.

How would you describe that, and what made you tap into it in such a profound way? What advice do you have for others?

I believe life always tries to show us the way. Yet, we don't always listen or want to see. I am sure I didn't find flowers. They whispered to me the way. They guided me when I was really desperate for an answer to where and how to continue with my life. Since the awareness of that whisper, my life has changed. Flowers have the power to transform the way you feel and teach you really profound lessons. For me, the biggest one is faith. I don't know how to advise someone on the things that change a life. However, what I can do is share with people how flowers have transformed my life, making it more beautiful and peaceful.

What is one of the most poignant lessons you learned from working with flowers?

Being surrounded by flowers has taught me to surrender to nature and thus allowed me to surrender to life. Nature reminds us that we are not in control, teaching us all how to let go a little more each day. 

How does your inspiration come to you and has it changed over time?

For me, inspiration always comes from nature and my own garden. Nature is open for all floral designers to learn lessons. We just need to stop and slow down to really see. The garden teaches us that change is a constant over time. I studied Art history. I always looked for inspiration in art. Now I have made the connection that nature is art.

What inspired you to put all of your ideas into the book? What was the process like for you?

I wanted to share my story, garden, and how flowers profoundly transformed my life. Creating a garden can initially seem difficult like the seasons of life we all find ourselves in. Women come to my garden each year, looking for a new career or inspiration in their life. Some women have lost someone or feel lonely. I teach my students more than just the mechanics of floristry. I share with them how to allow nature to be their guide. My book allows me to share my flower journey with everyone. A journey that all started with a profound desire to make a garden of my own. I didn't know anything. I had no resources but surrendered myself to life, and life moved in the right direction for all to happen. Along the way I learned the most valuable lessons about myself.

What do you know now that you wished you knew when you started the book writing process?

Like the garden, life teaches us that we are continually growing. I am not the same designer I was two years ago. My work is constantly evolving, and thus so am I. Sometimes I look at the book arrangements and judge them from my new perspective of how I like to arrange, but deep inside, that's just me being hard on myself and not understanding that things happen exactly at the right time.

When arranging flowers, what are three tips or methods you can offer aspiring designers or flower lovers trying to work on their art?

Always let the flowers guide you. Always allow flowers their own space to breathe in your compositions. And most of all, always treat flowers kindly. That is truly the only way for effortless-looking arrangements.

What advice do you offer to others who are looking to expand and grow in their respective fields?

Work hard. Be consistent. Be present on each opportunity and/or job you get. There are no big or small jobs. All are important and deserve you to be fully presence. 

The most beautiful garden you have ever been to?

There are many gardens I love, but Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a garden I adore.

The flower you are in awe with time and time again?

Dahlias.

One flower you grew or worked with that surprised you?

Salpiglossis.

What is your go-to color palette?

Yellow. 

Beauty is….

Kindness.