INTERVIEW: Zoom & Bloom Founder Rebecca Merritt On What Makes An Exceptional Arrangement, Floral Tips, And More

Does your mom always have the most beautiful floral arrangements at her home? Or does she have in interest in gorgeous blooms, but not quite sure how to create her own lush creation?

On Saturday, May 8, Zoom & Bloom will host a special virtual Mother’s Day Workshop where attendees can learn how to master making a stunning arrangement during a live Zoom class at 1:00 p.m. Participants will receive the blooms, a vase, and the tools needed the day prior to the event.

We caught up with Zoom & Bloom Founder Rebecca Merritt about the workshop, what makes an exceptional arrangement, floral tips, and more.

What inspired you to found Zoom & Bloom?

RM: I love nothing more than transforming spaces for events and during the beginning of the pandemic, I struggled with how to keep doing what I love. Zoom & Bloom is my way of bringing beauty directly into workshop participants’ homes.

What does a Zoom & Bloom workshop entail?

RM: Zoom & Bloom sends everything a person needs to make a luxurious arrangement at home. Gorgeous blooms, a lovely vase pre-prepped with a floral arranging framework and tools are delivered straight to your front door. We enclose a care card specific to the flowers in the box, and people learn how to properly condition flowers. Then, they join a live tutorial and learn how to create a high-end floral arrangement.

How do you decide which flowers to include in the classes?

RM: The recipe for every single workshop is different. We source our flowers from the best farms in the world with a focus on best-of-the-season blooms.

What are some of your favorite varieties?

RM: Asking me to pick a favorite flower is like asking me to pick a favorite child, but if I see a Coral Charm Peony, I buy Coral Charm Peonies every single time.

In your opinion, what makes an exceptional arrangement?

RM: An exceptional arrangement is bursting with unique textures and less-common varieties. Zoom & Bloom sends out at least five different types of greenery in each box, which really gives our arrangements depth. And, we use varieties which have an innate character, like Apricot Parrot Tulips or delicate, dancing Sweet Peas.

What are some floral tips everyone should know?

RM: I wish everyone knew it is ok to cut a long stemmed flower down! If you are putting a tall stem in a short vase, be merciless. Cutting your grocery store flowers short is not a crime. It makes your flowers look more lush instead of leggy.

Where do you source the blooms from?

RM: We source worldwide so we can focus on the best flowers. Tulips are going to come from Holland, of course. But one of my favorite roses is actually a Japanese varietal that is grown in Kenya.

How often do you hold Zoom & Blooms?

RM: Our corporate and social clients hold workshops year-round, and we open workshops to the public on ‘flower holidays’ like Mother’s Day, or when the mood strikes. The easiest way to join a workshop is to grab a bunch of your friends and book it together.

Have you ever been to the Hamptons? If so, what are some of the spots you have to visit while you’re here?

RM: My in-laws just rented a great place on the North Fork this summer for a special birthday celebration. But, I love Solé East when my husband and I can sneak away. And, is there anything better than oysters, sunset and Duryea’s?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

RM: Now that the world is opening back up a little bit, we’d love to host a live, safe workshop in someone’s gorgeous yard! (Hint, hint.)

For more information about Zoom & Bloom, visit www.rmerrittflowers.com.