The Maker Series: Dahlia Dreamin’
The dreamiest dahlias, photo courtesy of Elizabeth Griffin.
Flowers can transport us to a dreamy state of admiration. Their appeal captivates our senses and supports our emotions through times of happiness, gratitude, sorrow and inspiration. In recent years, Floret has created a movement of new flower farmers by showcasing stunning blooms. But what makes flowers even more meaningful? When they are grown locally, sustainably, and with gratitude.
Still Point Flowers was dreamt up by Elizabeth Griffin in 2018. A born and bred New Yorker, she spent summers and weekends at her parents’ quaint country escape in Old Chatham. Embracing the best of both worlds, she mastered the hustle of the city, while simultaneously slowing down in the countryside of Columbia County. Growing up, she was instilled with a love of gardening by both her parents, but most especially by her father, who devoted (and still devotes) much time and energy to growing vegetables. He used the garden as an educational tool for both Elizabeth and her older sister.
The first year of Still Point Flowers. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Griffin.
Her love of photography began as a child, capturing life’s moments through a lens. Professionally, she served as the first ever photo director for Esquire Magazine’s digital publication, the first lead photo and viral content editor for Hearst Digital Media’s Newsroom, and is a renowned photographer with an impressive portfolio—including many features across all of Hearst Magazines, print and digital.
Inspiration arrives in unexpected places. Following a floral arranging class at Tea Lane Farm, a woman-founded and owned flower farm on Martha’s Vineyard, led by Nicolette Owen and artist Helen Dealtry, Still Point was born. Inspired by their unique gifts, passion for their work and by the head of Tea Lane Farm, Elizabeth returned home determined to make a passion project and a dream business. She started by planting two small rows of dahlias, with help from Rise and Run Permaculture, and countless annuals in her field. To her astonishment, she gained clients quickly.
Now, she combines her passions of photography and flowers with her small batch, mini flower farm. She captures the dynamic beauty of her blooms through her lens, allowing an entirely different layer of connectivity for every person. Each dahlia variety Elizabeth grows is meticulously curated. The color palettes are stunning, but there is HARD work behind each stem. Planting, dividing, and caring for 1,200 blooms is no simple task when mother nature reins (or rains).
Elizabeth is humble, kind, and creative. In each interaction, she leads with authenticity and empathy. Her own quest for giving back to the community led her to explore Horticultural Therapy, which helps people heal through connection to nature and gardening.
Perfect Peonies, photo courtesy of Elizabeth Griffin.
In the spring, she will be offering peony subscriptions. She will be hosting flower pop-ups next season at The Greenhouse Cidery. Let her know Upstate Social sent you :)
For the dreamiest visuals, follow her on instagram.
All photos provided by Elizabeth Griffin.
