Calling all Flower Lovers and Philanthropists!
If you’ve ever stopped by our studio on a Monday morning, you’ve no doubt been greeted by towering carts of arrangements coming back in from weekend weddings and events. It’s the part of the floral business that no one really wants to talk about, or shine a bright light on: the waste.
For so many of our events, our crew picks up beautiful centerpieces at the end of an event, packs them up, and hauls them back into the studio. This year, in 2020, our team has decided to find purposeful ways to give event flowers a second life rather than throwing them away.
Although in its infancy, our little program has already donated flowers from a number of weddings and corporate events to local women’s shelters, clinics, support groups, and programs. The look of surprise, happiness, and appreciation when flowers arrive is motivation to grow our program.
Interested in getting involved? There are several ways to support us in spreading the love throughout Alexandria and D.C.
- • Know of an organization who would like to receive flowers? Let us know! (think hospice, women’s shelters, nursing homes, etc.)
- • Volunteer to help arrange flowers! Visit our website and click ‘Volunteer’ under the wedding menu. We’re always looking for folks to help make arrangements and to deliver them to local organizations.
- • Donate your vases! It’s officially spring cleaning season, so what better time to go through your vase collection? Anything you’re willing to part ways with can be dropped off at the Helen Olivia Studio and can be used in repurposing event flowers.
- • We need a cool name! Help us think of a clever name for our new pet project.
As always, call on us for all of your floral and botanical needs – no matter the size. Visit our studio in Del Ray or order online 24/7 at www.helenolivia.com.
- About the shop
Helen Olivia is a boutique floral design studio located in the Del Ray neighborhood. Known for a lush and timeless style, the shop is a favorite among locals. Outside of beautiful flowers, Helen Olivia is a destination for house plants, decorative pottery, and an endless selection of stylish front door wreaths. The shop is also well known for its weekly floral design workshops — come visit us and try your hand at flower arranging! Helen Olivia is owned by Chuck and Rachel Gang who are veterans of the bustling Washington, D.C., events industry. Both are D.C. natives, and reside in the Ft Hunt neighborhood of Alexandria with their son Jack.
1519 Leslie Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.548.2848
1 Comment
Hi. Would like to volunteer to arrange post wedding flowers. Do not see so signup up on your website. You are no longer on N Pitt, right? See above?
Idea for flowers is the lobby of the Alexandria Welfare Animal Shelter, the one on Eisenhower, AWLA.