How We Bloom

How We Bloom

By Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCIArtsDesign
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How We Bloom episodes

  • American Floral Trends® 2027–2028: Shaping the Future w/ Keith White

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    What’s next in floral design? 

    J. Keith White, AIFD, Creative Director of American Floral Trends®, gives us an inside look at the emerging colors, textures, materials, and design directions shaping the next chapter of floral design.

    From the rich, dramatic palette of Transform to the organic feeling of Discover and the vibrant, farmers-market energy of Aspire, the latest AFT collection - including Trust and Envision, offers fresh inspiration for florists, designers, wedding professionals, and floral businesses.

    In our latest How We Bloom conversation, Keith shares how these trends can move beyond inspiration to become practical tools for creating fresh, relevant, and sellable floral designs.

    Read the full story and discover what’s blooming next.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    32 min
  • Finding Purpose through Flowers w/ Kevin Coble

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    Award-winning floral designer Kevin Coble AIFD has spent nearly four decades transforming flowers into meaningful experiences. In this inspiring interview, he shares insights on building client relationships, growing a successful wedding business, mentoring future designers, and finding purpose through floral artistry.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    38 min
  • Tips for Designing Faster and Easier with Oasis Adhesives

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    Create cleaner, lighter, and more efficient floral designs using the right adhesive products and techniques. Sharon McGukin offers tips for using OASIS Floral Adhesive, UGLU, and Floralock products to speed production, reduce bulky wiring, build secure professional designs and on-trend wearable florals. From glue application tips to bouquet-locking techniques, discover practical, time-saving methods every florist can use to design faster and smarter.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    12 min
  • 15 Mother's Day Tips for Florists w/ Ralph Giordano

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    Looking for Mother’s Day tips for florists?

    Discover how to prepare your flower shop for one of the busiest holidays of the year. From inventory planning to production strategies, fourth-generation florist Ralph Giordano AIFD shares proven methods to reduce stress, streamline operations, and increase holiday profits.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    34 min
  • 10 Creative Ways to use DESIGN MASTER Spray Paint w/ Gretchen Sell

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    Learn 10 Creative Ways to Use Design Master Paint with pro-level floral spray techniques offered by Gretchen Sell of Design Master. Discover how to conceal blemishes, customize colors, up-cycle old products, and create show-stopping designs. You can transform ordinary flowers into extraordinary art with these creative color spray tips.

    👉 Listen now on the How We Bloom podcast or read the full article on Floral Hub.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    36 min
  • Grow Your Sympathy Flower Business w/ Jeanna Furst

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    Flowers can do more than decorate a room. They comfort families, honor memories, and can sustain a business. For Jeanna Furst AIFD, growing the sympathy side of her family’s 120-year-old floral business introduced a thriving revenue stream, now representing nearly 27% of sales. In this episode, she shares the strategies, tools, and team practices that helped her turn compassion into consistent business growth — and how you can do the same.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    37 min
  • Floral Design Techniques II: The ‘How’ Behind the ‘Wow’ w/ Sharon McGukin

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    In this episode of How We Bloom podcast and Floral Hub blog, we explore the art and architecture of floral design by expanding your toolkit of floral design techniques. Design is the “wow” that stirs emotion - technique is the “how” that gives it form. Discover how to use floral mechanics to shape your signature style. Whether you're designing a delicate wedding bouquet or a dramatic centerpiece, these flower arranging tips will elevate your creativity - and that’s How We Bloom.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    15 min
  • Dutch Floral Adventure - Tulip Tour of The Netherlands w/ Sharon McGukin

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    Join floral expert Sharon McGukin and flower friends who share memories of a breathtaking tulip tour through The Netherlands. From vibrant flower fields to historic flower auctions, wooden shoes, cheese-making, and world-class gardens like the iconic Keukenhof. This podcast shares a rich blend of Dutch culture, floral history, and personal behind-the-scenes moments from a petal-filled tour that’s sure to inspire your next floral adventure.

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    14 min
  • From 'Vase to Venue' - Delivery Solutions w/ Christine Foley

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    Every florist knows the struggle, designing the perfect arrangement, then stressing over how it’s delivered. Frustrated by last-minute disasters that can turn a beautiful creation into a logistical nightmare. Say goodbye to delivery stress! Christine Foley, of Caddy Up Solutions, designed The Flower Caddy to transport floral arrangements safely, efficiently, and stress-free. Learn how she turned a common floral frustration into an eco-friendly, Made-in-USA solution that saves time and money. A solution created by a florist, for florists – assisted by the National Inventors Club. Chris offers ideas for identifying problems and creating solutions in your floral business. She also includes helpful money saving tips for wedding prep. Read the blog or listen to the podcast to learn more.
     

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    39 min
  • Floral Design Techniques w/ Sharon McGukin

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    Vincent van Gogh once said, “A floral designer is a master of transformation, turning humble flowers into extraordinary works of art.”

    Join us for this podcast episode, as we explore Floral Design Techniques - the art of creatively organizing floral material placements to transform simple arrangements into stunning masterpieces."

    How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

    12 min

About How We Bloom

From the publisher's feed

How We Bloom is an oasis of inspiring ideas for floral professionals and flower enthusiasts alike. Hosted by Sharon McGukin, each episode features conversations with guests who dare to do…

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