Episode 426: Ponderosa & Thyme’s Katie Davis; plus, our state focus: Tennessee

Katie Davis of Ponderosa & Thyme (right) with one of her hand-tied, seasonal bouquets. Portrait of Katie (left): Ivy and Gold Photography

I'm delighted to introduce you to Katie Davis of Ponderosa & Thyme.

Katie and I first met in the spring of 2014 while attending a Little Flower School workshop at Schreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem, Oregon. I was there to produce an article about the class for Country Gardens magazine and Katie, a hometown gal, was one of the many talented designers who attended.

Katie and I joined up about 3 years ago this month -- at Mayesh Wholesale Florist in Portland.

A few years later, when Mayesh Wholesale Florist planned its Portland, Oregon-branch's grand re-opening, Katie and I were invited to present design demonstrations at the party (above). It was such a thrill to share that experience with her -- and it certainly gave me a new appreciation for Katie's artistry and affinity for designing with color, texture and nature as her muse.

Ponderosa & Thyme joined Slow Flowers as a member in 2018 and I've been wanting to interview Katie and share her amazing story with you ever since. As I say in our conversation, it's silly that Katie and I live in adjacent states and yet have waited this long to record this episode.

Let's blame this lapse in part to our

mutual busy travel schedules. Katie has been a nomadic floral design educator

for the past several years and well, you know I'm always on the road myself.

Flowers and Fruit, designed by Katie Davis (c) Kim Branagan Photography

To be fair, though, she is not a

nomad, but an artist whose desire is to develop and lead experiences and opportunities centered

around creativity, authenticity, and personal growth. Floristry is

the artistic medium Katie uses to facilitate these experiences.

Katie is known for nurturing supportive and inspiring

learning environments that are immersive, intimate, beautiful, and warm. She

values environments where people can be truly present and connect honestly with

themselves and others, in their pursuit of artistic expression and a

sustainable life. 

Left: Seasonal and foraged elements (c) Orange Photographie from a Ponderosa & Thyme Workshop; Right: Katie (c) Kim Branagan Photography

Katie Davis is an internationally

acclaimed florist based in Salem, Oregon, the heart of the

Willamette Valley. Since founding Ponderosa & Thyme in 2011, Katie has

become known for her textural designs inspired by nature. Her floral

designs use the most luxurious and beautiful flowers available while

incorporating locally foraged, unique, and sensory plants into each arrangement.

The result is a visually breathtaking experience.

An installation made in Portland, Oregon by Ponderosa & Thyme (c) Maria Lamb Photography; Model: Muse Management

Katie's design aesthetic could be best described as

playful, romantic, herb-y, and fragrant. In addition to creating florals

for intimate weddings, Katie and her team host incredible workshops worldwide

for florists and other creatives to explore the art of floral design. Ponderosa

& Thyme continues to offer wedding and event services, specializing in

intimate and heartfelt experiences.

With a heart for education, Katie has been teaching

floral design since 2014, serving clients across the globe. Flowers are a

language of their own, and while teaching in English, Katie is able to cross

cultures with her thoughtful and emotional approach. Just as comfortable