By Marla Ballard
Reporter
While browsing through Boom Town Makers Market in Fort Payne customers will find, sprinkled among the merchandise, various arrangements of flowers that need no water. These lifelike looking artificial arrangements are the handiwork of Lori Holland. While most waterless flowers come in silk flower bouquets, Holland’s realistic looking flowers are made from the root of a plant and are referred to as wooden flowers.
The plant that produces these natural looking flowers is a tapioca plant, the root system is used to create what is called sola wood. The plant is only grown in tropical climates and is also referred to as; cassava, manioc, arrowroot, and yuca (not to be confused with the yucca plant). The species of plant is extremely drought resistant.
Once the large, trunk-like root system is cut from the plant it is peeled and cut into very thin layers and then shaped into flowers, this process is done strictly by hand. The petals look and feel softer than wood. Once formed, the flowers are 100 percent biodegradable. Since they are organic, they are advertised to last a lifetime only under the proper care.
“They are not made to be kept outside or placed where they could get wet,” said Holland. “Some customers purchase them for Decoration Day, but only leave them at the cemetery for a short time and then retrieve them.” It is also best to keep then out of direct sunlight. To keep the flowers free of dust accumulation, use a hairdryer on the coolest setting and keep several inches between the hairdryer and the flowers.
Water makes the root malleable enough to form the thin layers into the shape of a flower. Holland purchases the finished flower product and then spends several days painting the product. “It takes several days because when I layer the colors then I have to allow time for each layer to dry properly,” said Holland.
Holland said her customers who are brides choose this type of arrangement because they want to have their keepsake bridal bouquet with them a lifetime. Many of Holland’s flower orders are custom made. “Some brides incorporate the colors into their bouquet that they know will also look lovely in the décor of their new home,” said Holland.
“Anything that can be done with a real flower I can replicate with my sola wood flowers,” said Holland. “I can make all of the flowers for a wedding, even the boutonnieres. I have also made corsages for homecomings and decorative wreaths.” According to womangettingmarried.com “The trend of using wooden flowers is increasing due to pricing.” Another preferred feature of the sola wood flowers is being allergy free.
To see a photo gallery of Holland’s work or order flowers, go to hollandhillfarms.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram. Upcoming events where Holland’s flowers will be displayed; November 11, 12 – Farmhouse 40 Winter Market at VFW Fairgrounds in Scottsboro 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and November 25 – Black Friday Boutique Market at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Or visit Boom Town Makers Market Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
