Succulent Creations History
The origins of Succulent Creations for Smoke Tree Farms began in 2002 with a simple wreath made from sempervivums and sedums from Jessica Larson's garden. After researching resources for appropriate frames, soil, moss, wire, proper planting and care techniques, Ann Pyles went searching for unique succulent plant material with which to build very individual works of art. Mother and daughter began building their creations using the semps, sedums and jovibarbas of two local growers. By 2006, we had expanded to 40 different sources and had begun propagating a lot of our own plants.
We began designing and planting four (4) different sizes of round wreath forms. Each piece was individually and lovingly planted with an ever-growing variety of succulents. For two years we sold primarily at Farmer's Markets. The planting style was to place the gorgeous succulent material strategically around the wreath and allow it to grow on for a period of months. In late 2004, we increased the number and style of frames we planted. At Jessica's insistence, we began creating basketball-size globes weighing about 18 pounds and planted completely with succulents except on the very bottom where they would sit on stands or urns. These globes became gazing balls in the gardens of our customers or flanked the entrances to their homes. In December of 2004 we also introduced our small heart frame. At this same time we started doing juried arts/crafts shows -"Christmas in the Country" and " Bainbridge in Bloom". We also started shipping our wreaths around the country. We shipped only the round wreaths and hearts. The globes and our later large creations were and are too fragile and heavy to ship at this time. Floral designers from around the country ordered our works of art, as did individuals and corporations who wanted to send housewarming, wedding and thank you gifts. We included complete care instructions and contact information for Smoke Tree Farms in case of questions.
In 2005, we made two changes to our succulent creations line. Ann wanted a square frame to plant and Jessica wanted a topiary. So, we had a fabricator create for us a huge square form and a topiary (a 10 " globe on a metal stand placed inside an 8" geranium pot with saucer and feet). The second change we made in 2005 involved our planting style. We began using twice the plant material, placing the succulent cuttings and small plants tightly together to create a rich tapestry of color, texture and design. Each piece became a unique piece of art - no two succulent creations would ever be the same. Over the last four years we had amassed from our 40 plus sources such a variety of plant material that we had a myriad of designs available. Some forms contain 400-500 individual plantings. Jessica and Ann lovingly design each piece with an eye to the unique properties of each succulent variety.
In 2006 Smoke Tree Farms had a booth at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. In partnership with Bamford and Bamford Pots we have had the opportunity to decorate the vestibule of the Tacoma Art Museum for the Tacoma Flower Show and will be a part of the entrance décor for the Pt. Defiance Flower and Garden Show in June. We are working on an article with Better Homes and Garden to showcase a local Kitsap County garden containing our succulent creations.
Designing and Building a Succulent Creation
A Smoke Tree Farms Succulent Creation begins with a unique frame - round, heart-shaped, globe, topiary or square. Moss carefully encases rich organic soil and most forms are triple wrapped in copper wire to maintain their shape for years. Before planting each individual creation, Ann and Jessica select the varieties of succulent materials to be used. In order to weave a rich tapestry of color and texture, we choose the semps and sedums with the proper size, growth habit and hue. It is like putting together a beautiful puzzle. Forming and planting a small wreath may take three hours of intense work, while a large square wreath takes 5-6 hours. It is a labor of love and viewing the unique final piece is always a joy.
While Ann and, her daughter, Jessica now do the design and planting of all of the pieces, the whole family is involved in our work. John Pyles, Ann's husband, is our booth, bench, shelves and cold frame builder. Scott Larson, Jessica's husband, has done his share of building, planting and propagation. Even, the grandchildren Ashley and Taylor have helped us propagate and have watched the growth of this business. They worked selling our wreaths at the Farmers Markets early on.