In full bloom: Molly Ford of Flowers by Ford

In the second part of our In Full Bloom series, we are chatting with Molly Ford, the founder and creative director of New York-based Flowers by Ford.

Who doesn’t love flowers? Giving or receiving flowers is scientifically proven to send all the good hormones kicking in the brain. Some of us include the act of flower-hunting every Sunday to brighten up our home, while some of us resort to flowers to convey messages we can’t find the words to.

Flowers are also clearly having a moment. Sometime through the pandemic and post, our feeds became filled with elaborate bouquets sprawled on intimate dinner tables. Every fashion girlie will tell you - flowers maketh the event. With more people making their home a direct reflection of their aesthetic, overnight plant parents were born, and flowers became a point of self expression. The first tip in the guide to how to host a dinner is always, and always, bring fresh flowers to complement the food. Heck, we’ve even seen flowers as finishing touches on cakes and five star meals.

Among this frenzy of flowers, there are those rare flower girlies who are reimagining what flowers can be capable of — apart from bringing unbounded joy. The second in our series spotlighting florists bringing a fresh perspective to freshly cut blooms, is Molly Ford, founder and creative director of Flowers by Ford.

Molly Ford, Founder of Flowers by Ford

From a young age, growing up in a home filled with handmade decor and a small farm, Ford cultivated a love for flowers and their ability to bring joy and wonder to the people around her. Her flowers have an uncanny ability to adapt to any occasion, and that’s exactly what Ford aspires to achieve, infusing a sense of curiosity and happiness into every one of her creations.

Ahead, she shares with us her expert tips and tricks in creating the perfect floral arrangements. Take notes, they’ll come handy later!

Snippets from Molly’s Studios

What was the first time you felt a deep connection to flowers?

My childhood was a bit magical. My mom hand-built all of our furniture from grapevines and painted every room a different (bright!) color. My room had tropical murals that covered even the floors. It was so imaginative and full of light. We did not have a lot of money, so everything in our house was built or created by our own hands. We also had a small farm from which I would pick flowers. Those were the moments that I realized I loved nature and wanted my life to be filled with beautiful flowers. Although being a florist is not that simple, I can't believe I get to live the lifestyle I imagined.

What are your favorite flowers for each season? How do you choose the right flowers?

My all-time favourite flower would be an orchid. I love a different flower every season though! Summer is when I am obsessed with grasses and cosmos. This fall I am loving dahlias in a new way! Soon we will see more peonies and interesting greenery.

Molly with her all time favourite orchids

What are the essential elements of a well-balanced bouquet?

Bouquets are so much fun to make! I am at a point in my career where my clients put a lot of trust in my designs. They encourage me to add unique elements and textures that stand out to me at the market. Colour is so important to me! I will usually have multiple shades of the same color in an arrangement, this gives it depth and softness.

Can you share some of your favorite floral creations?

I once was hired by Love Wellness to create a 13' wall of flowers in the shape of a vagina to promote women's health. It was the most unique design I have ever been asked to create! I also had a runway installation for PatBo’s New York Fashion Week with a 3AM call time. Those two events stand out as very unique points in my career.

Molly for Love Wellness, featured on vogue

Where do you find inspiration for your flower arrangements? Are there any artists, designers, or other sources that influence your work?

My ultimate inspiration for my work is nature itself. I am always happy when walking through a garden! I also love to incorporate elements in my arrangements that you might find in a garden, like herbs, vegetables, and fruits. I look up to Fjura, Hattie, Rana Flora, Jenn Chez Design, and Isa Isa Floral.

I have a vast floral community that supports and challenges each other. I started my floral journey at ‘Ever Something’ in Tulsa, OK. I still call them for advice. As well as Chelsea Neff (formerly Pine New York), who took me to the New York flower market for the first time years ago.

What do you see as the future of flowerscaping? Are there any emerging trends or techniques that you're excited about?

I have always loved an overgrown garden. I feel the industry fully embracing that design as a current trend. Everyone wants ground arrangements with grasses and wildflowers. I am here for it!

Indoor Garden- Photography for Charles & Keith

Can you share some easy DIY tips for creating beautiful flower arrangements at home? What are some common mistakes to avoid?

Keep arranging!! Experiment! Flowers are such a beautiful product and you really can't go wrong when creating with them. Trust what you like and lean into that! Different colors and textures will always make your arrangements interesting. At the end of the day, create something that makes you happy, and simply have fun doing it!