surprising and inevitable

there’s a little flower market that started here in the twin cities a few years ago. it’s called the twin cities flower exchange. it’s one of those places, where as soon as someone does it, it is so obviously a good idea that you smack your head and say to yourself ‘why hasn’t that always existed.’ the place, a corner of a cooperative warehouse, sells only locally grown flowers in season. in minnesota that means tulips and lilac for two weeks in may. peonies for three weeks in june. and dahlias for three weeks in september. because our growing season is so short and abundant, the gals behind the operation have extended their retail offering by making dried flowers and stems available in the off months. it’s brilliant. 100% local. each item dried at the peak of its  expression. color all year round! obvious, right? so why did it take until now for someone to do it?

dried pink peonies