Here are my creations from the Oakland flower market. I think they turned out well! Read how I got here below.
While I have enjoyed many visits to the famous SF Flower Market, I had not yet experienced the one in Oakland. The SF Flower Mart is 1.5 million square feet, encompasses 55 vendors, and you will see 350 workers. The Oakland Flower Mart is very different. It is maybe 1/100th of the size. When you walk in, it feels like a small Michael's craft store. Keep walking to the back to get to the flowers, which is similar to one vendor at the SF Flower Market.
Since I did not expect this, when I first walked in, I was disappointed. However, upon looking around, I discovered potential! If you have an open mind and don't have a specific type of flower you must have, Oakland Flower Market did have some good options.
Tip-bring a jacket! It is very cold inside.
They do have some garden roses, but they are $34/dozen. I spent $20 on the blooms (dahlias & wax flowers) and $30 on greens (seeded eucalyptus, knifeblade, and another one).
I was able to make 6 arrangements from these: 3 small and 3 large. I gave one to a friend who had just had surgery, one to a dear friend in my neighborhood, and scattered the rest throughout my home. They turned out well! I am glad I stuck to one color of flower and that I was able to incorporate texture with the greens. What a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
Watch the 2 minute video below to follow my journey.