Checking In With...Artistic Florists:

Graduations, proms, weddings, Father’s Day. You know what that means. It’s time to get flowers. Well, OK, maybe not for Father’s Day. Dad would probably prefer even an ugly tie. I figure most dads stop and smell the flowers only when they’ve been banished to the couch or if it’s anniversary time. Still, it’s the busy season for florists, so this week we check in with Kathy Lyon of Artistic Florists in Costa Mesa.

Traditionally this is a good time of the season for flowers, with so many events demanding congratulatory gifts scheduled. We’re talking graduations, prom and the wedding season. But this is no ordinary year. Has the economy affected your business?

Yes, the economy has had an impact on our business. We carry a much greater selection of seasonal flowers that are very affordable. Our customers are able to give beautiful bouquets for these special occasions and stay within their budgets.

What’s hot this time of the year? Is it always roses of some sort?

Men tend to order roses. They likely will always be popular, particularly with their longer shelf life than we experienced years ago. Anything green is very popular right now, from carnations to orchids.

We imagine if you got flowers from your husband it might not seem so special, but what’s your favorite flower, and why?

My favorite is the Sonia rose, for sentimental reasons really. My husband, and business partner, arranged 24 Sonia roses for my 24th birthday. Peonies and lilac are wonderful, and fragrant flowers that remind me of my grandmother’s garden in Kentucky .

What are the best flowers for graduations, weddings and prom, and why?

So many different flowers are appropriate for these occasions. We encourage our clientele to be creative with different combinations of flowers and foliages. Fabulous designs are mainly a matter of imagination.

How did you get into this business, and why have you stuck with it?

I have always enjoyed woodworking, painting, ceramics and such, so I guess the creative side of me ended my 11-year banking career. After marrying my husband, I spent time at the flower shop, helping out. It wasn’t long until I was managing the day-to-day operations. It’s in my blood; I love flowers.

Got any great stories about how flowers made a real difference?

Years ago, before coming to work with my husband, he secretly arranged for my former employer to give me a week off from work. He sent me an arrangement of tropical flowers with a card that read: “Would you like to see where these grow wild?” The next day we flew to Hawaii!

We hear you’re into painting. Who is your favorite painter?

Maria Burgaz from Madrid comes to mind. She paints a figurative style with a pop influence. The bright colors and her unique combinations are fresh and fun.