Spring 2025 Flower Power Flower Power By Mallory Gleich I he final weekend of January saw the streets of Tempe – from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway, from College Avenue to Maple – alive with blooms, thanks to over 20 Valley floral businesses. The event brought in over 80,000 guests for a walking tour centered on engaging the residents and spotlighting local businesses. The idea for Tempe Blooms originated with Downtown Tempe Authority’s Events Director Kim DeMeritt and former President and CEO Kate Borders. After visiting New York City and experiencing the vibrant LEAF flower festival in the Meatpacking District, they were inspired to bring a similar concept to their hometown. “The purpose of the event was two-fold. We aim to increase foot traffic and engagement downtown while promoting diversity in the types of events we offer and inclusivity in the programming,” Marketing Coordinator Chelsey Velasquez said. “It also served as a way to support merchants and to uplift creatives such as floral designers, artists, and musicians.” The main focus is the living flower installations placed around downtown Tempe. Each business – including shops like Amazing Flowers, Arizona Flower Market, Fleur De Vie Studio, Rowan Tree and Watson Flower Shop – was tasked with choosing a theme and creating a display that could go as high and wide as they chose. During the event, three certified floral evaluators (whose identities are kept secret) were tasked with selecting the “best” installations based on color, originality, visual appeal, and other factors. Watson Flower Shop, a fourth-generation, family- owned business that has been operating in the Valley for almost a hundred years, won first place. “I led the project with my best friends Mekenzie Coburn and Madeline Danielson rounding out the team,” Watson’s Hannah Miles said. “We wanted to see if we could create a floral installation and bring beautiful flowers to the city.” With a lot of hard work – and a few miracles, according to Hannah – the trio created an installation inspired by Arizona’s motto, “Ditat Deus,” that celebrates the beauty and resilience of the Sonoran Desert with vibrant colors and a butterfly centerpiece. “We all love flowers and any opportunity to work with them or gift them to people,” Miles said. “It was special to be able to participate in the event this year, and we were shocked we won first place.” Second place went to Amazing Flowers, who created a series of three “eternal circles” in bold, Tempe Blooms shines a light on the Valley’s floral industry PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN TEMPE AUTHORITY Laura Thurbon was one of 10 muralists bringing art to life at the event. 14

vibrant hues. Metro Tech High School Floral won third place with their installation, “When We Learn, We Grow.” The design highlighted the connection between creativity, growth, and the beauty of flowers. In addition to the floral aspect was an art aspect: live muralists were strategically placed along the walking tour. Attendees watched as each muralist brought their floral creations to life. Live music and a marketplace with over 40 local vendors also took place across the two-day event. One of the main draws was the Flower Bar, where guests could build their own bouquets or purchase premade bouquets, flower crowns, and more. “Attending Tempe Blooms was an incredible experience, both as a floral industry professional and someone who simply loves the artistry. The event showcased an amazing variety of floral designs, local artists, and handcrafted products, all inspired by nature’s beauty,” attendee Dani Seals said. “It was awesome to see how florals can be incorporated into many different mediums: candles, body scrubs, and my new favorite, resin art.” In person seminars were another draw for guests, who learned how to arrange large-scale tropical arrangements, creative techniques, and innovative ideas for transforming flowers into masterpieces and selecting the perfect flowers for an event. Downtown businesses also got involved by offering floral- themed specials like drinks, food, and retail offerings. “One of the best parts was sharing it with my three-year-old, who was just as mesmerized as I was. Watching him ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the different floral masterpieces made the event even more special,” Seals said. “Flowers have this incredible ability to evoke emotion and creativity, and Tempe Blooms captured that magic.” This month, Tempe will shut down Mill Ave. to host their annual Festival of the Arts from Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9. downtowntempe.com The VW Bug display by Mountain High Flowers was setup at Flower Power Park on 7th St. and Mill Ave. Watson’s Flowers – the 2025 first place winners – set up their floral design outside of Postino. 15