Not every occasion calls for a farmstand or a bespoke bouquet from Tomgirl Farms — some of the loveliest arrangements begin with a quick stop at Trader Joe's.
T Beller is the founder and head farmer of Tomgirl Farms, a woman-owned regenerative farm on four cres in Napa's Coombsville region, where she grows more than a hundred varieties of flowers alongside heirloom produce for the chefs, florists, and wineries who value ingredients grown with intention.
A longtime Napa community builder and the founder of Verve Napa Valley, T has an eye for beauty that extends well beyond her own farm rows, which is exactly why we asked her to share her favorite floral arranging tips with us.
With a discerning eye and a few essential tools, an ordinary grocery run can yield a bouquet elegant enough for your own tasting room table, best enjoyed with a glass of Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé in hand.
Read on for T's Trader Joes secrets!
Begin by considering the condition of the flowers themselves. If the blooms are already fully open, the petals are browning, or the stems feel soft or mushy, it is a sign to choose a hardier variety instead.
One of the simplest ways to gauge a flower's staying power is to look at its stem. When in doubt, opt for thick, sturdy stems — they tend to promise a longer vase life — and be wary of thin or weak stems, which are often more delicate and fade more quickly.
Once you've chosen your flowers, think about color. I recommend selecting a mix of bright and neutral tones to create a balanced bouquet. Choose different flower varieties in complementary colors—or simply pick the ones you love most.
My go-to formula is one vibrant color paired with a couple of muted or
neutral tones. It's a simple combination that's difficult to get wrong and always feels polished but choose the flowers that speak to you.
Aoid large top-heavy blooms such as sunflowers and hydrangeas, which can easily overwhelm a smaller arrangement.
Foliage and filler flowers add texture, movement, and fullness to an
arrangement, helping tie everything together. Trader Joe's usually offers several great options, but if you're fortunate enough to have access to abundant greenery, consider foraging from your own backyard as well.
