Every project starts with a sketch, then moves to what she jokingly calls a “branch-off”: Each stem is laid out; after examining their shapes, she decides which of them will “win” a spot. The tallest go first. Other than that, she says, “I let the flowers be my guide.” If a poppy looks best facing left, she’ll create a design that showcases its good side. Next, she “colors in” the empty spaces with shorter stems but avoids any overlap. “I imagine the flowers are growing toward the sun,” she ...
