Photo by Susie Cushner photography
Flowers are one of life’s simple pleasures — but their beauty is fleeting. After just a week or so, once colorful and vibrant petals wilt and have to be replaced. To the rescue is Barbra Scott of Mamaroneck-based Barbra Scott Flowers. Scott immerses floral arrangements in silica gel, a nontoxic, drying compound that takes away moisture, preserving the flowers’ natural shape and color for up to a year. She mostly designs seasonal arrangements for corporate accounts and boutique hotels, but can also create arrangements for individuals. (We smell a perfect holiday present — what better gift than a bouquet of peonies, roses, or sunflowers that can be enjoyed long after the celebrations are over?)
A designer by profession, Scott has been working with flowers for 30 years. Clients include Tiffany & Co., the Federal Reserve Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bill Clinton, and Vera Wang. Scott says, “We custom design each display to bring lasting joy and beauty, along with terrific savings over fresh flowers.” An average dining room centerpiece from Scott runs about $500-$600.