Growing up in the Northwest means always hearing “Go Outside and Play!”. Before Atari or Nintendo, entertainment was provided by mother-nature herself. Many of my earliest memories are of making hideouts in my parents’ backyard or seeking refuge from my siblings under huge Camellia bushes in my grandmother’s garden. There was always something blooming in GeGe’s garden and more often than not, she had a bouquet on the table that had been freshly cut. I learned early to appreciate being outdoors and cherish the lushness of a Northwest garden. After earning my Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University I sought a career in the retail management industry, but always felt a longing to work with flowers and foliage in a professional and creative setting. The first few years as a floral designer I used books to teach myself floral design. Later I attended The Floral Design Institute in Seattle for further study, thus marrying unique design with proper technique to found dogwood designs. The Dogwood Tree is native to this region and was GeGe’s favorite. She was an amazing woman who loved flowers and the garden and instilled, in me, her passion. Each arrangement, whether for a wedding or simply a gift to a friend or colleague, is an encouragement to appreciate what surrounds us every day in the Northwest. - Katie Cunningham   Owner, dogwood designs

“To analyze the charms of flowers
is like dissecting music; it is one of those
things which is far better to enjoy,
than attempt to fully understand.”

-Henry T. Tuckerman