Erin Barzen
Courtesy of Erin Barzen
Erin Barzen, owner of Barzen’s Blooms in Carnation, has been gifting flowers to the people she loves since she was a toddler, often handing her mom handpicked dandelion bouquets.
In grade school, her binders were decorated with pressed wildflowers from the nearby Cascade Mountains, and when college rolled around, her passion showed while she handed out green carnations on St. Patrick’s Day.
Barzen started growing flowers for her 2014 wedding. In 2020, she officially established a floral farm in the Snoqualmie River Valley.
As a farmer-florist, self-proclaimed “petal pusher,” and “She-E-O,” Barzen wears many hats.
“To say I have a zeal for foraging, growing, and generally delighting in flowers is a grand understatement,” her business’s website reads. “And now, I am giddy with excitement over living my dream of a flower farm and floral business of my own.”
In addition to cultivating and farming homegrown blooms on 16 acres, Barzen also offers bespoke florals for weddings, memorials, and other special events, and hosts classes and workshops on floral design.
Often, she is seen driving “Miss Daisy,” a vintage butter-yellow mini-Mazda truck that serves as a floral arrangement station and delivery vehicle for the service area of Carnation, Duvall, Redmond, Sammamish, Fall City, Snoqualmie, North Bend, and Issaquah.
Stop and smell the roses while reading on to learn all about Barzen’s favorite things, people, and places.
To Relax
A glass of wine at Alveare Winery, a soak in the tubs at Salish Lodge, or a campfire on our farm.
For Breakfast
Fresh eggs from my chickens are a daily treat, and I’ve perfected making a Dutch Baby. For brunch out, we love the Carnation Café. Their doughnuts and scones are legendary.
To Grab a Coffee
Mercurys Coffee Co. is my spot. But if I have time to relax with a friend, have a fun date with my daughter, or need a quiet workspace, then Aroma Coffee Co. in Fall City is special.
For Dinner
My partner is a very good cook, so we don’t eat out that often. However, if the occasion arises, I love going to The Grange in Duvall. They’re the epitome of farm-to-table; you can taste the love and sunshine in the food.
For a Sweet Treat
I have a nearly insatiable sweet tooth. … My two favorite local bakers are Tressa Watanabe of Lavender at Stillwater and Kimber Leiker of Kimber’s Cottage Bakery.
To Revisit/Experience Nostalgia
While it has changed a lot since my childhood, a walk on Alki Beach at sunset is dreamy.
Currently Reading
“Floral Standards: A practical guide for harvesting and delivering professional quality products,” published by the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market.
Currently Listening to
When I’m working in the field or deep into floral design work, I like audiobooks, especially science fiction or fantasy. If I really need energy, I turn up pop dance music. Nothing like Dua Lipa to get me moving.
Mantra You Live By
Planting flowers starts with my sweet little girl.
Where does your passion for florals stem from?
Growing things and helping someone feel loved is my whole ethos for life. I love a flower’s vibrant, healing beauty, and the comfort they bring us … I love floral design as living art and the symbolic language of flowers. And I love a nasturtium flower on a salad.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Farm animal chores, playing with my daughter, working in the flower field, prepping for events, consulting with clients, delivering flowers in “Miss Daisy” the flower truck, community service/ engagement activities, and watching the sun set over the Snoqualmie River.
What do you love about where you live?
The natural beauty here is truly breathtaking. And the people are just as lovely.
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