Alisa Lewis Event Design & Details Blog

When did you first become interested in landscape and floral design?

My love for horticulture started at a very young age. My parents always had a garden that we tended growing up. And I would sometimes get to go to work with my father, and the gardener there would always let me nosey around the gardens or the shop. Because I love to grow things, especially flowers – floral design is a natural by-product. I love to study how plants, textures and varieties can harmonize in a landscape together. Some of the same rules apply when dealing with floral design.

What is your educational background?

I am self taught in both areas. Everyday I learn something new. Which basically means more growth. (no pun intended).. It is very satisfying and rewarding. I gain inspiration in a variety of ways.

What type of design do you specialize in?

I wouldn’t say I specialize in any one type of landscape design but I do love to study old english gardens. There is so much form and organization, amongst very careless and free plants. In floral design I love a very natural and lush style. Flowers should be arranged to fall naturally and effortlessly, like they do in nature.  I don’t tend to go by many rules.

What is the mission of your business?

 The basic mission of fullBloom is to share love by delivering flowers. We operate solely on donations, and our service is strictly volunteer. Think about how happy you are to receive flowers ‘just because’. Giving them is equally rewarding especially when giving to those dealing with death or serious illness. I like to consider it a win-win situation.

How does it work? 

fullBloom receives donations of flowers from events such as weddings, memorial services, grocers, gardeners, corporate parties etc. that would otherwise be tossed out after the event is over. We recut and repurpose the flowers into personal bedside bouquets for patients in hospice care, nursing homes and other long term care facilities, attached with a tag saying “thinking of you.”  We pay particular attention to those with few or no visitors. It is like delivering sunshine on a rainy day. It’s very rewarding to see how happy it makes these patients (and nurses)! That is how we recycle the love!

What is your middle name? 

Marie. I was named after my great aunt. She would visit often. She had an amazing travel case full of treasures (make-up and jewelry) she would let me peruse through, and she was always singing. She would lovingly tell me how jealous she was of my dimples. I come from a long line of very strong and amazing women in my family. My Aunt Marie was one of them.

Where were you born?

Deep in the heart of Texas. Southern through the blood.

What is your favorite part of living in the Northwest?

 I would have to say: the beautiful lakes and amazing summers! A good day is a sparkling lake at the end of my toes, plenty of sunshine over head, a good book on my lap and absolutely no timeframe. Doesn’t happen very often, but when it does I soak it up! The mountains run a close 2nd. ( I love to ski. )

What is your favorite local restaurant?

 Depends on what I’m hungry for – but – Roger’s Burgers is always a good idea (with a huckleberry shake on the side.)

What is your family like?

 We are your typical crazy, busy family. My husband dates me every week.  The kids consist of 4 boys – super active and so fun to be around (they love my fried chicken). 1 girl, she brings balance to the force and shares my love of flowers. Our last family pic resulted in my oldest son jumping in the lake instead of the original intended perfectly posed pic on the dock. And that. is how we roll. Life is full. We have fun.

One or Two quirky facts about yourself?

I love college football. I am a thrift store, cast off junky.  I’ve worked in the garden in high heels (more than a few times.)

Other ventures? Blogs? Projects? Businesses?

My focus will continue to be fullBloom and hope to extend it to more community involvement. I always have ideas in the works. I rarely sit still – so stay tuned!