I am Sara McConneloug, owner of Verdeflowers. Raised among the lush, rolling hills of Marin County, Northern California, I spent my childhood picking blackberries, climbing trees and exploring Mount Tamalpais. Thirty years later, my love for the green outdoors and gorgeous blooms is still at the heart of everything I create. The many shades of green— fresh spring green, or cool blue-gray foliage—give each floral design its own personality. Whether bold or soft, color shapes the emotional experience of your occasion.

The seasons shape the custom floral arrangements I design — each season brings fresh discoveries and inspiration. My studio is in the West End of San Rafael, and our team handles single deliveries and event florals. Pickup is available in downtown San Anselmo at San Anselmo Gelato (pre-order required), which helps ensure the freshest blooms. I often accommodate same-day or next-day requests; for the widest selection, please allow 2–4 days lead time.

In recent years I’ve fallen head-over-stems for local flowers. Their crisp freshness, irresistible fragrance, wild variety and vigorous longevity are unlike anything else. I’m especially grateful to Liebe Patterson in Nicasio, who began sharing her extraordinary blooms with me in 2020—since then I’ve teamed up with several other small local growers as well. The careful choices these farmers make—selecting interesting varieties, tending the soil, and harvesting at just the right moment—shine through in every stem. Harvested every few days, these flowers regularly keep their charm for about 10 days or more (tip: change the water every few days).

ADDED VALUE: Local flowers take a short trip to your table or gathering, not a transatlantic flight—so emissions are lower. These local floral farmers use practices that build healthy soil and support ecosystems, helping sequester CO2. Their fields buzz with butterflies, songbirds and even frogs. We protect rivers and oceans by avoiding chemical fertilizers, and most growers skip plastic wrapping. Buying local blossoms also strengthens community—farmers earn fair wages and neighbors stay connected.

I am a member of the Slow Flower Society, championing locally and regionally grown blooms; a ten-year contributor to San Francisco’s Bouquets to Art, designing arrangements that respond to and reflect the spirit of the artwork and a member of WEAD (Women’s Environmental Art Directory). I have enjoyed participating in Downtown San Rafael Art Walk and the Mill Valley Mermaid Festival. My most recent joy is studying with esteemed Ikebana teacher Sensai Soho Sakai. You can see my seasonal installations on view at San Anselmo Gelato, 572 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo.