About Semper Virens Flowers
Mary B. holding a spring floral arrangement (on a pretty good hair day!).
Hello! I’m Mary Beth Hayes, lead designer at Semper Virens Flowers studio in Chelmsford, MA. My floral journey began with making arrangements using my own garden flowers (avid gardener here!). Soon I was creating florals for friends, family, church, etc., and that kept growing! I’m happy to be part of a community that brings so much beauty and joy to people, and I want to share exactly that with you.
From gardening, you learn to appreciate all stages of a flower, from tiny bud to emerging flower to full-blown bloom. I use all stages in my designs, to create natural and slightly wild florals. I’m often asked, “What is THAT amazing flower?” This makes for more intrigue and beauty in your event florals.
Flower design is my second career. For over 20 years, I worked as an environmental consultant cleaning up hazardous waste sites, mostly in New England. Consultants and floral designers have this in common: we love to solve problems! I love working with clients to come up with the best approaches and solutions that work for them.
Because of my background, my care for the environment is reflected in how I work and at every event I do. Semper Virens Flowers does much to reduce our environmental impact, including recycling materials, composting biomass, using locally-sourced flowers, and using sustainable mechanics. You can read more about this in our FAQ section.
How I Work
My design ethos is to work with nature, using the freshest seasonal flowers and foliage. Unexpected flowers, foliage and textural elements rule! I study Ikebana (Ohara School), which helps me to see and express the essential nature of each flower. Ikebana design favors asymmetrical designs, with great attention to the lines and negative space created within the arrangement. This thoughtful design approach is reflected in the arrangements and personal flowers that I create for you.
We grow many of our own flowers from spring through fall, including narcissus, tulips, hellebores, fritillaria, peonies, dahlias and allium. We also buy from local flower farmers to ensure the freshest flowers and unique varieties. The flower growing business is truly international, and we also purchase imported flowers from around the world.
Freelance Work
Have clippers, will travel! I am available for freelancing assistance to other designers. If you need experienced and reliable help with studio work and/or setup for your event, please contact me via the CONTACT button below for more information.
Spring beauties: tulips and hellebores and fritillaria, OH MY!
Please contact me via the Contact Link below if I can help you with birthdays, weddings, elopements, anniversaries, funerals or memorial services, corporate events or any occasion that calls for flowers.
