Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyndee McClintock.
Hi Cyndee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in northern Wisconsin, one of five children to parents who loved the outdoors. My mother was an avid gardener, and though I didn’t think much about it when I was younger, she was constantly teaching me about flowers, textures and floral palettes.
I have a broadcast journalism and public relations background, mixed in with years of talent development in the film, television and modeling industries. However, my one true love has always been gardening, and basically anything to do with flowers and plants. So, about 20 years ago, I dipped my toes into container gardening for a few friends, and that has evolved into not only container gardens for multiple clients in both the residential and commercial communities in and around Marietta/Kennesaw/Acworth, but I recently expanded into terrariums, indoor planters, artificial floral arrangements and wreaths, and designing and installing seasonal flower beds. I jokingly tell my clients that if it’s a plant of any kind, real or artificial, I’m your girl.
My company, The Red Geranium (The Art of Accenting With Nature) is lovingly named after my Mom whose favorite flower was the geranium, and red was her most beloved color. It seems only fitting that I pay homage to the precious soul who unwittingly instilled her love of accenting our lives with the beauty of nature.
While outdoor planting keeps me busy several months every spring and fall, I also can be found at multiple craft shows in the Atlanta area every Spring and Fall, showcasing my terrariums, air plant globes, artificial or “permanent” arrangements, and other plant materials
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been growing pains along the way. When I initially began my business, I bought way too many of one type of flower, and not enough of others. The weather has almost always provided interesting challenges. It’s usually too hot to plant pansies in mid September, but that’s when most people are ready to change out their withering summer flowers. And we have had freezes through the end of April some years. Both situations have resulted in excessive plant loss and unplanned costs. I learned not to challenge Mother Nature, and to not rush the seasons.
Each client has individual tastes, sun/shade requirements, and some have specific color and/or flower requests. I realized very quickly that it was unwise to buy anything in mass quantities. . I have also learned to identify nurseries and wholesalers who have the healthiest plants. Most of all, I have learned to be a good listener. I keep copious notes on each client, commercial and residential, and I stay in constant communication with them about what flowers and plants they have enjoyed, and what their outdoor activities entail so that I can create custom designs that fit their lifestyles.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in almost anything to do with flowers, nature, horticulture. I enjoy, creating customized, unique outdoor planters, artificial arrangements and wreaths and terrariums.
I also offer workshops where guests can create air plant globes, live plant terrariums, outdoor containers, and seasonal wreaths in both retail businesses and in personal homes. These gatherings are a perfect way to celebrate birthdays, bridal showers, girls day or night out, family activities and are a wonderful group activity in senior living facilities.
In that same vein, lovely air plant globe kits can be shipped nationwide in large or small quantities for the activities listed above, and they also make a wonderful holiday, birthday, housewarming, sympathy gift for loved ones and friends. These kits are beautifully packaged, complete with a healthy air plant, shatterproof globe, globe stand, moss, sand, embellishments and simple instructions to create your own unique garden in a globe.
What probably sets me apart from others is that I’ve been told that I have a unique eye for combining various textures, colors, and plant varieties that result in rare and eye-catching displays.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe that more people will start looking towards their homes and outdoor spaces for not only relaxation purposes, but for entertaining, as well. While those spaces have always been considered somewhat important in many peoples’ lives, I think the pandemic has shown us all that our outdoor spaces are a valuable extension of our homes, and we will likely be spending much more time in our home and outdoor environments than we did before.
The cost of planting materials, from containers, to soil, to fertilizer to plants and flowers themselves will likely continue to increase. Initially, I figured the pandemic would pause people to have less interest in spending money on flowers, plants, and landscaping. In fact, the opposite is true. I foresee people continuing the trend towards making their outdoor spaces not only beautiful, and more enjoyable, but they will likely want to continue spending money on this important aspect of home life.
Pricing:
- Small-Medium outdoor planter: $70-$90
- Large outdoor planter: $110 and up
- Small/medium/large glass terrariums: $40 – 100
- Shatterproof air plant globe (kits available): $38
- 18 inch seasonal wreath (artificial): $135
Contact Info:
- Email: cyndeemcclintock@me.com
- Instagram: @the.red.geranium
- Facebook: @cyndee.the.red.geranium
