The Cold Garden and Its Keeper
A Conversation with Riley Greco, Floral Designer and Fine Artist
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Photo Credit: Riley Greco Design Studio featuring Riley Greco
Winter arrangements tell a different story entirely, and Riley Greco approaches them with the precision of someone who understands how colour theory and aesthetic shapes mood. Her work moves with the quiet authority of someone who learned composition before she ever touched a bouquet. It holds the stillness of winter and the discipline of fine art, together forming a style that belongs entirely to her.
Our conversation traces the mood of winter floral design, from the textures that anchor a dark bouquet to the colours that sharpen in colder light. Riley speaks with an artist’s sense of structure and a florist’s instinct for detail; the result is a story that reveals how a winter arrangement becomes something more than décor. It becomes a portrait of the season and the hands that shape it.
A dark, lux bouquet has a much different feel than something you'd display on your table in the spring or summer. How do you approach winter arrangements so they feel moody and seasonal, rather than bright or traditional?
Winter is all about texture for me. Texture plus earthy fragrance. Cedar, pine and winter greens. Natural elements outside of flowers tend to make their way into winter bouquets too- pinecones, sticks, berries.
When creating bouquets as gifts or home accents during the colder months, how can readers add a dark romantic twist without losing the spirit of the season?
I feel like we're at a place in time where we get to do whatever we want, whenever we want. So if dark and romantic is your vibe, go for it. Everyone knows its Christmas season (lol), but incorporating those classic winter greens and a few ornaments will definitely tie in the holiday theme seamlessly.
To add a dark romantic vibe to your arrangement, you can incorporate some dark blooms like purple scabiosa, black calla lily and Baccara roses. They appear to be made of velvet and they’re so rich in colour. Sometimes I'll even paint foliage black to capture the essence. A lot of evergreens are dark emerald green too plus they are spikey which is definitely moody.
Thoughtfully designed wreaths and centrepieces can set the tone for holiday decor -- are there any lesser known elements (be it blooms or decor) that you love to use to achieve a darker aesthetic during the winter?
Linens and fabric choices play a huge role in decor. A black lace tablecloth vs a sparkly gold will dramatically change the aesthetic of a space.
Poinsettias are everywhere in December. Are there other winter plants or stems you recommend for a darkly elegant gift or display?
Poinsettias can be a little bit high maintenance so they are not a favourite of mine. I do find them very beautiful and so many varieties are available now, so you can always find one you're attracted to. But don't forget to water them and make sure they're kept away from drafts. Potted amaryllis are a personal favourite. They are super large and dramatic! Magnolia branches are a great one to have around as well, one side of the leaf is dark and shiny while the other side is a rich brown velvet. Plus they dry perfectly so no maintenance is required.
Many of your wedding and event designs carry a modern-feeling edge. What colour palettes do you find most striking for winter events?
Given my background as a fine artist, colour theory is one of my favourite elements of floral design, and there are so many interesting palettes. For winter, jewel tones are a favourite. The rich colours make sense in the season of very little natural colour. But on that note and the opposite side of the spectrum, mimicking the lack of colour is very appealing. Think taupe, beige, brown, ivory, cream and white, aligning with and enhancing the stillness of the season.
When it comes to event florals, where do you suggest clients splurge and where can they comfortably save without sacrificing impact?
Definitely splurge on your bridal bouquet! Make this the most amazing bouquet you have ever seen. Everyone is looking at the bride on her wedding day and a well styled bouquet that perfectly complements the dress is crucial. This will also create cohesiveness within your colour palette for the celebration. Plus, there aren't many opportunities to go all out and order your dream bouquet…
Next choose an area where you would like the attention focused and make a big impact there. I love doing large floral installations at the ceremony. This creates a huge impact and can be repurposed for the reception.
Cut out the boutonnieres, everyone is full of love and hugs at a wedding and they just get crushed.
Flowers have their own language steeped in symbolism. Are there any flowers that feel significant to you this time of year?
In our global society we have access to most flowers all year round now. But a few blooms are still seasonal. Amaryllis and ilex berries are only available in the winter which makes them so special and irresistible. A winter flush of tulips and peonies are also available.
Symbolism in flowers is a learned language that not many understand. I always recommend choosing blooms that are significant to you and the recipient. Cedar is the most popular and commonly known medicine and symbolizes healing in our area here in Ontario. It's also beautiful foliage to incorporate into winter arrangements.
Your background in fine art gives your arrangements a distinct sense of composition and mood. How does that artistic foundation influence the way you approach floral design, from colour choice to structure and storytelling?
I've always been a very creative person. I just love making things with my hands. When I studied Fine Arts at Algoma University, I had no career plans but I knew that I was where I needed to be.
Learning the elements and principles of design provided knowledge that I can apply anywhere. Colour theory was my favourite class and has allowed me to coordinate some really spectacular colour palettes in floral design for my brides.
Through my four years of university, my paintings progressively got larger and now that I work with flowers, scale has gotten even larger. Last year I coordinated a project called A Room Full Of Flowers and literally filled a room with flowers.
It was a huge artistic installation combining my passions that I was able to share with my community.
Riley Greco Design Studio has a strong local following. Can you share any upcoming classes, wreath-making events or community workshops you’re offering this season?
Charcuterie & a Centrepiece is a workshop that I host seasonally at Embers on The Ridge, with the holiday session taking place Thursday December 11, 2025. It's super fun and interactive, with great food and friends plus I guide everyone through making a centerpiece. This year's theme is little bit moody too with rich colours and great texture.
I have numerous private Flower Parties happening over the coming weeks as well. For these I go to clients homes with all of the materials and guide them and their guests through making an arrangement styled to their theme. They're such a hit that I don't have any more availability this year. But they can booked anytime in the spring, fall and winter. Summer is challenging because I'm so preoccupied with weddings.
What inspired you to pursue floral design, and how did you find your way into this field?
My mom and grandma have “green thumbs,” so I was always surrounded by lush plants and gorgeous flowers, but I was a painter. It wasn't until I found myself on the island of Paros in Greece back in 2011 building a garden that I recognized this creative outlet. I was hooked ever since!
I had painted lots of flowers but I had never planted them. And with planting came a whole new appreciation. I started exploring floral design and the rest is history. It feels like the perfect blend of my skills and passion.
For readers who dream of working with flowers, what’s your advice for developing both the artistry and the discipline the craft demands?
It's intense. We work with people during their peak emotional states. Weddings require a lot of attention and organization so it's important to instill confidence as a floral designer.
I'm always learning and experimenting with new flowers and techniques. Some experiments go well and others flop.
Living in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, also provides a whole series of challenges acquiring products, so I always plan ahead … five steps ahead … with three backup plans.
All of this to say: it's incredibly rewarding.
What floral or styling trends do you see emerging for 2026? In weddings, event design and even consumer demand for workshops? Are there specific palettes, shapes or textures you think will define the next wave of floral storytelling?
Pantone just released their 2026 colour of the year: Cloud Dancer. I think we will continue to see lots of white but with an added layer of texture.
I do love the absence of greenery with the focus being exclusively on the flower. Colour is popular for 2026 too; vibrant and pastel mixes.
Things are getting super structured for certain events with rigid lines and bold shapes–the abstract expressionist in me is so here for this! Plus fruit is a big one. I've incorporated grapes and limes into a few installations now, maybe cantaloupe will be next.
Riley’s work reminds us that winter florals are not an absence of colour but a study in intention. Her insights on texture, scale and storytelling shift the way we see the cold months and the creative discipline they ask for.
A conversation with her leaves you looking at every branch and bloom with a new sense of possibility.
For more from the artists shaping our world, follow @thelaceledger, and for an ongoing look inside Riley’s practice, follow @rileygrecodesignstudio.
To connect with Riley directly, visit her website or send her an email at hello@RileyGreco.com.
