TerraBella Flowers' colorful bouquets are extra-green

Nothing brightens a gray June day -- and we've had our share of them -- like a bunch of colorful flowers. But since the blooms in your garden aren't quite ready for cutting, a bouquet from TerraBella Flowers fits the bill nicely.

TerraBella is owned and operated by Melissa Feveyear, a floral designer with 12 years of experience. After purchasing the 15-year-old Phinney Ridge Florists two years ago, Feveyear decided to bring her business in line with her beliefs and create a floral shop that uses locally grown flowers whenever possible.

Feveyear reopened as TerraBella this past May and works with local growers like Jello Mold Farms in Mount Vernon and The Children's Garden in Carnation to stock her store with seasonal buds, branches and blossoms.

In winter, when local flowers are scarce, Feveyear opts for VeriFlora-certified flowers from U.S. farms, rather than flowers from countries close to the equator. VeriFlora is a program that identifies and certifies farms that practice sustainable growing. While not necessarily organic, these farms are energy efficient and use eco-friendly waste management systems.

Additionally Feveyear works with growers who adhere to Fair Trade employment practices.

Feveyear is working with Washington State University and farmers east of Seattle to create a flower co-op. Florists will be able to place standing orders with independent, family-run farms for the flowers they anticipate needing and then pick up their orders at the Pike Place Market. Feveyear says this system will ensures reliability for florists and consistency for growers.

TerraBella is a full-service florist offering bouquets (most starting at $35, but there's no minimum order) for clients who order ahead or who just stop in. The shop also offers arrangements for weddings, events and businesses. For people with chemical sensitivities, Feveyear will create bouquets using flowers with low to no chemical pesticide residue.

The shop itself is airy and fragrant, filled with botanically inspired gifts, including Myrtle topiaries ($42.95-$65), organic soap from Moon Valley Organics ($5.90 per bar) and antique-style hanging votive holders graced with sparkly chandelier crystals (from $25).

Who says there ain't no cure for the summertime blues?

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