From Seed to Stem: The Heart Behind Every Handpicked Bouquet

There’s something magical about stepping into a flower field on a summer morning. The dew is still clinging to the petals, the bees are buzzing from bloom to bloom, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers at their peak. At Handpicked Blossoms, this is where the magic begins.

The McCreary Family

But the journey to this little flower farm in Rice, Virginia didn’t start here—it started with me, Liana McCreary, and a handful of grocery store flowers.

I was born in North Carolina but have lived all over the U.S.—from the snowy plains of North Dakota to the sun-drenched coast of California—before finding home in the gentle hills of Virginia. I earned my undergraduate degree in business management from Christopher Newport University and later completed my MBA in sustainable business. That educational foundation, combined with a passion for purpose-driven work, helped shape the way I run my farm today—with intention, heart, and care for the planet.

My journey into flower farming began during a deeply personal season of life. After becoming a mother, I found myself grappling with postpartum depression and anxiety. In the middle of that struggle, I started buying flowers from the store and arranging them into little bouquets. That simple act—working with my hands, creating beauty, and connecting with something living—became a kind of therapy. It grounded me.

As I fell deeper in love with flowers, I started learning about where they came from. I was shocked to discover how many are imported and the environmental footprint they carry. I knew I wanted to do something different—to grow flowers locally, sustainably, and with a whole lot of heart. That’s how Handpicked Blossoms was born.

Now, every handpicked bouquet we send out carries a piece of that journey. From seed to stem, our blooms are grown with care, harvested at their peak, and thoughtfully arranged to brighten your space or someone else’s day. Whether you pick one up at a local market or subscribe to our weekly delivery, you're not just buying flowers—you're supporting a woman-owned small business rooted in healing, sustainability, and beauty.

Thank you for being part of this story. Your support helps grow more than flowers—it helps grow joy, purpose, and connection.

🌸 With gratitude,

Liana McCreary

Founder, Handpicked Blossoms