Floral designer hopes to take root and blossom in South Walton

While growing up in Central Florida, Tim Ryan spent hours with his grandmother as she poked in the dirt and gave life to new botanical creations.

"My grandmother was a huge influence in my life," said the fifth-generation Floridian. "She was a member of the garden club and just a green thumber in general. She taught me an appreciation for botanicals and nature."

That early experience led Ryan, who is one of only 28 certified floral professionals in the state, to fall in love with the art of floral design.

Ryan, the owner of Tim Ryan Design, plans to put his passion to work in South Walton as he brings his creative and innovative approach to an area filled with great artists.

"I am a full service florist," he said laughing. "I can do anything from marrying you, to burying you, and all points in between."

The Apopka, Fla., native fell in love with the beauty of the area after spending time in and out of Bay and Walton counties while offering programs for the Destin Woman's Club and the Seagrove Garden Club.

Upon returning to Central Florida, Ryan realized he had left his "heart on the Emerald Coast," and knew it would only be a matter of time before he came back.

"This is my little slice of heaven," he told the Sun. "I don’t know where heaven is, but I know you would have to go through here to get there. That is how I think of it."

After originally going to school for education and not "feeling it," Ryan decided he was "too creative to be stuck in a classroom all day."

"I have always had a natural eye for this business," he said. "They say once it's in your blood you can't get away."

And if you don’t believe it, Ryan will tell you that he tried.

He said he left the floral business to work as an event coordinator for a few years, and then as a wholesale buyer in the floral arena.

"They were both great experiences in my life," Ryan said. "I got to learn a lot about the business from the outside."

Ryan said he plans to offer exhibits at the Hibiscus House in Grayton Beach, where he is the preferred vendor for all weddings, showcasing only "natural materials."

"The idea is to offer guests a hands-on approach to education," he said. "They come and learn something and enjoy a great brunch at the same time. Anybody can go to Publix, buy flowers and throw them in a vase. I want to show people how to think outside of the box. This is my art and flowers are my canvas."

Ryan currently has galleries located in Orlando and in Santa Rosa Beach. To view his works or learn more about Tim Ryan Designs, visit www.timryandesign.com, or call 850-368-7471.