In January, bringing something living into your space, something green, brings new life into your
home. Ann Engelbrecht, founder of Sprout Fine Floral Concepts makes some recommendations.
“While nothing can compare to a Christmas tree, even a green houseplant from the grocery store is
distinctive and different in the house”, Ann says. “The plant will stay alive versus flower arrangements
and will thrive through February for Valentine’s season. Fresh flowers will only last upwards of one
week.”
Ann recommends buying loose fresh flowers. Use multiple small vases to create an apothecary-style
vibe. She shared it’s a popular trend right now to use different flowers for pops of color in a group of
vases, making the heights different to keep it interesting.
The windows and airflow determine where you place plants. The optimum space is near natural light
and not in direct airflow of the heat. Don’t have a green thumb and it’s not uncommon to kill plants? No worries. Ann reminds us that you are not responsible for the longevity of plant life. Enjoy it and kill it like everybody else, she says cheerfully laughing. “Look at what we will pay for a live Christmas tree for the timespan of six weeks for example. Nobody cries over poinsettias when you throw them in the trash. Get something funky that you have not seen to enjoy. It’s a plant, not a pet,” Ann shares.
Plant and flower aesthetics fulfill a visual need. For some, opting in for artificial flowers or dried flowers
is a preference. Others prefer nurturing a plant.
Ann’s passion for floral design began in her childhood when she got in trouble for picking flowers –
especially her neighbor’s bulb plants that only bloom once a year, and Ann picked them all!
After working in a traditional office after her business school education, she knew she was not working
in her design. When a friend’s mom needed help in her flower shop, Ann rolled up her sleeves and
became a delivery driver 35 years ago. From there, her curiosity grew and the two women taught her
how to make arrangements. She found wonderful mentors along the way and shared their knowledge
and Ann grew from being a helper, to assistant designer, to designer.
Being inquisitive with a love for learning and wanting to educate herself further, Ann attended Texas
A&M under the tutelage of Jim Johnson, one of her biggest inspirations. She joined professional florist
organizations and was even on the Board of Directors and grew through that experience, and early on,
TeleFlora. She kept learning and gaining certifications in the industry. After freelancing for six years, Ann
accumulated so much knowledge, she knew she wanted to continue her trajectory forward in The
Woodlands.
In 1998, Ann opened Society Stem for seven years until she felt burned out, retired, then sold the
thriving business. During that time Ann was George Mitchell’s personal florist and the entire production
for the Woodlands 25th Anniversary Gala. At the time, the Woodlands Conference Center was the main event facility, and she decorated every inch from the Glass Menagerie, the ballroom, a huge endeavor
with her team.
Around 2005, after Ann sold her shop and retired – she missed her flowers. She was praying what was
next for her. She did some freelancing and recalls that God kept sending her the scriptures: “I know the
desires of your heart”, but that was not as clear cut as Ann had hoped. But everywhere she went, she
heard songs about it, saw scripture, greeting cards and she knew it was not a coincidence but the Holy
Spirit. Her spouse encouraged her to do what makes her heart happy.
Ann opened Sprouts Fine Floral Concepts based on the scripture from Job 14:7. Just as a tree has hope
and will resprout and grow again, Ann knew that was her life story. Shortly after, she named the flower
shop Sprout. She opened it under a different business model and wanted to maintain balance. Ann only
called on 16 of her former clients to announce the news, 17 years ago. Since then, Ann keeps no office
hours, she caters to her calendar and her client’s timeline with her boutique studio expertise. 90 percent
of her orders are virtual orders via the internet or telephone.
Sprout has won multiple local awards since their opening, and it is no surprise Sprout has rave reviews in
the industry for their extravagant floral creations. Ann and the team even gained notoriety during the pandemic being on national television for placing floral arrangements on the Woodland’s Parks art. Ann certainly has bloomed where she was planted and is living out her passion.
"Even a green houseplant from the grocery store is
distinctive and different in the house”, Ann says. "The plant will stay alive."
"Get something funky that you have not seen to enjoy. It’s a plant, not a pet,” Ann shares.