Owner + designer

Julie Christina

I grew up in Ohio on ten acres exploring and playing among wildflowers, trees, and connecting to nature at an early age. What started as making bouquets and wreaths for fun, and helping out at Murphy’s Christmas Tree farm, grew into a degree in Horticulture from The Ohio State University. I studied abroad in England and visited some of the world's most inspiring gardens as a landscape design student.

I spent a portion of my career working as a horticulturist in private estates, some of New England’s top public gardens/wedding venues. I was on staff at Heritage Museums and Gardens, then Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum for 13 years. Gardens have played a huge role in my family, and I love sharing my love of nature with my amazing sons.

As a florist, my love of creating has taken me to The White House and beyond! Floral design is my true passion and I consider it a gift to be able to create with my hands for a living. Inspired by the garden, I like to design by the season, grow and forage as much of our own plant material as possible. Curating the perfect colors and textures is half of the fun and I will go to great lengths to perfect each palette. The end result is a truly unique, organic aesthetic with an earthy, refined feel.

floral + garden design

Josie warden

For this graphic designer and product maker, childhood memories of living in the Dominican Republic, being surrounded by lush nature, rich soil and a deep respect for the land and natural surroundings has come full circle.

“Sundays were especially a treat growing up in DR. Our family would gather Sundays for a large family meal. We would help shell fresh picked beans, pluck avocados, tomatoes, oranges, mangoes to use for the meals. We played and enjoyed running through the mimosa covered field and crafted to our hearts content with all the supplies needed found right there in nature. There was simply nothing more we’d need”.

This appreciation and love for the land are deeply rooted in her family. They are her main inspiration and are who helped shape her gratitude and enjoyment for the simplest things in life.

She enjoys nature adventuring with her young son (who is quite the nature enthusiast) and husband in beautiful Rhode Island. Together they enjoy the beach, hiking and traveling.

floral design

Jessica orlando

Growing up Jessica has always had a love for the outdoors and exploring nature. While working at Blithewold Mansion, Garden, and Arboretum, Jessica assisted Julie in planning and executing programs that related to the gardens of the area.

Her love for flowers only grew from there. When she had the opportunity to assist Julie in her floral workshops and events, she knew she would love to be a part of the Christina Flowers team.

When not working, you can find Jessica binge watching the newest Netflix drama, relaxing at the beach, or dancing.

supply manager | Packing coordinator

dan Christina

Dan is an incredible, knowledgeable horticulturist, arborist, and landscape designer. He is the Chief Horticulturist at Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, RI, and lectures throughout the state for groups such as RIFGC and NOFA. The garden he plants is almost like a palette to a painter. I am always inspired by the plants or asking him to grow specific colors or varieties, which he grows so meticulously, watching how the garden changes week to week, season to season.  If it can be planted, Dan can grow it.

From Elliot Coleman-style succession-planted vegetable gardens to a Dahlia Society show garden, to pruning everything from an elephant-shaped topiary to a Giant Sequoia, Dan really is a master of his trade. We have big plans to grow more and more of our own plant materials for events and Dan will certainly be a huge part of this aspect of our business as it evolves.

Water & Critter control

Jack

Seven year old Jack is our head waterer, seed planter, and science enthusiast. Always happy to be running free with us in the garden and using his imagination to play among the plants or building “traps”. Blithewold, Green Animals, or even in our own yard planting bulbs he is always ready to work. 

Jack has a natural green thumb and a love and curiosity for nature/science, reading, karate and baseball mixed with a healthy dose of video gaming. 

pruner extraordinaire

Owen

Four year old Owen is our apprentice. He might not even know it yet, but gardening is in his blood and he adores being outside. He’s been our sidekick since he was a baby. He loves to be wild and free, and when not outside he would gaze longingly out the window, watching in wonder as the trees sway and bend in the wind.

He loves pruning (aka sharp objects) and planting seeds, chasing rabbits as well as nibbling right from the garden, trampolines and anything his big brother does. I can’t wait until he and Jack are old enough to help Mom with some of the heavy lifting.