We’re so excited to share this Interview with Brenna Estrada, Author of the new book ‘Pansies’. There are flowers we plant because they’re trendy, and then there are flowers we grow because they hold a piece of our hearts. For many, pansies fall into the latter camp—quiet companions in childhood gardens, cheerful faces lining window boxes , or the blooms that remind us of a beloved grandparent’s front garden. In her debut book Pansies, out this Thursday April 3rd in the UK, Brenna Estrada brings these quietly powerful flowers back into the spotlight they so richly deserve.

From her Pacific Northwest flower farm to the pages of this extraordinary book, Brenna has become something of an ‘Ambassador of overlooked flowers’. What began as curiosity during her time working with Erin Benzakein at Floret Flower Farm soon became a deep, research-driven passion. Through trials and experiments, she’s uncovered a whole world of pansies, some with exquisite and unique colours, some ruffled and veined, and others with delightful fragrance.

In this interview, Brenna shares the story behind the book, what makes pansies such exceptionally lovely cut flowers, and how a deep-rooted appreciation for the flower’s past can help shape its future. Whether you garden on an acre or a balcony, you’ll find inspiration in her devotion to detail, her encouragement to grow them, and her belief that no flower is too small to matter.

Your book touches on the emotional connection people have with pansies. What’s one of the most touching or unexpected responses you’ve received from someone about their love for these flowers?

I knew that pansies were a sentimental flower, linking people to the memory of family members through multiple generations, but I've had quite a few people reach out to tell me that pansies were a source of companionship and joy during some very dark times in their lives. The sweet faces, that always seem to be softly smiling, offered a sense of companionship and hope when they needed it most. Between this feeling of companionship, and the connection to so many loved ones, I don't believe there is any other flower in existence more often associated with dear thoughts and remembrance. It's quite fitting, as according to The Language of Flowers, "think of me" and "remembrance" has been the meaning associated with the giving of pansies since the 19th century.

Many people think of pansies as seasonal bedding plants rather than cut flowers. What was the biggest ‘aha’ moment for you when you realised their potential as a florist’s bloom?

I think the biggest moment for me was when I discovered that they were a popular cut flower in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I didn't realize they had ever been grown for anything other than show and garden exhibition. Watching Erin Benzakein trial them for cut flowers was definitlely the first big "wait a minute" moment, and then in learning they had succeeded in holding the spotlight as a cut flower for several decades at the turn of the 20th century, was when I knew, without doubt ,that it was time they made a well deserved return to popular favor.

Your journey from the Marine Corps and 911 dispatch to flower farming is quite a dramatic shift. Are there any lessons from your previous career that you find unexpectedly useful in the world of growing and hybridising flowers?

I think I have a very different perspective than most growers on what constitutes a valid reason to get panicked or upset. When you spend 2 decades dealing with the darkest of humanity and helping people through the worst moments of their lives, you view failings and mishaps in the rest of life a bit differently. So when things go awry, and there is always something going awry when working with nature, I think it doesn't leave me feeling as defeated as it would have done otherwise. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for the serenity found in nature and I never assume I will have another opportunity to do something. It's always good to hope and plan, but you should never be complacent in assuming your future holds endless chances for things that matter. I really try to keep to the idea that you should not put off until tomorrow what could be done today. Whether it's sowing new seeds, adding more plants or documenting it all through writing and photography. I'm grateful for every day I get to grow more flowers.

Photos by Kelly Bowie

You’ve done a lot of hands-on experimentation with growing conditions. What’s the most surprising myth about pansies that you’ve busted through your own trials?

I think there are two, really. The first is heat. I have pansies blooming all summer in full sun. They can actully do very well within a few growing zones, as long as their roots are well cared for. It's the humidity that causes difficulty in stretching their season, non necessarily the heat. The other is needing darkness to germinate. Of all the pansies and violas I have trialed, I have not found a single variety that actually needs darkness to germinate. In fact, every pansy and viola in my book was germinated on the surface of the soil in full light. I have found they not ony germinate faster this way, but it eliminates the risk of them getting leggy immediatly after germination as ample light is already provided. You just have to be sure the seed and soil surface never dry out. I acheive this with humidity domes, but a light layer of soil or vermiculite will help if humidity domes are not an option.

If someone only has a small space- say, a few pots or a balcony garden, but wants to grow pansies like you do, what are three essential tips you’d give them?

Be sure the pot is deep enough that it allows for the roots to stretch down at least 6", and is filled with good soil that has ample drainage which allows the roots to stay moist and cool without over saturation. Second, provide a small trellis or support system behind or around the pot to support the pansies in their upwards growth. Lastly, deadhead often, so that energy is continuously sent to the roots and keeps the plant happy and healthy while it stretches its stems to suitable cutting lengths.

Photos by Kelly Bowie

Your book sheds light on lost and overlooked varieties of pansies. If you could revive just one variety from history and make it widely available again, which would it be and why?

There is a variety from an old seed catalog called 'Peacock' and it is described as "Glorious and luminous bronze blue seen only in peacock feathers." I would love to bring that variety back and see it bloom in person.

You’ve been called the “Ambassador of Overlooked Flowers.” What’s another flower, besides pansies, that you feel is ripe for a resurgence?

Definitely bearded irises. They are my next great love after pansies. I think bearded irises are the only other flower that can come close to matching the pansy in color capability. They bloom in all shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, pink and white, as do many other flowers, but they can also bloom in true shades of green, blue, brown and black. Additionally, they often have multiple colors all in one bloom.

Thank you so much to Brenna for giving us such a beautiful glimpse into her world and this extraordinary book. We’re so excited to be sharing Pansies with UK growers!

Paris and I have been feeling especially inspired, and this year we’ve started our very own viola and pansy trial here in West Sussex. It’s already bringing so much joy, and we can’t wait to share what we discover along the way.

Keep an eye on your inbox this Thursday, April 3rd, when we’ll be sending out our top tips for growing violas, step by step, with some lovely images from the first part of our violas trials too.

How Does Your Garden Grow? With Brenna Estrada, Celebrating the Power of Pansies

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