Jeni Wallace + Sea Salt Blooms

Nestled in Warren, Maine, Sea Salt Blooms is a testament to the dedication and passion of its owner, Jeni Wallace. With a history that whispers tales of the Underground Railroad, the property—comprising a house and barn built in 1784—serves as both a home and a sanctuary for a thriving garden landscape. 

Over the last two years, Jeni has transformed the 7.5-acre property, once a horse farm, into a vibrant tapestry of raised beds and extensive gardens. Her commitment to the environment is evident in every corner, from the 1,000 dahlias she planted this year to the lush cup and saucer vines that attract hummingbirds. Jeni’s garden design is driven by her desire to rejuvenate the land, with a focus on soil health and its impact on climate change.

As a professional gardener, Jeni has become a local favorite for those seeking bouquets that stand apart — you won’t find any grocery store-looking bouquets here! Her approach to floral arrangements considers texture, airiness, shape, and composition, aiming to mimic nature’s effortless beauty. "I think in terms of the traditional floral elements of spikes, discs, fillers, thrillers, and spillers, but also how I can combine them with curated color palettes to deliver something special," Jeni says.

Jeni’s passion extends beyond horticulture to her work as an English professor. With a background that includes teaching yoga, pilates, and various aerobic classes, Jeni is deeply committed to education. She envisions Sea Salt Blooms eventually becoming an educational hub, perhaps even hosting a writer’s retreat, reflecting her deep love for literature and teaching.

This summer, Jeni crafted hundreds of bouquets, each a work of art, influenced by her studies with flower scholars and her own research-driven approach to gardening. "Design is an aspect that is very interesting to me," she notes, acknowledging the influence of sources like the FedCo seed catalog, which she compares to reading a novel due to its poetic nature.

Jeni's gardens are a labor of love, a tribute to her grandmother and to the midcoast's natural beauty. "I think of this garden as a love letter to my grandmother, and a love letter to the midcoast," she says. With plans to expand the educational and creative offerings of Sea Salt Blooms, Jeni continues to shape her property into a space that nurtures both plants and people, fostering a connection with nature and a commitment to working harmoniously within it.

FAMOUS FOR:
Her laid back artful design.

ADDRESS:
108 Eastern Road in Warren, Maine

HOURS:
Contact Jeni for a private tour at info@seasaltblooms.com

WEBSITE:
seasaltblooms.com

photos by Tiffany Wolff at Wolff Creative