Grand old petals

When it comes to designing floral arrangements for the Republican National Convention, the choice between red and burgundy might mean the difference between "standard" and "classic."

Debbie Turner Larson went with burgundy.

Two weeks later, the Chanhassen-based florist got the news: She had been selected by convention planners as one of four "preferred" florists for the convention in St. Paul this September.

"It's huge. It's very, very huge," she said. "It's something that I wish my parents were here to see. My dad was a dyed-in-the-wool conservative, and they would have just been tickled pink."

The committee picked Larson based on two arrangements -- a centerpiece and a taller, bigger showpiece -- constructed of tropical flowers, orchids and those burgundy roses.

She had just a week to research and arrange the two pieces. But in a way, she'd been preparing for years, she said.

Larson, 51, has run her own floral design business, Debbie Turner Originals, since 1989. In addition to her designs -- which customers describe as "smart" and "unique" -- her warm manner and ready smile have helped win references.

And the fact that at age 7 she played Marta, the second-youngest child in the Von Trapp family, in the original "The Sound of Music" movie hasn't hurt.

Her website serves dual purposes. On the left, the flowers: Colorful, sometimes exotic creations in playful forms. On the right, "The Sound of Music": Photos showing her, young and smiling, in braided hair buns.

Started as a child actress

Larson grew up in Arcadia, Calif., where her mother, a master gardener and consummate cook, threw fabulous parties.

"I came from a family that entertained a lots, which is why, in a way, what I do now is easy for me," she said.

She nabbed the role of Marta after appearing in commercials advertising "Chatty Cathy" dolls, among other toys. She still keeps in touch with fellow Von Trappers, she said, and skis with Heather Menzies Urich, who played Louisa.

As she explains on her website: "I consider my film sisters and brothers my 'other' family."

In college, she studied real estate -- her father's profession -- and photography, but for much of her adult life she worked as a mortgage banker. The gig was not a good fit, she said.

"The rule that you have to wear nylon stockings -- forget it," she said. "I almost got fired because I refused to wear pantyhose. I'm not an office kind of girl."

In 1989, Larson created not-so-standard wreaths for a craft show in Eden Prairie. They sold out and, in a way, launched her career.

Now, the majority of her business is designing for weddings. The work involves more than putting flowers in a vase. In addition to designing nearly all the arrangements her company and its staff of eight to 10 puts together, she sews, sculpts and welds.

"Her creations invariably look different than what you expected, but so much better," said Mary Gilbert, who hired Larson about 15 years ago to make something "smashing" for her boring, brown-paneled wall. Since then, Larson has done flowers for two of Gilbert's daughters' weddings.

The convention connection

In May, Larson first heard from the Republican National Convention staff. Having seen her work online, representatives asked if she'd be willing to create samples of her work, which they'd judge against those of seven other florists.

"I fell off my chair," she said.

The convention will pitch the four winning floral design firms to companies and politicians planning parties, luncheons and other events during the convention. The other florists were Bachman's, Stems and Vines, and Tropical Plants Unlimited.

"The arrangements were presented anonymously and voted on by members of the convention staff," said Melissa Subbotin, deputy press secretary for the RNC. Debbie Turner Originals was chosen for its "creativity and overall presentation."

Larson said she isn't concerned about competing with bigger companies; Bachman's boasts 19 locations, while her studio is in her home. She's sure her freshness and different take on design will garner contracts.

"We're a small company that does very large things," she said. "Always have."

Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168