Growing Wild Floral Company was started in November, 1996 by Barbara Von Elm, the owner and founder. The inspiration for the name came from riding through fields of wild flowers on her horse, Cookie. Wild flowers were picked, placed in baskets attached to the saddle and brought back to the stable. Whatever Cookie didn't eat was used for floral arrangements. Barbara's very first wedding was done on the side of the barn.

Barbara started her business making dried floral arrangements and selling them at high-end shows such as the Washington Flower Show, Bizarre Bazaar and the Maymont Flower Show in Richmond. Eventually, she evolved to designing fresh floral arrangements for weddings and special events.

Today, Barbara works together with a team of floral designers and assistants. They work out of the design studio located on her 65 acre farm in Delaplane, Virginia. She lives at the farm with her dogs, cats, and of course, horses.