Remembering Don Girabaldi- the Violet Man
Don Garibaldi of Ano Nuevo Flowers- “The House of the Blues” - also known as the Violet Man- shared his amazing violets in this wonderful interview- a special tribute to an Amazing Flower Friend!
Remembering my Wonderful Flower Friend Don Garibaldi - also known as the "Violet Man"- Don was the proprietor of "House of the Blues" (Flowers that is…) “The House of the Blues” as Don called it in my Visit to his stand at the Historic San Francisco Flower Market- back when we create the CA Grown Experience visits the Historic San Francisco Flower Market… (You can see that episode here) - is better know as Ano Nuevo Flower Growers (now permanently closed). Don and and his family- raised Delphiniums- Italian Violets, and other Blue Flowers- as well as Heirloom Pumpkins.
Don was always gracious with his violets- and sharing the stories of his Violets- and career in our Great Flower Industry!
As is the case in so many family flower growing operations- the next generation had different desires- and chose not to continue the sometimes, difficult and challenging flower growing business. Don states in this Video (One of My Favorite Interviews of All Time...) that if he (or his children) were to ever stop growing flowers - these Italian Violets plants brought here generations before would also go away… (here is that interview - ) This interview about the Violets occurred in my Second film production at the Historic San Francisco Flower Market- which was been featured (not only in the Extremely Popular CA Grown Experience) on J Schwanke's Life in Bloom - Episode 313- Bloom Happy- on PBS and Create TV...
There was nothing like a Bunch of Don Garibaldi’s Bunches of Violets… They were Beautiful, Intoxicating and Extremely Special…
Don’s Violets were the Prettiest in the World... and reminded me of my Grandfather Carnation Joe Green’s own Italian Violets that he grew in our family greenhouses… I share that story with Don during this video interview. Don shared how popular his Violets were… whether it was for a Special Party where He once supplied 600 Bunches for Elizabeth Taylors Birthday... Or the call he got from Hilary Clinton for her daughters wedding…
Don was the Violet Man… and I enjoyed many bunches myself- and took them to special friends - whenever I visited the San Fancisco Flower Market during Violet Season.
A Don Garibaldi contribution- to our Flower World- a Bunch of Italian Violets- from his Generational plants… brought to American by his forefather…
If you were ever able to enjoy one of his bunches of Italian Violets- then you know how Very special they were! Thank You Don for making the World a Better Place with your Flowers… Don Girabaldi was born August 7, 1932- and died February 28, 2025- son of Joseph and Ida Garibaldi, husband of 65 years to wife Carolyn, father of Lisa and David, father-in-law to Bob Armanini and Michele Koshaba-Garibaldi, brother of Irene Aubright and brother -in-law to Harry Aubright, Arline Del Grande and Doreen Bertani, and many nieces and a nephew, and a large extended family, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Don and I shared many good times… laugher, friendship and Flower Memories… You and Your Violets will be greatly missed my Friend!
Don was one of my Treasured Flower Friends- that always greeted me with a warm and friendly handshake and we would share flowers stories- as long as time permitted… Don was a wonderful friend and one of the greatest people I have known in this flower industry. Rest in Peace my Friend... You and Your Violets will be Missed Forever... Much Love and God Speed...