of Land and Sea

Information may not be reliable

Rita Picone Troia and her husband Sam Troia present designs of nature with handmade flower arrangements, wall swags, wreaths and unique silk tropical creations. Each design is a collection of dried or silk flowers, preserved greens and pods, and seashells from Maui and around the world. Her unique designs blend naturally into most home environments. She has taken dried and silk flowers into the 21st century with a tropical flair! You can visit "Of Land and Sea," here on our website and check out Ginger our official greeter.

Rita Picone Troia began her love for nature in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. Rita graduated from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia and began teaching English at the high school level. After many years, her passion for plants and flowers brought her into her own greenhouse. Retiring from teaching in the early 1980's, she began her own business, bringing happiness to others through an appreciation of nature.

After receiving a Master Gardener's certificate and two certificates of design all from Purdue University, Rita enjoyed her full-service flower and gift shop, greenhouse and gardens for ten years.
In 1993, Rita and her blonde Lab, Ginger, regretted leaving their friends in Illinois, but followed another passion for the south seas and moved to Maui. Here, they could live in a perpetual greenhouse environment and enjoy the ocean all year long!
In 1995, Rita started "Of Land and Sea" Wholesale Florist Supplies, the only business of its kind on the island.

While on Maui, Rita has taught Floral Design at Maui Community College, sat on the Board of Directors of Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center- 2 years, Member of Kahului Rotary Club and Maui Chamber of Commerce-8years, Chairwoman of Professional and Amateur Floral Competition for the Maui Trade and Sampling Show at Ulupalakua Winery-6 years. She has appeared on Pamela Young's Mixed Plate, KITV4- ABC Honolulu Affiliate. Rita has also adorned various celebrities' homes with her Floral Designs over the years.
People from around the world have purchased her designs. They are pieces of art, showing that nature should always be cherished and appreciated.

Ginger is always here on our website, but she passed on in 2003, at 14 years of age. She has, however, sent us a gift from heaven. Gessie is our new Labrador Retriever who came to us on Ginger's Birthday!