Could you honestly tell me one person who dislikes flowers? Surely there is no-one, not least, I think there is no-one here that could heart on hand say this to me. They are one of natures many, many gifts. As many of you would know for the last couple of months I have tried my hand at being a florist.
Each week this looked like; pulling together bunches, wrapping them in brown paper and sending them off with long tails of grosgrain ribbon dangling below. It meant setting the alarm at 1.30am each Wednesday so I could make it to the Sydney Flower Markets by 5.00am. It meant gifting joy to so many beautiful local people but it also meant making bunches that would sometimes not sell, then many hours pondering which price was right for which demographic and lots of second guessing myself. My instagram feed was full of fashionable arrangements, florist’s and flower growers the world over and our garage was converted into a floral studio, a dream that’s always bubbled away in me.
It was the itch that I needed to scratch. Over the years, my sisters and I, and many close friends have loved doing flowers, bouquets and even installments for big family events; weddings, engagements, big birthdays, Christmases and always, always as a child, filling the hallway of my childhood home with arrangements of the beautiful flowers from the garden. It’s always been a ‘thing’ for us.
And so because I had time I gave it a go. I absolutely loved all of it. Working with my hands creatively while standing up was a balm. The petri dish of the floral world on display at the markets was fascinating to me, a journalist who’s eternally curious about the lives of others. There was a definite hierachy, big characters, some aloof, others more gentle and smiley. The ‘business’ of selling was challenging but the work itself was such a joy. Anyone can make flowers look beautiful I learned, you just have to do it.
“You’re not doing it anymore?” people now ask and that’s right. Part of the reason this secondment has been pure joy is because it was not forever. Had it been me stepping into a full-blown floristry business, I know I would have become ambitious rapidly, I’d probably have a shop front, a van and a million ideas - all taking away from the magic of arranging flowers. I set myself a three month time frame and stuck to it. I’ll likely do it again next year, but for now, the itch has been scratched and I’m much wiser in many ways for it.
Today in this special edition of Company on Sunday’s I’ll plunge you into my world flowers because as I said, we all love them don’t we. There is lots to consume - this edition is a biggy - but it’s holidays here in Australia and I hope it’s something you can make your way through in your own time. Forward it to all your flower loving friends. Sxx
Podcast playlist
The story of the life of a florist - is usually grounded in gardens, nature, plants and creativity - all things that I love. Here are a handful of florist life stories that I think you’ll love.
Grandiflora’s Saskia Havekes on the The Style Diaries. I can’t tell you how many times I have listened to this. Here’s another one with Saskia; I haven’t listened to this one yet.
Kimberley Fleming, Obama’s florist on The English Florist podcast.
This guy is revolutionising the Australian floral industry by showing the beauty of natives. Craig Scott on The Flower Podcast and then Jess from the Australian Flower Farm Collective.
Lay your eyes on these Instagram accounts
My suggestions for some swoon-worthy florist’s to follow - with a bent towards regional Australians one, omg they are outstanding.
@onceandfloral.as|| @wagnerjk ||@september__studio || @townhouseflowers ||@theivyleague_au || @bess.paddington || @paddocksmith || @seed_to_bloom_37 ||@jefleur_florist || @bush.flowers
This pile of things to read
Grown Not Flown is a local directory of all regional based flower growers. It’s so brilliant; and interesting. Next time you have a party in the paddock look up a local and spread the love. Signing up is free - and I urge you to get on board as this is a start-up platform who would love your support.
What it’s really like to be a florist via House and garden UK.
I noticed yesterday that Annabelle Hickson’s beautiful A Tree in the House book has been reprinted. Her tips and tricks were certainly a help to me in the last few months.
7 creative florists you need to know about.
Extraordinary Routines; Georgina Reid; The Plant Hunter (now Wonderground).
This on was written a while ago but Jonima Flowers are a true family run operation with stalls at the Sydney Flower Markets. I really loved these guys.
And then this pile below of books that have been hitting the mark for me of late;
And one last thing before I go: I wanted to let my fellow garden/flower lovers about the Land Escapism Event in Canberra on 29th February - I’m going along and can't wait. Sue Stuart-Smith who’s book The Well Gardened Mind is always on my bedside will be speaking and I’m hopeful I might be able to interview her. There also talks on rewilding, cultural gardening and Trish Dixon will be there too hosting a panel discussion.
Please take a look and consider coming along - if you do purchase a ticket please let me know, I’d love to say hello! (PS This is not a paid!)