What’s the biggest floral trend you’re excited about this year?
Florists using flowers as a medium for visual story telling. People who do this so well are Hamish Powell London- dramatic, eloquent story telling with flowers (and himself) center stage! Just brilliant. Aesme studio London , these two sisters tell beautiful stories of the seasonality of flowers through gorgeous cinematic videos, just breathtaking. My Violet Sydney , always nails the story telling brief so well with incredible, considered installations.
What’s your favorite flower to work with, and why? –
I love all rambling and wild things that come from my garden but I think I am mostly drawn to garden roses because they are the doyenne’s of their patch.
Sustainability is a hot topic—how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your work? –
I love using my garden as a source for artistic work , however commercially I am not using foam at all, considering the source, this doesn’t mean just locally grown, but also looking into ethical practices too. And trying to incorporate recyclable or recycled packaging and materials where possible.
Can you share a quick tip for keeping fresh flowers looking their best at home?
Cut them short! Long stems are elegant but it’s the face of the flower where the beauty is. Cut flowers short and arrange in any water holding vessel that catches your eye – jars, jugs, even the gravy boat! all look beautiful with an abundance of cute florals tumbling out and will last so much longer.
If you could design a bouquet inspired by Melbourne, what would be in it?
Easy! My favourite shades of Champagne coloured Grandiflora roses (because we always drink champagne when we come to MIFGS! And Grandiflora roses are grown in Victoria) combined with russet autumn foliage like maple and textural elements such as Echinacea pods because to me MIFGS signifies the glorious turning of the season, my favourite time of the year. (Please can I make this bouquet now!!)
What are you most looking forward to seeing at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show?
Community and camaraderie. MIFGS is a place of friendship and sharing and learning from each other. Apart from the opportunity to be my ‘artistic self’ I get to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Also I very much looking forward to day dreaming over the landscape design which is world class.
Where’s your favourite garden to visit in Melbourne?
The Royal Botanic gardens and a visit to the Plant Craft Cottage a hidden gem- if you have never been it is a must!
