The Flowerseekers Summer 18

Girl Holding Flowers Series TROPICAL LEAVES Fine Art Photographic Print Available for purchase at www.hamblins.com.au

Hello,

S ummer

Hi there flower lovers – welcome to Summer 2018. Summer in Australia means hot dry weather which is a big challenge for our growers to contend with to keep their crops from drying out and for our florists, a juggling act to keep the flowers hydrated and cool enough so that they hold their quality. Forty degree summer days can be a florist’s nightmare if they have a large event with masses of flowers especially an outdoor wedding which may have feature flowers as the heat and strong summer breezes can sometimes see flowers melt down in front of your eyes and foliages crisp up – it’s all part of the job and I really admire the planning and effort that goes into keeping the flowers pristine – prepping and refrigerating them – transporting them and hydrating them in hot weather can be a military style operation. Aleksandra Keast who has been producing some of Australia’s most exciting and admired floral design concepts for events and weddings for more than a decade is our feature florist. Aleksandra has a botanical art approach to her designs and a unique talent for her use of colour, textures and botanical elements.

I cannot wait to see what work Aleksandra produces with her clients in 2018.

Travel and workshops are good for the creative soul whether you are an industry florist, creative, a homemaker or flower lover there are plenty of opportunities across Australia and overseas to immerse oneself in hands on making experiences or exploring new places and learning so we are including a few more insights into travel and experiences as we go forward.

We also welcome Beth Abood florist and writer with a new regular column “Flowers as Therapy” yes like yoga, stepping and connecting with nature can provide relaxing meditative moments. Beth’s column is a great reminder to take a moment to disconnect and enjoy moments of simplicity and the beauty in nature provides the perfect vehicle for that.

Enjoy this summer issue, massive thanks to our very supportive flower loving audience, industry friends, growers and the many wonderful contributors to the magazine this last year we look forward to bringing you the Flowerseekers Magazine through the seasons in 2018.

Sonya Gardiner Sonya

Gardiner

CONTENTS Summer 18

6. Flower Therapy Wild Aesthetic 8. Gift Guide 10. Art Focus Kelly Smith 16. My Life in Flowers Aleksandra 22. Workshop Zinnia Floral Designs 26. Flower Focus Peony 28. Roam Collected New Zealand 34. Grow Jonima Flowers 38. Workspace Flora Folk 42. Edible Blooms 44. Design Local Gatherings 46. Collect Ceramics by Tara Bourke 48. Create Hamrey + Norton 50. Handmade Pelt + Hide 52. Flower Shop Flourish Flower Merchants

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COVER STORY Summer in Australia is all about the sunshine and our pristine sparkling waters. That summer vibe is captured perfectly in this floating floral shoot by Sydney florist Alice Beasley with Kai Leishman photographer and model Karina Lee. Fascinated by the movement when flowers interact with water Alice made use of some excess wedding flowers to capture the beauty of floating flowers. An impromptu photoshoot at Bronte ocean pool, a sentimental spot for Alice, for this is where she grew up, gained a love of the water.

Follow @alicerosebeasley @ kaileishman @karina.lee_

FLOWER THERAPY

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Wild Aesthetic Flower Farm

FLOWER THERAPY

Flowers as Therapy by Beth Abood We live in a busy world, one in which our value is often measured by how productive, efficient or visible on social media we are. Our heads are tilted downward, faces lost in glowing screens, and we’re doing more than ever before. With full lives and technology chewing up more of our days, we disconnect further from the natural, outdoor environment that we’re intrinsically a part of. As a result, feelings of stress, anxiety and depression are more and more prevalent.

Occupational Therapist and Farmer-Florist Elizabeth Back has found the antidote; by simply spending time reconnecting with nature we can heal these feelings. This idea of reconnecting, together with a deep love for the natural world inspired her to create the enchanting Wild Aesthetic Flower Farm. Nestled on an acre in Sydney’s North West, it is filled with only the most graceful wildflowers and flows naturally with the seasons. When I was there in November, lavender-coloured Bearded Iris bordered rows of fragrant garden roses, while the last of the Sweet Pea climbed trellis’ next to peach trees.

It is the flowers en masse, each growing in their natural environment, that transport you to another place and time – one before laptops and iPhones existed.

However Elizabeth’s garden-farm is far more than just radically beautiful. Everything is sustainably farmed. Insects, flowers and people exist harmoniously in a state of calm. Although bees are abundant, Elizabeth has not been stung in 10 years. She wonders if this is because she gives them “first dibs” on a flower, or if they are just “very nice bees”.

Fortunately for us, Elizabeth’s strong interest in the power of therapeutic gardens inspired her to share it with others. She offers flower gathering, nature and meditation groups, which she describes as a variation on “shinrin yoku”, or Japanese forest bathing. The Into the Garden, Into the Wild nature group has three elements; Connection with nature and ourselves through mindfulness meditation, Collection of flowers from the garden, and the Creation of whatever you wish with your gatherings.

Thanks to Elizabeth’s guidance through mindfulness meditation, I felt a deeply conscious connection with the garden around me when I visited. I became overwhelmed with positive emotion each time we meditated – evidence that our senses have the power to pull us into the present moment and re-focus our minds on what matters now.

Elizabeth’s farm leaves you with a renewed sense of wonder at the magnificence and healing power of the natural world. A visit there reconnects you with nature, which in turn reconnects you with your inner being, which in turn makes you feel at peace.

Elizabeth regularly adds sessions to her website and Instagram. www.wildaestheticflowers.com/shop | Instagram: wildaestheticflowers

SUMMER Gift Guide

Angus & Celeste: Hanging Jelly Planter $ 5 9 w w w. a n g u s a n d c e l e s t e . c o m

Embrace the gifting season with our hand picked ideas for the flower lover in your life.

The Flowerseekers 2018 Calendar $11.95 w w w. t h e f l o w e r s e e k e r s , c o m

Saskia Havekes : Flower Addict $79.99 w w w. d a v i d j o n e s . c o m . a u

Gucci Bloom : $105 - $182 8.

From selected David Jones & Myer Stores

Pelt & Hide : Jarrah Belt $ 2 4 9 w w w. p e l t a n d h i d e . c o m

S A LT b y H e n d r i x : Neroli & Argan body oil $39.95 w w w. s a l t b y h e n d r i x . c o m

Overose : Nudesse Candle $ 7 2 . 47 w w w. o v e r o s e . c o m

Flowers for Kate : Alice print starting at $699 store.flowersforkate.com

Maple Soaps : Australian Peppermint Eucalyptus soap bar $15.95 w w w. m a p l e s o a p s . c o m

ART FOCUS

Kelly Smith is an Australian Illustrator, working

H&M L’Oreal, VOGUE, Clarins, Samantha Wills,

predominantly in fashion and beauty. Kelly is

and NET-A- PORTER.

based in Tasmania and has a Bachelor of Fine

In between commercial jobs Kelly is very

Art (2006) majoring in both Graphic Design and

passionate about creating her own limited

Photography. Taking inspiration from fashion,

edition prints and cards which are available to

film and fairytales, Kelly’s work captures her

purchase via her website (see details below).

subjects in a delicate manner, exploring texture

Kelly’s personal range of work provides the play

and line in hand-detailed pencil, while digital

space and freedom to experiment and explore

elements and ink add subtle hints of contrast.

her creative ideas. See more of Kelly’s work:

Over the years Kelly has worked with a number

www.birdyandme.com.au & keep up to date

of luxury brands and high profile clients

via instagram @birdyandme

including: Valentino, Armani, Maybelline New

Represented by Illustration Ltd

York, Jenny Packham, 10.

ART FOCUS

“ The Florist “ Kelly Smith

ART FOCUS

12. “ La Petite Fleur “ Kelly Smith

ART FOCUS

“ Pink Lady “ Kelly Smith

ART FOCUS

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“ Beauty and the beast “ Kelly Smith

“Two Rose” : @eloise__jenkins | www.eloisejenkins.com

MY LIFE IN FLOWERS

Aleksandra has been a botanical artist for over seven years, co-creating with nature to create unique, creative and bespoke floral experiences. Her love of all things flowers started in her youth. Growing up on a property in Dural with a family-run nursery, botanical roots were planted in her destiny.

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MY LIFE IN FLOWERS

Image : @luisabrimble | Florals : @aleksandradiary | Prop stylist : @caitlinmelling

MY LIFE IN FLOWERS

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MY LIFE IN FLOWERS

Image : @luisabrimble | Florals : @aleksandradiary | Prop stylist : @caitlinmelling

MY LIFE IN FLOWERS

Image : @luisabrimble | Florals : @aleksandradiary | Prop stylist : @caitlinmelling

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MY LIFE IN FLOWERS

The long-lasting love affair with flowers comes through in everything Aleks does. She’s a creator of nature, a botanical artist, creating floral compositions and installations for weddings, events, fashion shows, photography and film shoots, as well as private occasions; providing creative direction for floral and botanical styling to enhance spaces and settings all over Australia. Her imagination dances and her heart flutters as she makes magic with natural beauty. Aleksandra exists to surprise and delight people with beautiful co-created botanical and flower styling, leaving clients feeling happy and inspired. very project with Aleksandra is a high-end floral experience, injected with a burst of personality.

She is a creator of creativity and luxury, but doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. She forages and hand selects seasonal blooms from local farms and her invaluable growers at the Sydney Flower Market.

Her ability to conceptualise, create and inspire with nature is something truly unique. Aleksandra’s clients include QT Hotel, Myer, Paspaley, Cerrone, Cartier, Patron, Omega and Hamilton Island to name a few.

Keep up to date with Aleksandra at www.aleksandra.com.au & @aleksandradiary

WORKSHOP

Natalie Woods of Zinnia Floral Design is now hosting intimate floral design workshops at the family farm she grew up on in the hills of Waroona, Western Australia. The property offers the perfect setting, raw and natural, a chance to have a day in the country uninterrupted, learn floral techniques and get hands on with Natalie making bouquets or a creative installation.

The workshops also include a long table lunch in the field and group discussions in which Natalie shares her journey as a designer, design trends and challenges of running a floristry based business.

Natalie’s classes are open to florists and flower lovers. Keep up to date with Natalie’s work at Zinnia Floral Design on instagram @zinniafloraldesign and her website for class and workshop announcements at zinniafloraldesigns.com

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WORKSHOP

Images : @jemmakeech

WORKSHOP

Styling : @aravellaeventdesign | Stationery & Ribbon : lines_and_squares Furniture : @hiresociety

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WORKSHOP

FLOWER FOCUS

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Image : @flowersfor_kate

FLOWER FOCUS

PEONY : Flower Focus

Image & words Sophia Kaplan @sophia_kaplan

Botanical name: Paeonia

featured here.

Family: Paeoniaceae

Other favourites include the achingly beautiful

Originated in: Asia, Europe and North America |

‘Age of Gold’ tree peony with its lush gold, sunset

More commonly known as : Peony

tones, and ‘Claire de Lune’, a pale lemon piece of

They bloom in: late spring to early summer

paradise with single petals and thick mound of

Peonies are one of the most popular blooms out,

bright yellow stamens in the centre.

amongst florists and flower-novices alike. There are over 33 species in almost every colour, with

Peonies drink a lot so be sure to keep them

some flowers reaching

hydrated, and warm water will force the

up to a giant 25cm in diametre.

buds to open faster if need be.

From the ‘Festiva Maxima’ with its sweet, soft cloud like petals flecked with crimson,

ROAM

Collected | A Floral workshop from Soil & Stem.

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ROAM

ROAM

November 2017 I travelled to the Waingake Valley, New Zealand to attend a floral design workshop “Collected 2017” hosted by Nicole Land of Soil and Stem and Sarah Hodge of Horrobin and Hodge at flower farm “Field of Roses”.

Having seen the photos from the last two workshops held in Nov 2015 and 2016 – which you can read blogposts on at Soil and Stem (www.soilandstem.com) I couldn’t wait to visit this picturesque farm and spend 3 days completely absorbed in flowers, learning and connecting with other like minded flower lovers and nature.

This workshop is a 3 day event – the complete flower retreat really and the opportunity to learn new techniques from leading floral designers Nicole Land and Sarah Hodge is a highlight – both are wonderful generous teachers with a wealth of experience and talent. An intimate setting, they are there to share and encourage you to explore design concepts and new techniques, arranging from the garden, roadside and indigenous landscape to produce natural works of art. Each day was tailored to focus on different designs, footed bowl arrangements, bouquets and an installation.

Flower care, design instructions, business and media discussions are all part of the three day intensive workshop experience with each attendee having their own journal to document and record as the workshop progresses.

Image : @flowersfor_kate 30.

ROAM

Sue and Zoe – the lovely mother and daughter team that own Field of Roses have put their heart and soul into their beautiful property – Zoe is a florist and together they have established their rose farm and cut flower fields – planting – picking and packing for market where their seasonal flowers are much anticipated by the flower vendors of New Zealand as they are true home grown premium hand picked flowers with beautiful natural organic lines. Sue and Zoe went above and beyond to make all of the attendees feel so welcome, providing the most delicious meals and hospitality during our stay and the luxury of picking flowers straight from the field to use as working materials each day was an absolute dream.

Truly special is how I would describe the Collected workshop - I cannot recommend it enough if you are planning to do a workshop. You will make new friendships, learn so much and feel much happiness from being in such a stimulating setting.

The 2018 Collected workshop will move to Wellington, New Zealand to the nursery property of Horrobin and Hodge and will be three full days of hands on floral designing and styling – for more details - bookings and enquires can be made via Nicole Land at Soil and Stem via the website www.soilandstem.com. Images by Annabelle Hickson | Words by Sonya Gardiner

Field of Roses

ROAM

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ROAM

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GROW

GROW

Jonima Flowers Jonima Flowers are proud producers of fresh cut seasonal flowers. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with flowers with exceptional quality and vase life.

Most of our flowers are produced on our farm at Yanderra, where my wife, Ingrid and four children, Nicola, Marco (my two marketing assistants), Luca, Daniella and myself, with four employees have a passion in growing a product that not only provides enjoyment to ourselves but to all.

Our faming practices are to produce quality flowers in the most environmentally and sustainable way. We do this by recycling where possible, composting of organic material, continuous mulching of garden beds, companion planting and structuring our planting program to work in harmony with our local environment. When you visit us at the markets you will notice that we are constantly changing with the seasons and may also be surprised to find a few unusual or yesteryear flowers.

If you require flowers for a special occasion you are welcome to visit the farm (by appointment only) or speak to myself at the market and we will be happy to help you.

John Padovano E: jonimaflowers@bigpond.com | T: 0401 055 125 | 10 Carlisle Street, Yanderra NSW 2574 *visit Jonima Flowers at Stand 37 Sydney Flower Markets, Capital Region Farmers Market Exhibition Park Canberra every Saturday 7:30 am – 11:30 am Carriageworks Farmers Market , Everleigh, Sydney every Saturday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm & Kiama Farmers Market every Wednesday 3-6pm.

Words: John Padovano – Jonima Flowers | Images: Abbie Melle @abbie_melle

GROW

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GROW

Words: John Padovano – Jonima Flowers | Images: Abbie Melle @abbie_melle

WORKSPACE

Images : @ameliagrose

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WORKSPACE

WORKSPACE

Studio Florist

Each and every business has a workspace and in today’s working landscape with the flexibility of technology workspaces have broken away from the more traditional office and shopfronts of the past and moved and expanded into share, portable, community, studio and travelling workspaces.

Like your home, workspaces often reflect the personality of the business owner and each issue we will be sharing the workspaces of florists, artists and stylists across Australia.

This issue we dropped in to visit Sydney based florist Becca Caves of FloraFolk a boutique floral design studio that specialises in whimsical luxe florals for weddings, events and editorials. For Becca, growing up painting with her artist grandfather and playing in a lush seaside garden created by her mum instilled a deep love of art, flowers, plants and exploring nature. Becca also has a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Art Education

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WORKSPACE

from The College of Fine Arts, UNSW and her working journey and experience makes her one of Sydney’s most sought after wedding and event florists.

It was a natural step for Becca Caves to establish her design studio where she feels happiest, by the sea, in the garden, close to nature. Becca’s studio is bright, light and accented with the elements she loves, living plants, collected seaside treasures from her beach walks, books, shelves of vases and vessels, tools of the trade, work bench and admin desk.

See more photos on our blog and keep up to with Becca and her beautiful work on instagram @floraflk email: hello@florafolk.com.au | www.florafolk.com.au | T: 0406 755 880

EDIBLE BLOOMS

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EDIBLE BLOOMS

Newcastle Greens are small growers with big dreams. Suppliers of edible mirco greens, baby leaf, rare vegetables, wild herbs and edible flowers.

Founded by Elle Brown and Co Owner/Chef Dylan Abdoo. Their main focus is on quality not quantity. They want their greens to lead a natural life all the way to harvest with natural light, organic soil to produce more vibrant, flavoursome, nutrient dense greens and perfectly edible flowers. Newcastle Greens collaborate and supply across Australia. Keep up to date with their process, crops and produce via instagram @newcastlegreens Please direct supply enquiries via email to elle@newcastlegreens.com Edible flowers as a garnish has been traced back to Roman times and to the Chinese, Middle Eastern and Indian Cultures. Edible flowers were especially popular in the Victorian era during Queen Victoria’s reign.

IMPORTANT note: Not every flower is edible. In fact some flowers are poisonous and can make you extremely sick so never ever guess when it comes to using flowers in food and never pick or forage flowers for consumption from just anywhere.

Always source edible flowers from an organic chemical free supplier.

DESIGN

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DESIGN

Local Gatherings Creating intimate events from simple elements.

Studio for hire @studio.local www.studiolocal.com.au/studies

Image : Stephanie Stamatis www.stephaniesomebody.com Flower Studies with : @hattiemolloy

COLLECT

Ceramics by Tara Bourke

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COLLECT

Clay date classes + gift certificates available online at www.tarabourkeceramics.com See more pieces from the collection on our blog.

Image : @luisabrimble

CREATE

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CREATE

Hamrey + Norton We love businesses that provide opportunities for hands on creating and making.

Cindy Hamrey and Jo Norton are Hamrey + Norton two experienced creatives with collective skills in a working pottery studio space in Currumbin, Queensland. Selling handmade pottery and hosting creating with clay classes and botanical workshops. December 9th they will be hosting a wreath making workshop with Bec Uhlmann of @rose_apple_flowers Keep up to date with all that’s on offer @hamreyandnorton

Images Cindy Hamrey with Rose Apple Flowers

For those who create beautiful things...

When asked by a florist to create a beautiful utilities belt, Brigid Marciano and Imby Langenbach combined their love of design and experience in making to produce the range of Pelt & Hide.

As beautiful as they are functional, the range of three premium Italian leathers include ‘Black Ash’, ‘Jarrah’ and ‘Sandalwood’. Proudly Australian made by quality leather artisans, impeccable hardware and attention to detail, these belts are designed to make the functional, beautiful.

Pelt & Hide launched October, 2017 ...for those who create beautiful things For all enquiries : hello@peltandhide.com www.peltandhide.com Price | AUD $249

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Keep up to date with Pelt+Hide online @peltandhide | Image : @luisabrimble Photo series and flowers by Aleksandra www.aleksandra.com.au | @aleksandradiary Prop stylist : @caitlinmelling

FLOWERSHOP

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Image : @ameliagrose

FLOWERSHOP

A touch of Christmas at Flourish Flower Merchants Flourish Flower Merchants specialises in seasonal blooms and adding a sense of artistry and life to any occasion with extra ordinary blooms and precious gifts. Fragrant, artful arrangements and beautiful customer service are Flourish’s trademark. Stepping off the busy city streetscape into Flourish is a botanic interlude – a moment to stop in time and be entranced by the exquisite beauty of nature.

In addition to being one of Sydney CBD’s most loved flower shops, Flourish transforms and styles flowers, displays and installations for celebrations, offices, restaurants, hotels, private homes, corporate clients, events and weddings.

For Claire Rabbitt the owner of Flourish, styling the store through the seasons to enchant and surprise her customers is something that brings her much enjoyment.

Christmas is one of Claire’s favourite celebrations of the year. Customers adore the handpicked range of bespoke gifting, the scent of a fresh pine tree and twinkling lights in amongst the abundant range of premium flowers.

Centrally located in the Sydney CBD call in, meet Claire and her team they are located at Shop 5, Deutsche Bank Place, 126 Phillip Street, Sydney T: 02 9232 8900 e: orders@flourish.com.au | www.flourish.com.au @flourishflowermerchants

FLOWERSHOP

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FLOWERSHOP

Image : @ameliagrose

FLOWERSHOP

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FLOWERSHOP

Girl Holding Flowers Series TROPICAL LEAVES Fine Art Photographic Print Available for purchase at www.hamblins.com.au

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Connect with like minded flower lovers # F O R F L O W E R L O V E R S @theflowerseekers

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