Each flower has a particular season when it grows and blooms, be it spring, summer or autumn. Tulips and daffodils only flower in spring. Dahlias only bloom in mid-late summer. Only a very few flowers bloom in winter (which is why seasonal flower growers close in this season.) My bouquets represent the best of the garden on the day they’re picked and arranged.

Unlike many flower farmers I grow my flowers in a proper cottage garden. This allows me to grow a wide variety of flowers, create great soil and support wildlife. My garden is in the seaside village of Paekākāriki on the sunny Kāpiti Coast.

Very. Depending on the variety of flower and its conditioning needs, I pick them and condition them for 2 – 12 hours before they’re arranged. Flowers need time to be conditioned properly. Unconditioned flowers have a shorter vase life and are prone to drooping. I sell direct to my customers, which means my bouquets are some of the freshest around.

Every flower has its own lifespan. Some flowers live for longer than others. Some flowers can be picked while the flower is in bud, which gives the flower a longer vase life (think daffodils and tulips).  Other flowers must be picked when they’re fully bloomed – these flowers don’t last as long (think dahlias and roses). My bouquets have a mixture of different flowers, with different life spans, picked at different stages of their life. My bouquets look amazing when you buy them. And they keep changing and surprising you as new buds open. Flowers are ephemeral. That’s their magic.

Always keep your flowers in a clean vase, full-to-the-brim with cold water. Top up the water every day or change the water. Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight and heaters.

I follow the naturalistic school of flower arranging. My flowers are grown in a garden (not a greenhouse) and are full of character. I work with the unique nature of each flower. I’m a trained artist/designer and use these skills to make one-of-a-kind arrangements.

Yes. I only work on small events such as birthdays, funerals, open homes and weddings. I only use flowers that I grow myself. I can also supply vases at no extra cost (just a refundable bond).

There are 3 ways. I have a flower stand in Henare Street, Paekākāriki which is open 7 days a week. Every Saturday (unless there’s a storm) my mobile flower shop is in Paekākāriki Village from 10am – 2pm. And finally, you’re welcome to message or email me if you want a bouquet.

I’m able to deliver flowers in Pukerua Bay, Paekākāriki, Raumati and Paraparaumu. I charge a delivery fee. I don’t deliver flowers on Friday or the weekend.

I follow organic and permaculture principles in my garden. I don’t use any fungicides, pesticides or herbicides anywhere in my garden. I use homemade compost and organic mulch on my garden beds. I make a seaweed (collected from the beach) and comfrey  (grown by me) tea as a tonic for my plants.

Just like an excellent wine, my flowers have provenance. They are the embodiment of the place and the way they’re grown. I don’t follow a recipe when I arrange my flowers. Each arrangement is unique.