You have strong relationships with local flower farmers—how has
that shaped your ability to access unique botanicals and bring
fresh inspiration to your work?
Decades of trust and collaboration with growers have allowed me
to access truly special blooms. Some growers even cultivate flowers
exclusively for me—like my local rose farmer, who reserved his entire
Valentine’s Day crop for my business. For a large Melbourne Cup
Carnival event, one grower even produced hydrangeas in a custom
shade of mauve just for us. These relationships are invaluable.
What are some of your favourite flowers to work with, and is there
a dream flower you’d love to get your hands on?
Bouvardia is my all-time favourite—it’s beautifully scented and an
absolute joy when in season. I also adore tulips, especially double,
parrot, and frill-edged varieties. Their phototropic nature fascinates
me; they continue to grow and twist even after being cut, evolving
into something reminiscent of an Impressionist painting.
Tell us about a particularly memorable event or project that
stands out to you.
One of my proudest moments was designing the floral arrangements
for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Government House during
Her Royal Tour of Australia. I used a mix of locally grown garden roses
and native Australian botanicals—including banksia, waratah,
and kangaroo paw—to showcase our country’s stunning flora.
Bouvardia is my all-time
favourite—it’s beautifully
scented and an absolute
joy when in season.
April 2025
In Focus Magazine
12