Mornings... as a florist.

Mornings as a florist start a couple of hours before sunrise (especially in Winter!). And while it's freezing cold at the moment, it's actually a gorgeous time to be up and about.

The markets house an incredible community of vibrant personalities and have a wonderful buzz about them. It's hard to stay sleepy under the bright lights, surrounded by early morning banter and wall to wall flowers!


I love starting my day before the sun comes up, surrounded by beautiful flowers and fabulous people. For those first couple of hours of the day, outside it's cold and silent while the rest of the world is yet to stir. Yet we are the privileged few under the lights, in amongst the hustle and bustle, starting our days with gusto!

Stefan (or, more appropriately we think, Stefan-otis) - market super star!*
*Also, a stellar sweet pea swindler and fabulous field rose finder!

"Are these for a special occasion?"

This is a question I love to ask people when they're selecting flowers. I delight in hearing who they're for, why they've chosen a certain flower, or what occasion they're acknowledging. There is so often a wonderful story behind a visit to the flower shop, and hearing the stories is one of the best parts of my day.

Some of my favourite responses have been for flowers for no reason - spontaneous, "just because" flowers. It's nice to know these people were thinking of someone special, and are taking them flowers to remind that person of just how special they are!

"Nah, not really... she's not feeling well so I thought these'd brighten her day"

"No particular occasion; my husband was complaining that nobody's ever sent him flowers, so I thought I would!"

"No, not today... she's had a tough week at work, and it's winter so it's all a bit gloomy. Thought she'd like these"

"Nope, and I'm not even in trouble!"

"Oh, my flat mate's going through a bit of a rough patch, so figured this'd be a nice thing to do"

"No, but my girlfriend always walks past here and points out the orchids, so I'm going to surprise her"


To all the fabulous people who have shared their stories with me, and the lovely men (and women!) who've gone home carrying flowers "just because", you make my day and remind me why I do what I do... High Five!