Frequently Asked Questions
Here is the answers to frequently asked questions I receive.
Where do you grow your flowers
Flowers are grown rurally in Tarras, 30 minutes from Wanaka on a high country station that has been in my family for over a century. I also grow a few flowers in my home garden in central Wanaka to supplement.
What is your favourite flower
Every season I fall in love with a different flower, but I particularly love scented blooms and a beautiful garden rose.
What variety of flowers do you grow?
I grow small amounts of a lot of varieties I have curated because I personally love them or they grow well in my region. I lean more heavily on perennials which I mix with classic annuals like cosmos, nigella, ammi, cornflowers, corncockle, zinnas, marigolds & scabiosas.
Can I visit your flower farm?
Unfortunately my farm isn't open to the public. My cutting patch is partially integrated into my parent's homestead garden and out of respect for their privacy I don't allow visitors.
Can I choose my flowers?
I work differently to most florists who order specific blooms to a brief. I am led by what is available and seasonal in the garden. I never know exactly what I will have until the time of picking.
Being 100% field grown weather plays a huge role in what is available, crop failures, storms, temperature fluctuations can alter the timing and availability of blooms from previous years so if I am vague about what could be flowering at the time of your event that is why! I am putting my finger to the wind and hoping for the best.
I do allow you to select a colour preference on my booking forms and I will do my best to accommodate requests where possible. But it isn't a guarantee. It is helpful for me to know what you are using the flowers for so I can tailor them as best I can to your event.
If you are set on specific flowers or colours I would recommend working with a local floral designer to ensure you get the exact blooms are you looking for.
Do you offer different styles?
My work has been described as garden style - wild, loose, rambling and informal to give you an idea. My styled is inspired by what I have to work with and by how I see the flowers in the garden.
If you are looking for a specific style or design, I recommend a local floral designer.
How many flowers do I need?
This is a million dollar questions! It depends on many factors. You need to consider things like the style, variety mix of blooms, fullness, number & type of items you wish to create, if you want foliage or flower heavy arrangements. I have a calculator I can share with you to help with your planning. The best thing I can suggest is mock up something to a similar scale and count the number of stems and multiply this out.
Broadly I recommend a bundle for bridal bouquet + buttonhole. For brides maids bouquets depending on size you will get 1.5-2x smaller bouquets from a bundle. Table flowers consider how many stems per vase and numbers of vases per tables you are populating. Larger ceremony arrangements depending on scale and fullness, you will need at least a bundle per arrangement.
How many flowers do I receive in a bundle?
Every stem is worth a different value so the mix varies, you will receive at least 50 stems in a standard mixed bundle. If I have agreed to supply you a specific variety the quantities or pricing maybe different.
Is DIY right for me?
Consider your personality type, skill sets and available time. Creating your own blooms for an event is a beautiful personal element & a lovely way to include friends & family in the buildup for your day. On the flip side it requires a good chunk of time and can add an additional layer of stress or complication. I do offer an option to split the workload by creating your table flowers for you so you can focus on the statement pieces.
When should I create my flowers
I usually suggest you pick your flowers up in the afternoon two days out from your event so you have your blooms ready to get into designing your flowers the day before your event. I do not recommend creating your flowers on the day of your wedding. You simply won't have time or will be very busy!!
What do I do with my flowers when I get home
I have some tips for general care of cut flowers here.
For bundles I would put them in a cool shady spot - maybe a garage or even outside tucked under an eve or tree. I would refresh the buckets or vessels you have designed into with fresh cool water to keep things looking hydrated. If something is droopy you can try recutting and dip the stem into boiling water for a few seconds before returning to cold water to unlock air bubbles that maybe blocking the stem from drinking water.