“I must have flowers, always, and always.”
Our forever florists. These are the Sydney locals who live and breathe one of earths greatest delights. Be it rugged natives, hyper-tropical arrangements, or the classic bunch of roses, you've come to the right place. So when words fail you as they inevitably do, kindle a little romance, extend your appreciation or say you're sorry and send them flowers.
For every occasion or for no reason at all, here are nine of our favourite Sydney-based florists.
Hermetica
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Less than ten years ago Jai Winnell flung open the doors to this Woolloomooloo institution. Since then Hermetica has injected Sydney's floral offering with a healthy dose of grandeur and the experimental. Clean lines, vibrant pops of colour and a dedication to the craft form the core of Hermetica's DNA. Not to mention that signature grey wrapping, where conical and curving fronds of paper make for the perfect backdrop, and as a result have inspired many imitations.
Muck Floral
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Helmed by Sophie Wolanski, this florist based in Marrickville is committed to cutting down on waste. As a result Muck Floral studio is open by appointment only, but all wishing to secure one of these carefully curated bundles need only order online. Here, you'll find abundant arrangements that are rich in texture and give new meaning to 'Australiana' and natives.
Grandiflora
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Visual poetry at its best. Few are immune to the cult of Saskia Havekes and her darling Potts Point flower shop, Grandiflora. Opening in 1995, the studio is small but boy is it mighty — what is produced out of this pocket will enthral you. Where some opt for paired back arrangements, Havekes prefers the dramatic route, with outsized compositions that sing with originality and an appreciation of foliage, romance and whimsy. Of the many hallmarks of a Grandiflora curation, the free-flowing cursive is one of them. And for those wishing the Grandiflora experience would linger long after the flowers have died, you can purchase one of its six evocative fragrances.
Colourblind
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Fairly new on the flower scene, Benjamin Avery's sparse and thoughtfully curated arrangements take blooms into the realm of art. Expect a style guide that isn't afraid to marry dahlia's with persimmons and for whom agave pencas and aloe vera are far more compelling stand ins for the more pedestrian palm leaf.
Dr. Cooper Studio
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Dr. Lisa Cooper gives flowers the pedestal they deserve. In her studio it's all plinths and poise, a striking point of difference that has captured the attention of her 45,000 large Instagram following — and for good reason. Cooper is attuned to the finer details, which as a Doctor of Philosophy one can only expect. Arrangements are deeply conceptual, and each addition is carefully presented, allowing her to do each object justice. I say object because her compositions are not exclusive to flowers. Velvet bows, silver orbs and floss-like feathers are just some of the curiosities you'll find amongst the blooms.
Bess
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Bess creates bouquets you'll need two arms and your forehead to carry. Which is all worth it once you are up to speed with the story behind this beloved Paddington florist. For Bess Scott, a love of flowers runs in her blood. She grew up on a farm in Mangrove Mountain on Sydney's Central Coast, where her grandfather and dad, Craig, cultivate native Australian flowers, which would become her blooms of choice. The connection runs deep, so much so that her first memory revolves around sleeping in a flower box at the Sydney Flower Market. Before eventually running her own show, Bess studied sculpture and painting at SCA — credentials that go hand-in-hand with her current career — and cut her teeth at Grandiflora under the guidance of Saskia Havekes.
Fleurette
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A woman of many talents, Fleurette is where all of Christelle Scifo's passions come together. As a friend of RUSSH we've had the wonderful privilege of seeing Christelle in action. Working as a florist for more than a decade, her arrangements spotlight local growers, and can be found in the pages of magazines, or gracing the tables of weddings, special events or decorating private residences, if you so wish.
The Flower Posse
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More than just a flower shop, The Flower Posse is your port of call in Caringbah for joyful blooms in spirited colours; think tulips in tangerine and moth orchids the colour of ripe pitaya. Roses are lovingly peeled for an ultra soft look, while anthuriums anchor cloud-like arrangements. For those seeking out a florist to bring all your wedding visions to life, you're in safe hands with The Flower Posse.
Poho
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Along bustling Macleay Street sits Poho, the love child of director Ed West. At once recognisable on the ground floor of the blue-tiled Cahors building, what blooms from this outpost has a distinctive signature of its own; think that instantly recognisable robins egg blue paper, or bouquets spiked with something metallic.
