FIELD WORKS: MELBOURNE
My blog is full of weddings and styled shoots, so I thought I should add a personal touch to it and show you some behind the scenes and off-work moments. So here I am, well-rested and full of new ideas after a six-week break in two of most beautiful countries with the tastiest food – Australia and Russia.
Right before my long trip back home to Moscow, I headed to Melbourne for a week-long get away, as that’s where a good half of the flower and plant studios I’m a huge fan of is located. I generally think Australian florists are really special. They work with gorgeous rich local flora, and have a very distinct style as a result. Even now, as I’m writing this, I’m still envious. They’ve got the best of both worlds: tropical lush plants and flowers, juicy succulents, tender winter blooms (including my all-time favourite hellebores), field grass and wheat along the road. I always pluck a bunch when I see them to bring back to Singapore, no matter how ridiculous it seems. And the food. The food in Australia is simply out of this world. Maybe I should just move there one day.
Anyway, I did a good tour of the local florists and visited a number of studios. Here’s a short list of some that really inspire me. I’ll start with the more popular ones, thought they are not my favourites.
VASETTE
Lush, exquisite, expensive, and a bit snobbish (or just French), which I definitely like. This florist is located in the heart of Fitzroy, on Brunswick Street. It’s a huge corner store you won’t miss, with its sculptures on the roof. You’ll be sure to stop and window-shop for a while even if you are not interested in flowers. Famous, stylish and “the best in Melbourne”, as they call themselves. Worth checking!
Address: 247 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
POLLON
I would say Pollon’s style is similar to Vasette. It’s a small studio right in the middle of the CBD, and its full of flowers and foliage, with a billion shelves stuffed with pots, vases, vessels, objects, and more. Stepping inside is like entering another dimension, and it’ll take you at least 5 minutes to take each step as there are just too many things you have to capture at once. You can stand in the middle of the shop for hours looking around and you still won’t see everything. Every millimeter is used for something. Beautiful.
Address: 1/199 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
FITZROY NURSERY
Just across the road from Vasette, there’s a magical portal to, errr, a green fairy tale? The corner lot has all sorts of potted plants, flowers, trees, garden furniture, fountains, strange sculptures and much, much more. I felt like buying everything at once, and was rushing from one blooming pot to another, imagining how I would cut the flowers right from their pots to use in my bouquets and arrangements. Well, I’d be able to do it if I lived there. The place is run by a lovely family, and I had a feeling like I was back in my grandparents’ country house.
Address: 390 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
LOOSE LEAF
THIS is the real reason why I visited Melbourne. I was so excited to visit this plant studio!! From the moment my husband presented the studio’s book to me for Christmas couple of years ago, I’ve been getting so much inspiration from their works. I’m really in love with everything Wona Bae and Charlie Lawler create, and try to follow their recipes to replicate their work. This place is a plant paradise – just awesome!
Address: 31 Sackville St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
FOWLERS FLOWERS
A small and cozy flower shop with a neighbouring cafe in the same style. A floral studio that doesn’t have the typical range of flowers you’d find every else, and arrangements put together with pretty and laconic packaging (I couldn’t resist buying a big bunch of fresh mimosa), and just good vibes. Coffees and cakes are great next door, so it’s worth a visit, even if it’s a bit out of the city centre.
Address: 488 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill VIC 3068, Australia
IVY MUSE BOTANICAL EMPORIUM
Another stunning botanical emporium that I’ve been taking inspiration from for my home studio. (Those who drop by often will know how fast things are moving around our space, which is filling up with new plants and greens over time). Everything here – pots, plants, racks, and scents – is carefully curated and arranged in the way that makes you buy something, everything! Love!
Address: 1250 High St, Armadale VIC 3143, Australia
I visited a lot more, but these are the ones that left a big impression on me – each one of them has something special that I hope to incorporate in my own practice.
