FLORISTS

OUR EXPERTS RECOMMEND THEIR GO-TO FLORAL SUPPLIERS, SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE BLOOMS AND OFFER TIPS ON HOW TO STYLE THEM IN YOUR HOME.

- PHOTOGRAPHY Alana Landsberry

"Most people are best served by a reliable local florist who can deliver their own bouquets at peak bloom."

Not only do fresh flowers bring joy and delight into a home, they're also a symbol of important moments in life: they are the decoration of choice at weddings and funerals, and also the ultimate gift of love on Valentine's Day. Their delicate nature, however, can make it tricky to get them right; think changes in temperature and variability in when and how buds will open, and cost is an important factor, too.

This month, we've created a directory of the most imaginative, masterful local florists we know of. These designers often have wildly different styles, ranging from understated to experimental - we've tried to offer a range of 'classic', 'earthy' and 'unusual' offerings. But if these florists' aesthetics are diverse - informed by everything from old master paintings to modern dance - they all bring a singular vision to the centuries-old art they practise. Many are united in rejecting the globalised flower trade, embracing sustainable techniques, championing local growers and avoiding harmful substances like floral foam.

Here then are the go-to florists we can't live without, and the best blooms used by leading designers, PRs and stylists. Among them are the names whose signature looks and influence have been monumental in our homes.

SYDNEY

BESS