Azzmin Frances on the Romance of Flowers
However you choose to celebrate, there’s no denying February is synonymous with the red rose — be it a single stem, or a generous dozen. We unfold the layers of this tradition with florist and founder of Braer, Azzmin Frances as well as the importance of buying flowers locally, and in harmony with the seasons.
On gifting flowers…
“Roses are the iconic symbol of love. Each Valentine's day we are reminded of the red rose and the gesture of care associated with sending a gift like flowers, fleeting and special. As a florist I am constantly reminded of romance and feel honoured to be creating flower arrangements that hold so much meaning and significance in people's lives. Some of the cards I have the privilege of scribing on behalf of lovers melts my heart. Romance is well and truly alive!
“In the southern hemisphere we are blessed with roses in the height of their season in the summer months and over Valentine’s Day. The beauty of the local roses can’t be compared. A garden grown, thorny tall rose stem can take your breath away. The fragrance of a white ‘Pope John Paul’ rose or the peppery scent of ‘Jude The Obscure’ on your dining table is a luxury not to be missed in this lifetime.”
On championing local growers…
“Braer is a flower studio / gallery in Byron Bay, NSW Australia. Founded in 2016 to create artistic, unique florals and champion locally grown flowers during a time when imported blooms were taking over the market. The awareness around choosing locally grown products has grown over the years and as florists we have access to a diverse range of flowers growing in Australia.
“The importance of selecting flowers from small scale farms that favour organic practices means voting for a sustainable future of agriculture in Australia. A lot of the small scale farms Braer buys flowers from throughout the seasons additionally grow vegetables and fruit. The flowers pollinate the crops and we also have the opportunity of using fruiting branches or vegetables in our arrangements.
The importance of selecting flowers from small scale farms that favour organic practices means voting for a sustainable future of agriculture in Australia.
“When buying flowers for your loved one this Valentine's Day reach out to your florist and choose locally grown summer flowers like cottage roses, dahlias, hydrangea or tropical blooms. And like Anais Nin said “Luxury is not a necessity to me, but beautiful and good things are.”
Read our feature on Azzmin’s beautiful Mullumbimby home, here.