Hello and welcome to my little corner of the floral world! I'm Claire, founder of Fern Grove Florals and this is my story.
I've often heard it said that nature has an incredible ability to heal and restore us, and as a florist, I've seen firsthand how flowers and foliage can bring joy, comfort, and a sense of peace to those who encounter them. I want to share my personal journey of how floristry helped me find balance and meaning in my life.
I grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, and my childhood experiences exploring the forests and gardens of this region instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural world.
After completing a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience, I decided to venture out and explore the world. I traveled to various countries, immersing myself in new cultures and experiences, and eventually found myself living abroad for a period of time.
But eventually, I began to feel a pull back to my home country of Australia. I returned and quickly found myself caught up in the mundanity of corporate life. I found work that I was good at, but couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing.
It wasn't until a series of family tragedies struck and I took a break and went back to my hometown in the Dandenong Ranges that I figured out what I was longing for - a return to my roots and a rediscovery of the natural beauty that had surrounded me in my childhood.
Additionally, it was during this time that I found myself surrounded by more beautiful flowers than ever before. These gifts from friends, family, and coworkers touched me in a way that transcended words, reminding me of life and beauty even amidst loss.
It made me realise that life is too short to pursue a career that didn't bring me joy and fulfillment.
And so, I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and take the leap into a Certificate 3 in Floristry. Completing my studies in floristry was just the beginning of my journey into the captivating world of flowers, foliage, and design. It has become an integral part of my life, continuously fuelling my curiosity and creativity and offering opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals both locally and globally.
Founding Fern Grove Florals was the natural next step for me, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. With my eyes opened to new possibilities, I moved from selling only at local markets and expanded into the online space.
Now, as an online florist, my specialty is creating long-lasting dried floral wreaths, bouquets, and floral domes. I'm especially drawn to delicate shapes and textures and enjoy incorporating them alongside rustic natives and foraged elements. I've been told this combination imbues my designs with a unique sense of place and authenticity.
Alongside creating beautiful everlasting arrangements, I also host seasonal floral design workshops and events where I can share my knowledge and passion with others. From hen's party flower crown workshops to sustainable vase arranging, I love sharing my passion for floral design and the wonders of nature with others.
What sets my approach to floral design apart is my commitment to sustainability and the use of eco-friendly techniques and materials. I avoid floral foam and other unsustainable practices and always opt for long-lasting and locally sourced flowers and foliage over imported ones. I have also begun growing my own flowers, which allows me to create unique and personalised designs that reflect the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Thank you for taking the time to read this far! I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into the world of Fern Grove Florals. If you're interested in learning more about my dried floral arrangements, private or public workshops, or event floristry services, I'd love to hear from you. You can also follow Fern Grove Florals on social media or join the mailing list keep up to date on the latest news, floristry tips and access exclusive subscriber promos.
Thanks again for stopping by and happy flowering!
Claire xx