Welcome to RENDEZ-VOUS - monthly inspiring chats with our celebrated global florists. This month we're thrilled to feature Ayelet Nussbaum of Hayfever Flowers, Sydney, a double award-winner at our FEMMES Sydney 2022 show, and who will be showcasing her work again at our PRIDE 2023 show.

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WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR FLOWERS?

I have always loved flowers and have always made sure to buy flowers for my home, mostly from small florists. I thought I’d be a terrible florist until, quite by accident, I found myself signing up to a TAFE floristry course and my teacher, fairly quickly, told me that she would hire me based on a specific design we had made that day.

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WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL ARRANGEMENT YOU HAVE CREATED?

Almost every design is meaningful because we give expression to a message that people want to send or say to each other. I, however, feel most connected to funeral work. It is the greatest privilege to give a family comfort by creating a beautiful and heartfelt send off for their loved one.

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WHAT IS YOUR TOP FLORAL TIP FOR OUR FLEURS DE VILLES GUESTS?

Creating a floral tribute honouring a real person for Fleurs de Villes requires the florist not only to have years of experience, skills and knowledge needed to choose the right materials for the design, but also requires them to stretch their creative brain to bring to life the essence of the person, not just their look. I suggest guests leave plenty of time to enjoy the exhibition, starting with a quick walk through to take in the entire show, then focusing on the pieces that appeal to them most. Take in the level of detail and creativity and if you can, speak with the creators.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF THE PERFECT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT TO RECEIVE?
There is no right or wrong. The only meaning to flowers is the meaning the recipient will give to them. My first question to my customers is “What’s their (the recipient’s) favourite flower or colour?” If your wife loves field flowers, she wouldn’t love a bunch of imported red roses as much as a bunch of daisies.
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WHAT IS THE TOP FLORAL TREND YOU ARE SEEING RIGHT NOW?

Reflexing. When it’s done right, it’s beautiful but it can also look like torture for the flowers. I prefer the natural process of opening and blooming.
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WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU SEE PEOPLE MAKING WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING FLOWERS?

Thinking that all flowers need to be super tight to last and to be worth the cost. A good florist will know the “personality” of each variety of flower and will be able to tell you how long each will last. Also, a good florist will create a design that continues to live and evolve for at least a week (sometimes a lot longer). Incorporating
different varieties, scents, lines and focal flowers. Placing a tight lily at the bottom of a bouquet and behind an open rose so when the rose wilts in 2-3 days, you can remove it and the lily will open in its place.
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WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED FLOWER IN YOUR OPINION?

Zinnia
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CARNATIONS. YES OR NO?

Absolutely yes!! There’s a way to make every flower beautiful. That’s our job!!

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