Flower Markets.........My New Heaven on Earth !

1:30 am..........yes that's right, 1:30am !

Most of the world were sound asleep in their warm, cosy beds but I was sipping on a cup of tea, walking around like a zombie, getting dressed in the dark and about to embark on an amazing journey to the Sydney Flower Markets!

For those new friends who may not know, I began studies this year in Floristry and  each week on a Thursday I share on my blog what I have made in class that week. I have moved from the basic tying of a ribbon to making up bunches and arrangements. 

This week I share my adventures of my first visit to the flower markets.

I'll skip the bit about needing toothpicks to prise my eyes open most of the day from lack of sleep BUT I WILL share with you the smell of absolute heaven as I walked through the doors of the markets.

It was the scene of chaos.....

PICTURE THIS

Florists from all walks of life were snapping up the best of the stock before somebody else walked along and spotted them. There were carts full to the brim of boxes of fresh flowers everywhere I looked. All were being wheeled crazily up the aisles and then being loaded onto trucks and driven out into the bustling hive of Sydney.

In the corner of one little stall, I spotted  3 men having a game of cards ! I thought I was seeing things ! lol

Cups of coffee were in almost every hand I saw and every now and again I would see a very sleepy face light up at something that they spotted and just had to have !

This little world opened my eyes up to the realities of Floristry. It made me cringe at the thought of me complaining about the cost of fresh flowers when I saw just what the florists had to do to gather their stock.

The passion and dedication that gave each business their little edge on the market was quite obvious.

Creative little minds were ticking away. These creative people who wished to deliver the perfect bunch of flowers to a birthday girl, or perhaps make the perfect wedding bouquet for a blushing bride.

These humble little bees who hunted and gathered for all of their customers to enjoy the fruits.

Well I FOR ONE have a new found respect.

This is a little of what I saw. There are tonnes of photo's from the day but I'll share these few for the minute.......

Aren't these the most gorgeous TULIPS that you have ever seen ? (above)

These Kale plants are a personal favourite of mine, I often grow them in my own garden.

 or my favourites......Peonies ! They aren't in season at all over here in Australia and I jumped for joy when I saw them.  I wanted to buy every single bunch !

How about some Lavender, David Austin Roses or a Sweetpea or two ?

and then it was time to hit the wholesale warehouses to stock up on supplies.  I was off like a shot into those warehouses.

 Into my basket a sea of colour went flying.....ribbons, oasis foam, wire, pretty gifty bits and pieces to create.

SHOPPING HEAVEN !!!

Here are a few of the things that I bought......

I have so many pretty things creating as we speak in my mind.
I cannot wait to make those wreaths up !

As you can see, I had some fun. There is waaaay more, this is just a taster !  I am simply bursting at the seams with new ideas and inspiration.

AND NOW THIS IS WHAT I MADE !!!

I had an absolute armload of flowers to carry around the markets.

I chose....pale blue Delphiniums, PEACHY PINK stocks, Green Kale, Pink Peonies and a BIG bundle of Pussy Willow !

Don't you just LOVE the pale pink bucket. I bought that too !!

I could ramble on and on but I'm sure I'd have you asleep. I will however entertain you all with the eye candy to follow in the next couple of days......

So stop back tomorrow.....and the next day and I will show you what else I have made !

                                      xo