A flower-filled childhood in Holland inspired a lifelong love of blooms for Franca Logan, who opened her popular Takapuna florist shop Florienne in 2015.
“Growing up in Holland, you always have flowers in the house,” she recalls. “When you do the grocery shopping, you pick up flowers. You don’t go to anyone’s house without flowers in your hand – it’s second nature.”
Tulips are still Franca’s most beloved blooms, with their nostalgia-filled memories of home and her childhood.
The passionate florist, who will showcase her work at the New Zealand Flower and Garden Show later this month, advises the home flower enthusiast to buy local and seasonally to always get the best for the time of year.
For spring she loves Sandersonia, also known as Golden Lily of the Valley, a charming flower that resembles yellow lanterns.
Striking Gloriosa Lilies, with their unusual flame shaped petals, are another favourite.
Both work perfectly with the growing trend for more casual flower arrangements – a blessing for the home florist, says Franca.
For those wanting to do a little DIY of their own, she recommends sticking to a minimal colour palette. A mixture of white, peach and orange is Franca’s pick for this time of year.
Another simple tip? Be creative in your use of vase. “Anything that can hold water, stick a flower in it…jam jars, jugs.”
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Advertise with NZME.Franca is also a fan of the Japanese tradition of Ikebana, with its arrangements that are simple and beautiful. “There’s a complex simplicity that’s just beautiful. You look at it and it’s always perfect and balanced.”
When it comes to her own garden, like many others Franca is time and space poor, so grows plants in containers on her deck.
For the novice gardener, she recommends succulents as the perfect starter plant as they are easy to grow and can be harvested to create terrarium displays. She also suggests Hostas and Orchids.
Her top tip for keeping Orchids alive is simple: don’t let them sit in water. “That’s instant death. When you water them, make sure you drain them properly, and don’t drown the roots. They like a bright indirect light, they don’t like midday sun.”
Franca will be bringing that passion and expertise to the New Zealand Flower and Garden show later this month, where she will be creating a floral installation that pays homage to the European migrants who brought roses, peonies and carnations to our shores.
She’s also looking forward to the Upcycle competition presented by Resene and Tui, and the Gardening for Small Spaces section – so she can learn tips to use in her own home. A member of her staff is taking part in the Flonzi Young Florist competition, so Franca will be watching with interest.
Whether you’re working on a sprawling country garden or smaller bee friendly flowerbeds, you’ll find plenty of inspiration at the New Zealand Flower and Garden Show.
With over 100 displays from local and international exhibitors, the show runs from November 29 to December 3 at The Trusts Arena, Waitakere.
For more information, visit nzflowergardenshow.co.nz, and book your tickets now.
