Australian Native Flowers that Represent Each State
Native flowers are an essential component of Australia's cultural history and play a key role in maintaining its distinctive ecosystems.
There are around 21,000 species of native flowering plants in Australia, and festivals and gardens all over the country honour them. They frequently adorn flags, coins, banknotes, stamps, and sports jerseys, and they are given to dignitaries and athletes who have achieved greatness.
Today, let’s take a look at the floral emblems of Australia and its eight states and territories.
Australia --- Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)
As the national floral emblem, the stunning Golden Wattles are found throughout south-eastern Australia, particularly in the areas surrounding the ACT, southern NSW, the Adelaide Hills, and much of Victoria. Depending on the location, Golden Wattles have different variations in plant sizes and leaf width. However, the large yellow balls of flowers and thin, curved leaves make Golden Wattles stand out in every floral arrangement.
In flower symbolism, Golden Wattle represents unity, remembrance, and reflection. Moreover, since Golden Wattles start blooming in late winter and mostly in early Spring, they also become a symbol of new growth, renewal and fresh beginnings. In case you don't know, the first day of September every year is celebrated as National Wattle Day, recognised by the federal government, for hope and the sense of pride as Australians by wearing the wattle blossom and planting wattles.
Victoria --- Common Heath (Epacris impressa)
(image by Heidi Wills)
Following a 1951 agreement between government representatives and various local stakeholders, Victoria became the first state in Australia to introduce its official floral emblem, the common heath (typically the pink heath). Governor Dallas Brooks issued the Victoria floral emblem proclamation on November 11, 1958.
The common heath is a thin, upright shrub that reaches a height of approximately 1 m. Its stems are lined with many tubular flowers that range in colour from light white to deep crimson. Although they are present practically all year, these lovely bell-shaped beauties are most common in the winter with a short-lived flowering period. The common heath could be easily found in coastal regions around Victoria as well as adjoining foothills from Clyde River, New South Wales all the way to the Mt Lofty Ranges in South Australia. Small birds frequently sit among the short, spiked leaves so they can eat the nectar the flowers generate.
New South Wales --- Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
As one of the most iconic flowers in Australia, the waratah was dubbed "the most magnificent plant which the prolific soil of New Holland gives" by botanist Sir James Smith in 1793, and then it should come as no surprise that the state of NSW and numerous NSW organisations have chosen it as their symbol flower.
Found along the NSW central coast and throughout the adjoining mountains, particularly around Sydney and in the Blue Mountains, the waratah grows as a tall shrub that can reach a height of 4 metres. Its huge inflorescences are composed of numerous little flowers that are all individually encircled by crimson bracts that resemble petals. A small fun fact about waratah is that it lost the battle of the national floral emblem just because it only occurred across the east coast of Australia.
In flower language, waratah is a symbol of beauty and magnificence with its large, red blooms. Moreover, it could be a great gift for people in the recovery phase as the waratah can even survive destruction from fires.
Australian Capital Territory --- royal bluebell (Wahlenbergia gloriosa)
The Hon. Michael Hodgman, the Minister for the Capital Territory, designated the Royal Bluebell as the floral emblem of the Australian Capital Territory on May 26, 1982. This little perennial alpine herb is found in the Australian Alps growing near to the ground in open regions, rocky outcrops, and woods. On the tips of long, slender stems, its beautiful blue/purple flowers, which reach a width of around 3 cm, draw insect pollinators. It is frequently confused with the more prevalent, spreading tall bluebell (Wahlenbergia stricta).
Even though it is a legally protected species that cannot be taken from the wild, the Royal Bluebell is a charming plant in cultivation. It is possible to propagate plants via seeds, cuttings, or divided roots. It can be grown as a ground cover, in shallow pots or hanging baskets, in sunny or partially shaded locations in cool climates.
Throughout Australia, the Royal Bluebell flower is well-known to represent growth and progress.
Queensland --- Cooktown orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum)
In 1959 as Queensland was getting ready to celebrate its centennial, the purple Cooktown Orchid was the undisputed champion among the poll of 15 species when the Courier-Mail conducted a vote to determine the state floral emblem. Despite the flowers' diminutive size, the vibrant range of lilac colours makes them stand out.
Named after the northern Queensland town of the same name, the Cooktown Orchid occurs naturally in northern Queensland, from Johnston River to Iron Range. Even though it’s widely cultivated and exported commercially, this species has become scarce or extinct in wild areas of its distribution as a result of habitat modification and uncontrolled collecting by some commercial plant collectors, notably in the southern part.
As an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid in the family Orchidaceae, this purple orchid could be used to represent respect, admiration, and dignity.
South Australia --- Sturt's desert pea (Clianthus formosus)
Adopted as the floral emblem of South Australia on 23 November 1961, the Sturt’s desert pea truly belongs to the pea family, which accounts for its pea-shaped centre and name. This unique flower is recognised for its vibrant red petals that grow from its dark, glossy centre. Its petals also feature white and dark pink hues.
The sturt’s desert pea is confined to Australia, where it occurs in all mainland States except Victoria. It is infamously difficult to grow outside of its native arid climate. According to the legislation, Sturt's desert pea is protected in South Australia. The flowers and plants must not be collected on private land without the written consent of the owner. Collection on Crown land is illegal without a permit. There are, however, plants that can grow anywhere in Australia and can be grafted onto less finicky rootstock. Full sun, perfect drainage and protection from snails are essential for them to grow.
Named the “flower of blood” by the Aboriginal People, it is considered a symbol of the blood spilt during the invasion and the following years of European settlement. Moreover, it also symbolises a similar narrative to the ANZAC poppy for remembrance in Australia.
Western Australia --- red-and-green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii)
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw was proclaimed the floral emblem of Western Australia on 9 November 1960. As one of about twelve species of the genus Anigozanthos which is restricted to the southwest of Western Australia, this gorgeous flower is one of the most coveted native flowers of Australia with its tube-shaped and velvety petals.
Fresh Kangaroo Paw flowers keep well in water, and simple line arrangements make excellent use of their vibrant colours and unique structure. It is frequently sold in bouquets of mixed Western Australian wildflowers and holds its colours well as a dried flower. The collecting of flowers to provide both fresh and dried material for local use and export had a significant impact on the wild populations of this species, although supply currently comes primarily from cultivated plants with license.
Because of its novel appearance, the kangaroo paw is a symbol of uniqueness and individuality in flower language to celebrate a unique love or friendship.
Tasmania --- Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
Proclaimed as the floral emblem of Tasmania in 1962, the delicate cream flower of the Tasmanian Blue Gum is shaped like caps (‘kalypto’ means ‘to cover’) and provides a good source of nectar for bees and the resultant honey is flavourful and rich. These beauties can be spotted in southeast Tasmanian forests.
Tasmanian Blue Gum is a tall, straight tree that, in ideal circumstances, may reach heights of 70 metres and a trunk diameter of 2 metres. At the base of the tree, the rough, deeply furrowed, grey bark is still present, but beyond this point, it is shed in strips, leaving the branches and the longer portion of the trunk with smooth bark. The juvenile leaves' waxy blue-green colour is where the plant gets its common name.
Being so tall, the flowers are rarely available for home decoration because they are typically out of reach.
Northern Territory --- Sturt's desert rose (Gossypium sturtianum)
The Commonwealth Government designated the Sturt's Desert Rose as the floral representation of the Northern Territory in 1961, and it is still used today on the NT flag. They are very little shrubs with small, mauve flowers that are arranged around crimson centres, as well as dark green foliage. Sturt's Desert Rose has also been known as Darling River Rose, Cotton Rosebush and Australian Cotton as it actually belongs to the genus Gossypium, which includes commercial cotton.
In the southern portion of the Northern Territory, north-eastern South Australia, western Queensland, western New South Wales, and portions of northern Western Australia, Sturt's Desert Rose grows naturally on stony or rocky slopes or in dry stream beds. They will begin to blossom as you read this because their peak flowering period is actually in the late winter.
In flower language, this beauty could deliver the messages such as “decision only you can make” and “adaption is critical to success”. Moreover, it is also a symbol of National Sorry Day to express forgiveness and guilt.
Due to the uniqueness of the environmental situation, Australia has become one of the most important countries for global biodiversity. With over 24,000 species of native plants, the native flowers have become one of the most prized assets in Australia. Therefore, if you want to explore the native flora world, visit our native flowers collection and take advantage of our same-day plant and flower delivery service across Melbourne, Geelong and Mornington Peninsula to get it today. If you need help finding the plants or flowers that will best suit any occasion, chat with one of our friendly team members using our online chat feature.
The best cat-friendly plants and flowers
Flowers and indoor plants are a great way to decorate your home and boost your mental health and wellbeing. For cat owners, choosing the right kinds of plants and flowers is crucial. Cats are known to eat houseplants and flowers for a number of reasons: to calm an upset stomach, process hairballs or relieve stress and anxiety. As cats love to jump and climb, it can be difficult to keep a poisonous or irritating plant away from your pet; it’s best to simply choose non-toxic plants for your home – here are our favourite cat-friendly plants and flowers.
The orchid is a widely loved houseplant. Its flower is stunning and the plant comes in a variety of colours to suit your taste – plus, the orchid is non-toxic to cats. Of course, your curious kitty might still want to take a nibble out of it; to avoid a half-eaten orchid, sprinkle some cinnamon or cayenne on the leaves. This won’t harm the orchid, but your cat will be repelled by the taste and the smell of the spices.
If you are looking for a plant that’s good for both you and your cat, look no further than the Calathea Zebra. This cat-friendly indoor plant has a stunning, striped design on its leaves and is known for its air-purifying qualities. The Calathea will foster a healthy indoor climate for you and your furry friend.
The Chinese money plant – also referred to as the pancake plant – is beautiful, easy to grow and completely cat-friendly. They’re a great indoor plant for beginners as they are low maintenance and don’t require direct sunlight, making them ideal for apartments or offices. Chinese money plants are often given as housewarming gifts because they were originally thought to bring wealth and good luck to their owners – if you’re looking for a gift for a cat parent, these are the way to go.
Venus fly trap
An extremely interesting plant to behold, the Venus fly trap is totally safe for your cat. Even if your pet does attempt a small nibble – which is unlikely – the fly trap won’t cause any harm whatsoever. This plant is a great addition to a terrarium garden and makes a fantastic conversation piece. All it needs in order to thrive is bright light and distilled water.
Plants and flowers to avoid
Certain flowers and plants must be avoided if there is a cat in the house. These include hydrangea, lilies, tulips, aloe vera, morning glory and certain varieties of succulent plants. If your cat ingests any of these plants or flowers, we advise you to seek out immediate care.
The best dog-friendly plants and flowers
Are you on the hunt for a new plant to add to your collection or a fresh bunch of blooms to brighten up your space? It goes without saying that indoor plants and flowers should never compromise the health and safety of your pet – it’s imperative that pet owners do their research before bringing any new plants into the home, as they may be toxic to your dog. We have compiled a list of dog-safe plants and flowers so you don’t have to worry about your pup.
Certain succulent plants
There are a large number of beautiful, dog-friendly succulents, including haworthia, echeveria, holiday cacti, burro’s-tail and more. Succulents are a widely popular choice for the novice plant owner because of their low maintenance nature; all they require is direct sunlight and a light watering every couple of weeks.
Adding a bit of cheer to your apartment is easy with sunflowers. They’re non-toxic to dogs
– though they may cause a stomach ache if your dog decides to chow down on them! These gorgeous flowers are easy to grow from seeds or make a great gift for a loved one who owns a dog.
Roses are a timeless, beautiful flower – but did you know that they can actually be good for you and your dog? Not only are they non-toxic, but they produce a fruit called rosehip, which is used as an ingredient in a range of pet products from supplements to shampoos. It’s known to improve hip and joint mobility, nourish their coat and soothe irritated skin. Bear in mind that rose thorns will be painful if your dog gets ahold of your bunch of roses; display the flowers somewhere out of reach – or, if you want to be extra cautious, you can pluck the thorns off the stems.
Snapdragons are a common addition to flower arrangements, adding a bright, beautiful touch to a bunch; they can also be planted and grown in your yard from seed. They’re totally safe for dogs and come in a wide variety of different colours. Many naturopaths love snapdragons for their anti-inflammatory properties – these flowers are often dried and used in various natural medicines.
Herbs
Growing herbs at home is a convenient, eco-friendly way to save some money and cut down on annoying trips to the supermarket. Plants like thyme, rosemary, basil and peppermint are popular choices as they are delicious, easy to grow and completely pet-friendly. In fact, pet experts say that dogs love the smell of basil when it’s cooking!
Plants and flowers to avoid
Flowers such as daffodils, rhododendrons, lilies, tulips, and amaryllis as well as plants like the sago palm, philodendrons, dieffenbachia, and Japanese yews can be extremely toxic – even fatal – for dogs. Avoid keeping them in the house at all costs. If your pup ingests any of these, we advise you to seek immediate care.
Before you jump into a new plant or flower purchase, a little bit of research could save your pet from experiencing negative reactions and ensure you can both enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that flowers and plants can provide. For same-day plant and flower delivery, order from Amazing Graze now.
Blooms in Season that Drive Your Winter Blue Away
With rainfall and winds agitating trees and buildings, you might have noticed that weeks ago winter started to silently creep into Melbourne. And as we approach June, it’s now finally official that winter is here. Your typical winter day normally begins with a gloomy morning, sometimes the sun will come out and make a brief appearance, but chances are that the clouds will claim their dominance back not long after. Since we can’t lock the sunlight in, keeping some fresh blooms that are in season is always a good way to add in some aromatherapy to cure your winter blue. Keep reading to see 5 of our favourite flowers that thrive and last long in wintertime.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, simply called mums, were historically first cultivated in China as a kind of flowering herb. Owning a significant history and over 20,000 cultivars across continents, the Chrysanthemum culture flourished along the journey. This also enriched the multiple symbols and meanings they carry. In most Asian countries they signify love, life and rebirth, whereas, in the west, they express sympathy, respect and honour. In Australia, Chrysanthemums are a staple for Mother’s Day gifting as its name earns the distinction.
Orchid
Being a popular plant for its outstanding bilateral symmetric blooms with upward-facing petals, Orchids are undeniably one of the largest of all plant families - there are more than 28,000 individual species of Orchids around the globe. While the range of native Orchids is countless, the common home Orchids are mostly tropical ones grown by home gardeners. Among all the most loved varieties is the Singapore Orchid. This certain type of Orchid gives out a unique variety of colours not seen in others. Thanks to the differently shaped petals, Singapore Orchids contrast the bouquets they’re used in and even rest elegantly just by themselves in a vase lightening up your home ambience.
Carnation
Another bloom that thrives perfectly under our tropical weather in Australia is Carnations. They are the ideal candidates that florists love to include in their winter arrangements because the variety of colours offers a vast array of meaning and symbolism. For example, pink Carnations symbolise motherly love. And are used to express gratitude. Red Carnations, just like red roses, come as no surprise that stands for love, admiration, and affection. White Carnations, on the other hand, have connotations of friendship, good luck, and pure love.
Lily
Lilies, their light, sweet scent make the lily flower a delight for all the senses. The history of Lily can date back to the 16th century in Crete. Written in ancient Greek mythology, the Lily is the flower created from the breast milk of Hera, the goddess of fertility and protector of women. Most lilies bloom from June to July while in August you start to see the bulbs of Oriental Lily start to blossom. They tend to have larger flowers and a stronger fragrance that is sure to impress everyone.
Hyacinth
Originally from the eastern Mediterranean, they now are a favourite to Australian gardeners after being widely naturalized. You could find the name derived from a Greek myth where Hyacinthus was a young prince loved by the sun god Apollo. Imagine on a cold gloomy winter day, smelling the sweet pervasive fragrance and adoring the vibrant colours is the thing you’d love to do to get refreshed from the winter dullness. Because of their compact growing habit, Hyacinth lasts for a long time and is ideal for growing in pots or even in vases.
All these aromatic and absolutely beautiful blooms blend well with others in almost any kind of flower arrangement. Whether it is for a birthday, wedding or just as a reminder of your love for your special ones, or even for yourself.
At Amazing Graze Flowers, we are determined to help deliver your love message through the beauty of premium flower arrangements. This newly launched bouquet, June Baby is carefully designed and arranged by our florists with a selection of winter flowers that can uplift your mood and last long.
Other arrangements that include in-season flowers are Mother’s Love, Dove Arrangement, Sweet Strawberry Native Bouquet and Sunshine Bouquet. They are without a doubt your next choice to bring vibrant colour and light to any place. Or if you want to be surprised, Trust Us is the one that never fails your expectation. Don’t miss out on our same-day delivery! Chat with one of our expert team members for help finding the perfect plants or flowers for your needs.
Iconic Easter Florals and What They Represent
Easter is a meaningful time representing new growth and fresh beginnings – including beautiful blooms. In Australia, Easter is all about families. Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate for the holiday or let loved ones know that you’re thinking of them. There is a selection of different flower varieties that are iconic to this holiday – find out what they are and what they signify, then order yours from Amazing Graze for same-day flower delivery this Easter period.
Tulips are heavily associated with Easter and are widely known to signify perfect love – their unique, bell-shaped blossom also bears a heavy resemblance to an Easter egg. Different colours of tulips represent different feelings: red signifies true love, yellow represents happiness and cheerfulness, white sends a message of forgiveness or a clean slate, and purple symbolises royalty.
Daisies are a gorgeous, delicate symbol of purity, innocence and gentility. Their wildflower-esque appearance gives them a beautiful, whimsical feel. Daisies commonly bloom in shades of white and yellow, both colours reminiscent of the Easter period. They are beautiful on their own but can also be the perfect complement to other blooms in a big bouquet.
Daffodils
Daffodils are a bright, beautiful reminder of new beginnings and rebirth, similar to other floral bulbs. In England, they are often referred to as ‘Lent lilies’ because they have long been strongly associated with Lent. Gifting daffodils to a loved one is thought to show them that they are the only one for you; superstition says a gift of daffodils will ensure your happiness together.
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are native to sunny areas, which means they are abundant in Australia. They are a common symbol of beauty, optimism and energy. Like tulips, different rhododendron colours mean different things. Red is associated with passion and sensuality, pink shows sympathy or is intended to bring calm to the recipient, and yellow evokes positivity and happiness. They are commonly found in wedding bouquets and can be the perfect addition to a bright, cheerful bouquet.
Although known as Christmas lilies here in Australia, most parts of the world refer to these beautiful blooms as Easter lilies. Apart from smelling glorious, lilies are a strong symbol of purity and resurrection. They are often given as a gift of gratitude or associated with motherhood. Lilies are one of the most popular flowers to gift at Easter; they are beautiful on their own as well as in a bouquet with other varieties.
Let a loved one know you’re thinking of them this Easter, or get a jump start on your Easter decorating with help from Amazing Graze. Take advantage of our same-day delivery every day apart from public holidays – or chat with one of our expert team members for help finding the perfect plants or flowers for your needs.
Celebrate National Scone Day with a 3-ingredient Scone Recipe
Dear reader, you probably wouldn't know, that the 30th of May is not just your regular Monday, it is National Scone Day. Yes, for the love of scones, we made it to the National Food Calendar! Above all, when most of us are still reminiscing about the glamorous and dizzying Regency London high society, we can’t help planning a vintage tea party for our next chitchat girls date.
The ‘Scone Story’
Scones are the trusty treats of an English afternoon tea. The tradition of these buttery baked goods can date back to the 16th century in Scotland. Despite all the varieties, scones were originally prepared with oat flour, baked on stones and later on griddles. The shape of a scone was as big as a medium-sized plate. People then cut it into wedges when serving.
Nowadays, you can easily find this treat in your local bakeries, corner cafes, Amazing Graze Tea Rooms, and any supermarket. Each country has its own version of the ‘best scones’. With raisins or not, no matter how you like your scones, these buttery, fluffy, sweet and sometimes savoury classics are not to miss on your to-bake list.
3 Ingredient Scone Recipe
We know, baking can be quite intimidating especially when it comes to a traditional treat like scones. But hey, rest assured. The good news is we’ve found and taste-tested this super easy recipe by the talented Carly Jacobs for you. With just 3 pantry ingredients and in 5 simple steps, voilà, delicious scones are ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of self-raising flour
- ⅓ cup of butter
- 1 cup of milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Place the flour and butter in a mixing bowl and then use your fingertips to rub the flour and butter together until the mixture forms fine breadcrumbs.
- Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add 1 cup of milk. Mix until the mixture forms a soft dough, adding an extra dash of milk if the mixture is dry.
- Lightly flour your benchtop. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and knead until smooth. Pat the dough down with the palm of your hand until it’s about 2cm thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out scones. If there is dough leftover, pull it together and repeat the process. You should end up with 15 scones.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the scones have risen and the tops are golden. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.
It’s time to show off your new scone-baking skill
Nothing beats our favourite love language: sharing food. Now that you know how to bake scones, what’s a better excuse for hosting a tea party that makes your friends feel like Bridgertons? Imagine an afternoon tea at home: chitchat, laughter accompanied with freshly baked scones, fresh flowers, some fine teas in vintage-looking tea-ware… Speaking of which, is the essence that determines the whole feel and theme of your tea party. Tell me I’m not alone, just like what a coffee mug can do, a pretty delicate teacup set always makes your tea taste somehow different! Yummier, to be exact ;) Agree with me?
If you still haven’t got your own tea set sorted but fancy one, look no further. We’ve saved you from the hassle of running across antique stores and struggling to find a complete set. This Cristina Re Blush Stripe Tea Set is an unfailing match for you. Simple yet elegant, the pink and gold combo is sure to impress you and your guests. If you’re looking for something a bit more vintage, the Charlotte Rose Teacup & Saucer Set is the one. We also have a limited edition of their Louis Leopard Luxury Set available.
Another element that can’t be left out in a nicely arranged tea party is flowers. Fresh flowers not only help you add up the colour theme, but they also carry meanings. If you’re celebrating your besties, consider including bright freesia, yellow roses and rare orchids that symbolise joy and optimism; or if you’re honouring your mums, have a look at daylilies, chrysanthemums and carnations, which explain all the virtues of motherhood… Fresh blooms are indeed more than just an accessory.
Take it to another level
Sometimes we just can’t be bothered prepping, hosting and cleaning up. There is an option we’ve got for you to fulfil your ‘an afternoon in Regency’ fantasy. All you need to do is just get dressed up, walk down the road to Rose St, and get well served. Amazing Graze Tea Rooms is there, open 7 days a week for your next high tea date.
Oh, and another PSA: sitting next to the tearoom is Amazing Graze Flowers. Who doesn't dream of an afternoon tea surrounded by beautiful blooms? Let us help you decorate your sweet high tea with some fresh flowers. Level up your high tea experience with our daily bouquet, easy!
The Best Gift Ideas for 520 Day
While most of the world celebrates one single Valentine’s Day on February 14th, lovers in China celebrate a second Valentine’s Day on May 20th, or 5/20.
In Chinese, ‘520’ is phonetically similar to ‘I love you', as 5-2-0 in pinyin is wǔ èr líng, while 我爱你, which is "I Love You" in Chinese, is wǒ ài nǐ, prompting China’s youth to start observing an unofficial lover’s day in mid-May.
Soon enough, the trend caught on amongst older generations – now, although it’s not an officially observed holiday, it is a day widely dedicated to romantic love. If you celebrate 520 Day, here are some of our favourite gifting ideas.
A bit of romance
Red roses are a classic symbol of romantic love. In ancient Greek mythology, roses are a recurring symbol of love, constantly appearing in stories alongside Aphrodite and Cupid, two of the most notable figures of love in mythology. More recently, Shakespeare famously wrote roses into the story of Romeo and Juliet as a symbol of romance and beauty. Nowadays, red roses are commonly given on anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and 520 Day.
A bit of bubbly
What better way to celebrate a romantic day alongside the love of your life than with a gorgeous bottle of champagne or Prosecco? We love Chandon Vintage Brut – or for something more affordable, you can’t go wrong with Organic Hill NV Sparkling PF. We recommend pairing your sparkling with strawberries and – if you’re feeling extra indulgent – caviar. Pack it all into a picnic basket, take your partner to a stunning location, and tuck in.
A bit of plush
Gift your partner something cuddly to snuggle with at night when you’re not around. A teddy bear or plush animal is a sweet gesture that will make them think of you whenever they see it. Choose a toy in their favourite colour or pick their favourite animal to show them how well you know them.
A bit of everything
How can you decide on just one gift for someone who deserves everything? We suggest a gift basket. Choose one with a variety of different things your lover loves – some services will even let you customise your basket so you can be sure that the recipient will love every single thing inside. For extra pizazz, purchase a bouquet of their favourite flowers as well.
Be prepared with the perfect gift for this 520 Day. Take advantage of our same-day plant and flower delivery service to get your bouquet delivered safely on time.
Why you should always have fresh flowers in your home
We’re firm believers in keeping fresh flowers in the home at all times, and not just because they look beautiful. There are a plethora of incredible benefits to having fresh bunches throughout the home – find out why.
Boost your productivity
Research has revealed that fresh plants and flowers can significantly boost your productivity levels and creativity while you work. They can also increase cognitive performance, helping us perform better while we work from home. Place a bunch on your work desk and swap them out whenever they’re looking tired – we suggest choosing stimulating colours like red and blue to keep you alert while you work.
Decrease stress
Welcome your guests
Make your guests feel like they’re stepping into a gorgeous oasis when they enter your home. Place a bunch of fresh flowers in your entryway, dining room, guest room – anywhere your guests will be spending time. They don’t have to be extravagant; even something as simple as a few bunches of baby’s breath can go a long way to boosting the ambience of your space and making giving guests a luxurious experience in your home.
Aid the healing process
Are you recovering from an illness or surgery? Fresh flowers can actually help you heal! A study carried out in 2009 showed that patients who had flowers placed in their hospital rooms while recovering from surgeries had significantly lower blood pressure, pain ratings, anxiety and fatigue than other patients who did not have fresh flowers in their room.
Cultivate a particular mood
Different varieties and colours of flowers can make people feel certain ways. White flowers tend to bring a sense of calm, while brighter colours stimulate the mind and help to perk you up. We recommend placing white and pastel-coloured flowers in calmer rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms. Bright bunches, on the other hand, should be placed in the living room and dining room to stimulate conversation or in the home office to keep you switched on while working.
We want to help you curate your ideal environment in your home using fresh flowers. To find the right flowers for your needs, contact the expert team here at Amazing Graze today. Take advantage of our same-day plant and flower delivery if you need fresh flowers in a pinch.
Decorating Your Home and Garden this Autumn
Autumn has officially arrived in Australia – leaves are beginning to turn from green to orange to brown, temperatures are dropping by the day, and beach umbrellas are being packed away. This time of year also means transitioning from bright, summery florals to more autumnal hues and hardier plants. Here are our top tips for sprucing up your home and garden using autumn plants and flowers for the new season.
Embrace autumn bouquets in your living room
While summer is about bright, flashy hues, autumn ushers in more muted tones and earthier shades. Decorating your home with autumn flowers is a great way to add a touch of colour and beauty to your decor. Dahlias, chrysanthemums and alyssums are all great choices for autumn arrangements.
Dahlias are one of the most versatile autumn flowers. They create an eye-catching display with a range of sizes, shapes, and colours. What's more, their symbolism represents wealth and elegance as well as love or involvement.
As the most typical flower for Mother’s Day, chrysanthemums bloom at their best from March through May, in a variety of colours, including traditional fall colours like orange and yellow. Symbolically, chrysanthemums represent various words in a different colour, where a pink one for honest love, a red one for motherly love and gratitude and a yellow one for sorrow and neglected love.
Also known as the “carpet of snow”, alyssums add a touch of elegance to any arrangement with small and delicate blooms. With the meaning of “worth beyond beauty” and “sweetness of soul”, this aromatic bloom emits a tranquil, spiritual vibe that promotes emotional equilibrium in the home or workplace.
Add easy-to-care plants to your home office
Sandwiched between blazing summer and chilly winter, autumn is the “cooling-off” season, which leads to a challenging period for indoor plants. However, two carefully picked plants will easily survive and thrive with shortening days.
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, also known as Snake Plant or Dracaena Trifasciata, is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to display a pop of hardy greenery in the room. It requires medium to bright indirect light while can also tolerate low indirect light and it will survive with watering every three to four weeks. More importantly, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue could tell you that it’s time to water as the plant will start wrinkling when it's thirsty. With its ability to clean the air and remove toxins, this plant is a perfect housewarming gift indicating persistence, happiness and good luck.
As one of the most indestructible indoor plants, Zanzibar Gem, also called the ZZ plant, Zuzu plant, etc., is the perfect gift for those who want some greenery in their room with little or low attendance. As sunlight will yellow the leaves, Zanzibar Gem is best to keep under indirect light and it only requires watering monthly (Don’t be panic, it could survive up to two or three months without water!), only increasing frequency with increased light. Moreover, you do not have to worry about repotting it as it grows incredibly slow. Symbolically, Zanzibar Gem is associated with dedication, and steady growth and is thought to bring good fortune and luck in Chinese Feng Shui.
To help you get a jump start on your autumn decorating, take advantage of our same day plant and flower delivery service across Melbourne. Chat with one of our friendly team members using our online chat feature if you need help finding the plants or flowers that will best suit your home and garden.
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