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Reta bouquet

Reta bouquet

Regular price $130.00 AUD
Regular price Sale price $130.00 AUD
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Bold, expressive and unapologetic arrangement featuring predominately Australian and South African native flowers combined with luscious garden flowers. 

About Reta

Reta (Aunty Reta) Creegan grew up in Nimbin and Ballina on the far north coast of New South Wales and was one of four girls. After losing her father at the age of 15, she moved to Sydney to pursue nursing, a path that would take her across Australia and beyond. At 29 years old, she studied psychiatric nursing before joining the Prince of Wales Children's Hospital (now Sydney Children's Hospital). She stayed there for 17 years later becoming the director of nursing services for the southern Sydney region.

A compassionate and formidable woman, Reta is known for her fierce loyalty, sharp intellect, and unwavering honesty. She thrives in lively debates, never shying away from expressing her views. Her homes and gardens reflect her dynamic spirit—a mosaic of herbs thriving in tin barrels, bursts of vibrant flowers, and an abundant supply of homegrown fruits and vegetables. A devoted animal lover, she is often accompanied by a cat or dog as she carefully hand-stitches quilts for newly arrived refugee families or close friends and family. 

Reta is part of 'The Matriarchs' collection.

"The matriarchs of my family have taught me so much and are a continual source of inspiration. From growing up in Nimbin on a dairy farm, the Creegan sisters - my grandmother and great aunts, are four vastly different personalities. This range pays homage to their unique sensibilities and zest for life" - Bec Humphris, Founder Not Just a Pretty Flower

Pictured: Reta (far right) with her sisters, Merle and Esme and great niece, Jessica.

Value

Please note: A redelivery fee may be charged if we are unable to successfully deliver using the information provided. All arrangements pictured are for indicative purposes only. Flowers are sourced on market and seasonal availability so variations in design, size and flower varieties may occur.

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Understanding Sustainable Floristry

Numerous issues exist in the cut flower industry and modern floral design. For instance, single-use plastic floral foam is still a prevalent medium of choice for florists. In an independent study, researchers from RMIT University Australia found that 'Bio Foam manufactured by Smithers Oasis is very similar in chemical composition to regular foam. Bio Foam also leached more chemicals into the water than regular foam, which can affect water quality in the environment and cause toxicity to animals'.

In Australia, over 60% of cut flowers and foliage are imported on refrigerated planes, leading to a substantial carbon footprint and the use of chemicals like methyl bromide (a banned toxic substance in Australia), to devitalise the flowers prior to arrival.

Our Founder, Bec Humphris, is a Sustainable Floristry Network Member, committed to applying the Sustainable Floristry Network Design and Business Principles that recognise sustainability pillars: people, planet, prosperity. Developed to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and circular economy models, guided by experts.

  • Experience Fresh Beauty with Locally Sourced Seasonal Flowers

    We use local, seasonal, field-grown flowers wherever possible sourced from Sydney Flower Market and local farms to minimise carbon footprints. 

    We use Australian native species, such as Banksia Ericfolia grown by East Coast Wildflowers, to promote local ecosystem awareness and connect people with local flora.

  • Ethical Choices at the Heart of Our Operations

    Our waste is managed to support circular economy objectives: Soft plastic (e.g. from flower wrapping) is collected and taken to our local council's recycling centre (Randwick Recycling Centre). Green material is placed into our local council managed Food Organic and Garden Organic (FOGO) bin which is turned into compost. Left over water from flower buckets is poured into our garden and plants.

  • Specialists in Creative Reuse

    We specialise in arrangements featuring second hand, vintage, antique, artisan, Australian made vaseware available for events.

    Reusable items, such as kenzans, are used for event designs and where needed, we reuse plastics e.g. discarded water vials and containers. Our designs often feature 'foraged' items collected from the streets and beaches destined for landfill or the ocean.

  • Communicate with Community

    It's difficult to fully implement the Principles in our current systems and conditions.

    Yet, we are committed to openly sharing our progress on our Mission, Vision, and sustainability goals through our social platforms, sparking curiosity, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.