Lisa Dennis
Florist Olivia Coutts from Florals by Pemberley of Malmsbury has taken out a gold medal with her Great Hall of Flowers entry ‘Autumn in the Macedon Ranges’ at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Olivia told the Express she discovered the award win on the opening morning of the show.
“We had to have our displays completed by 5pm last Tuesday and the judges came in later that evening,” she said.
“I was sent an email about the win in the Visual Display Section, but I was busy with the children and hadn’t seen it.
“The first I learned of our success was when I arrived at the display Wednesday morning with my parents and my mother-in-law.
“It was a lovely surprise. I was thrilled!
“The display involved many weeks of preparation so it’s great to see it receive this kind of recognition.”
Olivia said she had been overwhelmed by the reaction to the installation.
“I have had some wonderful feedback from friends and family, visitors and other industry professionals. It’s been really amazing.”
The florist’s entry also blew up social media for the event with some wonderful comments.
“Cannot love this more! Congratulations it is an absolutely stunning install, whimsical, dreamy, melodic, prettiness. Love, love, love it very deserving of the gold,” commented Retro Revival.
“This was such a beautiful sight! Definitely deserving of the gold medal! The attention to detail, the emotion and song created was breathtaking. It literally brought a tear to my eye, thank you,” commented another visitor.
The local florist had even more to celebrate Sunday evening when she discovered she had also picked up the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for the main floral display.
“I’m just blown away by the response. It’s lovely. I had a lot of wonderful feedback from other professionals too who were impressed with the quality of the flowers from our local farms. The display primarily featured dahlias, which are in season and love the cool wet climate and fertile soil in the Macedon Ranges,” Olivia said.
“A big shout out to the six local farms and growers I sourced the flowers from including Fleurs de Lyonville, BelleAme Flower Farm, Malmsbury Flowers, Fat Magpie Farm, Lombardy Farm in Kyneton and Bunch Farm at Lauriston.
“I can’t wait to come back and do it all again next year!”
It was a hugely successful weekend for the Macedon Ranges with landscaper Clair Derwort of Lauriston also winning bronze in the student-led ‘Achievable Gardens’ section representing Bendigo TAFE where she is currently undertaking a Diploma of Horticulture.
