The Hills are alive... with the smell of freshly cut blooms.

Edit 18. Flower Lady, Monbulk

Nicole Koelewyn, founder and owner of @flowerladyflowers brings floristry to life from her small, modest shed, surrounded by stunning Hills views on her family property in Monbulk, the heart of flower-growing in the Dandenong Ranges.

Nic, a Hills local born and bred, is a busy mum of three boys. She juggles their sporting commitments, a part-time job, and the ever-growing demands of her Flower Lady business.

Deeply connected to the Dandenong Ranges, Nic previously owned and operated Kallista Store in Kallista. After encouragement from her good friend Jacqui, owner of @behindthetrees_ in Emerald, Flower Lady came to life eight years ago.

Having run a local small business, Nic understands the region well, and the importance of supporting local. She sources blooms from @flowerslakeside - a supplier dedicated to stocking and selling locally grown flowers.

Today we visit Flower Lady and watch as Nic and her friend Karen carefully craft 500 arrangements for Mother’s Day. Cutting stems and shaping each posy with intention, what truly stands out in Nic’s work is her lavish use of foliage, the rich greens that contrast beautifully with vibrant blooms. All the foliage is grown and harvested on her Monbulk property and showcased generously in every arrangement.

The Dandenong Ranges are evident in every posy she creates. Her creativity is fuelled by access to fresh, local produce, and the landscape deeply influences her work. “I love working with my hands and doing all the physical stuff. I’ve always loved being creative”.

After a massive ten days preparing for her busiest week of the year leading into Mother’s Day, Nic is already looking ahead, with plans to expand her blooms into a local Hills supermarket.

If you’re looking to gift Mum something beautiful this Mother’s Day, you can find @flowerladyflowers blooms at @behindthetrees_ in Emerald.