Saying Yes: My Experience at the 11th Australian Wildflower Conference

The 11th Australian Wildflower Conference wasn’t just a conference that filled my head with knowledge. It sparked passion, inspiration, new friendships and, perhaps most importantly, a whole new appreciation for plants and the people who grow them.

I was incredibly honoured to be selected as one of just six recipients of the Young Grower Scholarship, and I knew from the beginning that this opportunity would have a tremendous impact on both my horticultural and floristry career. What I didn’t realise was just how much I would take away from the whole experience - from the pre-conference farm tours across South East Queensland to the conference itself.

Seeing the story behind the flowers

One of the highlights for me was getting out onto the farms.

As a florist, I usually experience flowers from the other end of the supply chain. I go to the wholesale market, choose the flowers I need and bring them back to my studio to turn them into arrangements. I don’t often get to see what happens before they reach that point.

Walking through the farms and seeing where these flowers actually begin was such a valuable experience.

I got to see the work, time and knowledge that goes into growing the flowers I use in my designs. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the growers behind the products I so often take for granted.

There is something quite special about seeing a flower growing in a field and then later seeing that same kind of flower sitting in a florist’s bucket, ready to become part of someone’s wedding day.

It reminded me that every stem has a story long before it ever reaches my hands.

But the people were my favourite part

As wonderful as the farm tours and presentations were, if I had to choose my favourite part of the conference, it would have to be the people.

I loved meeting others within the industry and hearing their stories, experiences and perspectives. Every conversation seemed to leave me with at least one little piece of knowledge that I knew I would remember.

What really stood out to me was how generous everyone was with their knowledge.

There was no gatekeeping. People were genuinely willing to share what they had learnt — including the things that hadn’t worked, the mistakes they had made and the lessons they had picked up along the way.

Everyone was so down-to-earth (no pun intended!) and incredibly approachable. For someone who is still relatively young in both the horticultural and floristry industries, I found that incredibly encouraging.

It reminded me that you don’t have to know everything yet. There is so much to learn, and there are so many people willing to help you along the way if you are humble enough to listen.

Coming home inspired

I left the conference with far more than just a notebook full of information.

I came home feeling inspired to keep learning, to keep asking questions and to keep expanding my knowledge of the plants that I love.

It has also made me even more excited about the direction I want to take my own career - bringing together my love of horticulture and my passion for floral design.

I certainly won’t take the opportunity to attend this conference for granted. Being one of six Young Grower Scholarship recipients was an incredible privilege, and I’m so grateful to everyone who made the experience possible.

And, of course, I’m leaving with plenty of new knowledge to put into practice - both in the garden and in the studio!

As Craig Musson wisely said during the conference:

“Say yes and learn quickly.”

That’s something I intend to keep doing.