I'm Cassy, the florist behind Flowers for Jane in Langwarrin. Every month I run the Community Posy Project in my Langwarrin studio, and once a month I also take it out to visit a community group that gives back to others. This month, I got to spend the evening with the 'Smiles Within' group at Hotel Lona in Frankston.
An evening upstairs at Hotel Lona
On Thursday night I packed up the flowers and headed to Hotel Lona in Frankston. We set up upstairs in one of their lovely private function rooms with the beautiful women of the Smiles Within group by The Business of Smiles.
It was steak night too. Lona members get special discount nights, which I think is such a great perk. So a few of us ordered dinner, and the steak got rave reviews. Absolutely beautiful, apparently! 🥩
A small group, a proper hands-on floristry class
It was grand final eve, so we were a small group. But I really think that turned out to be the best thing about the night.
With only a few of us, I could give everyone a proper hands-on floristry class. And wow, these women absolutely mastered spiralling stems. Spiralling is where you add each stem on the same angle and turn the bunch as you go, so the stems twist into a neat spiral. It helps your posy stand up on its own and look full and balanced. I don't usually get to teach it in a large group, so I loved seeing it click for everyone.
What I shared in the class
We also chatted about the little things that make a big difference to how long your flowers last and how they look.
How to pick the best, freshest flowers at the market. I always look for firm stems, healthy green leaves, and blooms that are just starting to open rather than fully blown.
Cleaning up your stems. Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline. Leaves in the water break down and make it go cloudy much faster.
Always giving your flowers a fresh cut. A fresh cut on an angle, right before they go into water, helps the stems drink properly. It's one of the first things I teach in every class.
Focal flowers vs filler flowers. Focal flowers are your showstoppers, the ones that catch your eye first. Filler flowers and foliage support them, add texture and fill out the shape of your bouquet.
Two posies: one to keep, one to give
Then we gift wrapped our little posies. Everyone kept one for themselves, and took a second one home to give to someone who might need a little reminder that they matter.
That's my favourite part of every Community Posy Project. You make something beautiful with your own hands, and then you get to pass that feeling on.
Who is Jane?
On Thursday night, Jane was every woman in that room. And Jane deserves flowers. 💐
Thank you Smiles Within for having me, and thank you Hotel Lona for the gorgeous space and the delicious food.
Come and join me
Each month I run a Community Posy Project in my Langwarrin floral studio, where anyone can come along and join in. I also take the project out to visit a different community group each month. If your group or business gives back to others and you'd love me to come to you, send me a DM on Instagram to join the waiting list. 🌸
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community Posy Project?
It's a monthly, not-for-profit floristry session I run at Flowers for Jane in Langwarrin. Everyone makes two posies: one to keep and one to give to someone else.
Where do you hold the Community Posy Project?
I run it once a month in my floral studio in Langwarrin. Once a month I also take it out to a community group that helps and supports others, like the Smiles Within group.
How much does it cost?
The Community Posy Project is $15 per person which covers the wholesale cost for the activity.
Where do the donated posies go?
At my in-studio sessions, I deliver the second posies out into the community, to those who may need a little reminder they matter or just need their day brightened.
Can you bring the Community Posy Project to my group?
Yes, I'd love to. I visit one community group each month as a thank you for giving back to others. Send me an email to join the waiting list cassy@flowersforjane.com.au
Do I need floristry experience to join?
Not at all. Anyone can come along, and I'll guide you through each step..
Is there a florist in Langwarrin that runs floristry classes?
Yes, that's me! I run floristry classes and the monthly Community Posy Project from my Langwarrin studio, and I also deliver flowers around Greater Frankston and surrounds. Simply order online.
