Having grown up in the UK, I do miss the British forests and countryside, where flowers grow wild in fields and sprawling meadows. So I was super excited to chat to WILMA ESPLANA WATTS, the brainchild behind the launch of online flower shop Wildflower in Singapore. As a florist, her love of untamed nature is a key focus in her flower arrangements and bouquets.
We’ve been swooning over your Instagram @wildflowerfloristsg. Tell us about the concept of your business.
My vision is to “Bring The Wild Inside”. So, our floral arrangements are designed to mimic the wild look of flowers as nature intended. I’ve always loved creating spaces where I can experience the fleeting “flowers in the wild” rustic appearance of my arrangements.
The real artistry is in creating an untamed look that is also visually appealing. We want our customers to be able to look at our flowers inside their homes and be transported to their own imaginary gardens, meadows, wonderlands and forests.
Your flower arrangements really stand out; where did your inspiration come from?
I’m inspired by my travels to Western Europe, and seeing vistas of untamed meadows, as well as the rugged Fiordland of New Zealand, and experiencing the winters in Sydney where I grew up. I’ve tried to capture the untamed, fresh and rustic essence of nature in my floral designs, to bring a little wild into life. Your website has flower arrangements for homes, offices and even custom-made pieces.
What’s your point of difference?
Our collection is inspired and lovingly crafted around the wonderful beauty Mother Nature presents in the wild. So, no two designs are the same. The artistry behind the finished arrangement aims to capture nature at its most beautiful, while staying true to our “Wild” vision. This is quite a different narrative when compared with standard bouquets in the market.
What’s your favourite flower arrangement from your website?
I love “Wild and Fresh”. I love the simplicity and elegance of white and green arrangements. It reminds me of the cool, fresh, sunny July winters in Sydney.
How easy is it to actually put a bunch of flowers together?
Even though we’re going for the wild, carefree and fuss-free look, it’s actually quite difficult to achieve. Floristry is a form of art, so there’s a certain intricacy behind the creation process.
What’s the difference with the design process when you’re creating a custom arrangement?
I enjoy collaborating with my clients as it challenges my creativity. I capture their favourite colours and flowers, while weaving it with my style. Each custom arrangement is unique with its own story and can be made using fresh or dried flowers.
You have an interesting take on the meaning of flowers; please share it with our readers.
While objects are static, rigid and stay the same, flowers are a fleeting moment in time. They are sent and received with emotion, and then tended with care. They’re a real heartfelt gift from nature that brings any environment to life.
What types of flowers do you use in your collections?
I work with locally sourced and seasonal flowers as they last longer and keep the range affordable without compromising on the quality of the arrangements, or the Wild theme.
Did you have to go through training to become a florist?
I’m formally trained in the precision of the Japanese Sogetsu school of ikebana and a graduate of the Nobleman School of Floristry. Despite my training, I am simply passionate about flowers.
Keen to bring a touch of wild into your own home or workspace? For more info, call 8722 4212 or email info@wildflower-florist.com, or to order flowers, visit wildflower-florist.com. There’s also a fab subscription option.
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