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Ruby Oak Floristry – From the Beginnings to Now

Adele Day • September 15, 2023

I (Harry Day) decided to write this blog as I am incredibly proud of what my wife has achieved with her business, and I thought it should be written down so we can reflect back on the story before it becomes a distant memory.


In late 2019, Adele was a property manager for a local real-estate in Wollongong, but you could tell she always wanted to do something more creative. So, together with her mum Christine, they decided to study a Certificate III in Floristry at the Pearsons School of Floristry in Sydney. 


During her study, Del would always practice her floristry skills by creating dried flowers arrangements and advertising them on local community pages, or by helping her friends do their wedding flowers at effectively cost prices. The small amount of floristry work she was doing really cemented her love for flowers and it was obvious this was something she wanted to do as a full-time job. So they decided to officially register Ruby Oak Floristry as a business on the 1st of March 2020.

Not long after this, on the 10th of March 2020, our son Cooper was born and thanks to Covid-19, the next few months were spent stuck at home. A few months went by and Del’s maternity leave was running out. At that point she had to decide whether she would return to her property manager job or take a risk on Ruby Oak Floristry. Even though the Covid-19 pandemic was just starting to begin, she decided to take a chance and go all-in on a floristry career. Why not!


At first, Del’s plan was to become a full-time wedding florist. she got a photoshoot done to show off some of her wedding arrangements and styles. She advertised and tried to get herself out there as much as she possibly could. And before she knew it, she was incredibly busy with admin, talking to brides and booking in wedding florals for late 2020 and 2021.



Over the next few months Ruby Oak Floristry was very busy with wedding work, completing many beautiful wedding flowers all over the South Coast & Southern Highlands. But by July 2021, Covid-19 restrictions surrounding weddings were starting to come into full effect, making the wedding industry incredibly tricky. Weddings were no longer allowed to take place in NSW, and when the state eased restrictions, Covid safety rules allowed no more than 5 guests at a wedding. This of course was not practical to almost everyone, resulting in mass cancellations and postponements in the industry.

As Covid-19 restrictions had no end date, Ruby Oak Floristry had to adapt in order to keep the business alive. Flower deliveries were still allowed to operate so she decided to shift the business to focus on that instead.


On the 16th of August 2021 she officially launched the Ruby Oak Floristry website, allowing customers to order their flower bouquets and gifts through her online shop. She received so much support at this time from friends, family and complete strangers, and for that she couldn’t have been more thankful! When she first started, Del was delivering same day flowers throughout the Sutherland Shire and the Illawarra. Whilst covering that distance for same day delivery sounds absolutely crazy now, I know she loved every second of it at the time! She found herself becoming incredibly busy with flower deliveries and as a result, her home garage “studio” was just not cutting it anymore.


In late 2021, Adele & Christine started searching for a retail space in the Illawarra. Luckily enough, they found an old Chinese restaurant for lease on the main street of Fairy Meadow. They decided this was the next step the business needed to take, and went for it. Any spare time the whole family had in December 2021 was spent converting the Chinese Restaurant into a florist, and with the help of all of our family and friends, in January 2022 they officially opened the doors to their very first retail shop.

Different Covid-19 variants were coming and going and Covid restrictions were changing every day. But luckily for us, florists were still allowed to trade, and the support received from the Fairy Meadow community was overwhelming. Ruby Oak’s first Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day in the new store was an absolute blur and looking back on it now, we had no idea what to expect and were incredibly underprepared. Adele had never worked in a retail florist before so a lot of time she was simply just ‘winging it’, but to her credit what she seemed to be doing was working so she must have been doing something right!


In November 2022, Ruby Oak Floristry had the amazing honour of being awarded the most outstanding florist in the Illawarra. This was an absolute shock to Adele & Chris as they felt like they was just trying their best to keep their head above water. Trying to balance motherhood, the wedding industry returning after Covid, and the steep learning curve of running a retail shop was no easy task, but I’m incredibly proud of what Adele achieved in that time and I know she wouldn’t change a thing.

In February 2023, Adele realised she had quickly outgrown her little florist shop in Fairy Meadow and she was on the hunt for something bigger. Shortly after that, the space two shops down from Ruby Oak Floristry came up for lease at 33 Princes Highway Fairy Meadow, and it was the perfect opportunity to move into a bigger space, while still keeping a strong presence in Fairy Meadow, a community that has embraced Adele & Ruby Oak Floristry at every turn.


She got the keys to this new shop in May 2023, and she utilised the space for her Mother’s Day setup, whilst still operating out of her other store. Once the Mother’s Day rush was complete, we moved all of her equipment and stock to the new shop, and officially opened the doors to the public on the 1st of June 2023.

Adele is not one to put her feelings into words but it’s obvious this experience so far has been a dream come true for her. In writing this blog, I’m sure I’ve missed many other milestones that have happened along the way, but I thought this would be a good starting point.


I definitely want to thank all the people that have helped Ruby Oak Floristry and Adele along the way. Our family, who have worked countless hours of volunteer work over the years (myself included). Whether it be last minute baby sitting or last minute deliveries, nothing is ever too much to ask. All the tradie friends who are always more than happy to lend a helping hand whenever needed (even though Del changed shop spaces within 18 months). And lastly, to all the florists who have been part of Ruby Oak Floristry over the years. Every one of you have been an instrumental part of everything Ruby Oak Floristry is today and I can’t wait to see what it becomes in the futu

Some More Photos From the Past

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Indoor Plant Care Tips

By Jackson Barron • December 22, 2023
At Ruby Oak Floristry, our passion for all things nature beyond just cut flowers. We also love our indoor plants, and how they can transform any space into a lush and inviting oasis. To ensure that your indoor plants are healthy and thriving for years to come, it’s crucial to provide them with proper care. In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of indoor plant care, and hopefully provide you with the knowledge you need to become successful plant parents. 1. Choosing the Right Plant The first step to successful indoor plant care is selecting the right plant for your space and lifestyle. Consider factors such as: Light requirements: Different plants have varying light needs, ranging from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. Match your plant to the available light in your space. Watering needs: Some plants like to stay consistently moist, while others prefer to dry out between waterings. Choose a plant that aligns with your watering habits. Space availability: Ensure you have adequate space for your chosen plant’s mature size. Overcrowding can hinder growth and health. 2. Proper Potting and Soil The right pot and soil are essential for your plant’s overall health. When potting your indoor plant, keep these tips in mind: Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix specific to your plant’s needs, such as cactus soil for succulents or a general-purpose mix for common houseplants. Repot your plant as it outgrows its current pot to prevent root-bound issues. 3. Watering Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by indoor plant owners. To ensure you’re providing the right amount of moisture, follow these guidelines: Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry for most houseplants. Avoid letting your plant sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot. Empty the saucer beneath the pot after watering. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. 4. Humidity Many indoor plants, especially tropical varieties, thrive in higher humidity. To maintain the right humidity levels: Group your plants together to create a microclimate with increased humidity. Use a humidity tray or mist your plants regularly with a spray bottle. Invest in a room humidifier for a more controlled approach. 5. Pruning and Maintenance Regular maintenance helps your indoor plants remain healthy and attractive: Prune dead or yellowing leaves to promote new growth. Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even growth and prevent leaning toward the light source. Dust the leaves to keep them free from debris, which can hinder photosynthesis. 6. Fertilisation Indoor plants benefit from occasional fertilization, typically during their growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and follow the instructions for your specific plant. 7. Pest Control Keep an eye out for common indoor plant pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Address any infestations promptly with natural remedies or insecticidal soap. In short, indoor plants can bring beauty and a breath of fresh air to any space, but caring for them requires some knowledge and commitment. So whether your a seasoned green thumb or new to the world of indoor plants, follow these tips and your plants will be thriving in no time!
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Why Do Wedding Flowers Cost So Much?

By Adele Day • February 18, 2023
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Flower Meanings for Specific Varieties

By Christine Tasker • February 15, 2023
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