BY NAME, BY NATURE

With a moniker like hers, it’s no wonder Fleur Mcharg became a florist. For the last 25 years, she’s been creating glorious floral arrangements from her base in Melbourne, and is the go-to florist for many luxury brands, including Van Cleef and Arpels, Chanel and Hermès. Her first book, The Flower Expert (Thames and Hudson, $49.99), is full of ideas and inspiration for a life full of flowers. Fleur’s husband Locky is a sheep farmer and spends most of his time working on the land in Lexton, Victoria. “When I do get out to the country, it’s the peace and quiet and the stillness that I love the most,” Fleur says. Her favourite things on the farm? The dogs. “They’re the most spoilt sheepdogs in the world!” she says. “We have a kelpie called Mac and two red heelers, Polly and Red.” Roses are what come to Fleur’s mind when thinking about country gardens. “They’re so hearty and can be grown in any soil, making them perfect flowers for the country,” she says. She also reckons that if she were a f lower, she’d be a rose. “Without a doubt: I’m hearty and tough, yet soft and delicate.” Visit (03) 9804 3522; f leurs.com.au