As the days grow longer and gardens stretch open to the sun, we turned to one of Australia’s most joy-filled flower lovers, Petrina Blooms, for her spring wisdom.
From her Northcote home to international stages, Petrina’s floral journey has been celebrated in Gardening Australia, Better Homes and Gardens, The Design Files and the esteemed publication Bloom. Now, as she works on her first book about flowers and joy, she joins OBUS Lovers to share her secrets for cultivating beauty in the garden and in the wardrobe.
OBUS: Tell us about your spring garden. What’s growing right now that makes your heart happy?
Petrina: The garden is so full and about to burst into a riot of Spring colour. It’s such an exciting time of the year. Tulips, ranunculus, anemones, blossoms, freesias, peonies- they bring so much joy, colour and life to the world. I’ve just been up in my wisteria getting her flowers ready to hang in the sky – she puts on a real show. The roses have started shooting as the daphne finishes her turn. It’s been a beautiful Winter with glorious sunshine, a sign of what’s to come in flowers.
OBUS: Any signature flowers, plants, or colours that define your garden style?
Petrina: Any flower that brings joy! More is more when it comes to blooms. I love tulips for their bold colours and form; they always put a smile on people’s face. Ranunculus are next level magical with their frilly skirts, layers with hundreds of petals. They can last up to 3 weeks as a cut flower. It’s hard to beat freesias so their scent, a true reminder of spring. My favourite flower is the garden rose; I call her the Queen. I have roses in every room of my home. She’s giving, generous and comes in so many shapes and forms. I love giving them away to friends.
OBUS: What are your top tips for creating a flourishing spring garden.
Petrina: Grow what you love is always my first tip. You’ll be more likely to take care of her and tend to her needs. When she’s in bloom, you can have a cup of tea and admire her beauty, bring her inside as cut flowers or give her joy away to friends. I love how joy is meant to be shared, and flowers do this so well!
I’ve been pottering in a garden most of my life and a florist since I was 16. It’s true, if you do what you love you find joy. Life is so short, so surround yourself with beauty. Flowers will do this for you! They lift the spirits to no end. Tulips and poppies are planted in autumn but it’s worth buying yourself some growing in a pot now. They’ll last for weeks and weeks and will lighten any space but more so, your heart.
OBUS: Which pieces are your go-to for a garden day?
Petrina: The Haven Space-Dye Jumper with the Traveller Rib Roll Neck Top! I’m loving this look. Super warm with hints of spring. I get lots of comments on this jumper, it has great colours running through it and is super cosy.
Traveller Waffle Henly Top is also a go-to! Stripes, where have you been all my life? Fresh and light, plus lots of compliments so this always makes my day.
OBUS: Any dream floral-and-fashion pairings?
Petrina: Traveller Henley Top + Companion Jeans + Brighteyes Earring = Pink Rhododendron! A super fresh and bold look calling out for Spring! Elegant but simple.
I also can’t go past the Awaken Blouse with Companion Jeans when driving around in my Ap6 Valiant 1966. The 70’s vice is next level in this outfit, you cant but help feel happy when you wear it- Joy in clothes! I spend a lot of time in Northcote, it’s like the Val wants to keep returning to High Street and I don’t blame her. It’s my favourite shopping strip in Melbourne.
OBUS: How can we all bring a little bit of spring garden joy into our everyday lives?
Petrina: Now is the time to plant out cosmos seeds, zinnias, and all the flowers that will join us late spring. Growing from seeds is simple and cost effective. They just need a small place in the sunshine and some TLC. Small pots are great for growing flowers in a balcony or small courtyard. When I lived in Northcote everything was in pots. It’s worth buying some seedlings from your local nursery and planting them on the weekend. Come November you can have your own floral paradise. Don’t be shy, more is more. If you’re thinking of buying 5 pots, get10. The smaller the space the bigger the impact more flowers will have. Fresh potting mix, some sun, a little water and love is all you need to create pure joy!
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For Petrina, joy is contagious. In flowers, in fashion, and in friendships. Whether she’s sharing roses with her neighbours or styling OBUS stripes among the tulips, her world is proof that colour changes everything.
This spring, take a leaf (or a petal) from her book: grow what you love, wear what makes you happy, and let joy bloom in abundance. Explore our Spring collection here.
