Flourishing ventures

Words Milly Nolan

Selling their property, they relocated further down Omaha Flats Road, and now prioritise this serene locale over their urban abode in Auckland. Nestled on seven acres, abundant with fruit trees and fertile land (perfect for growing her beloved flowers), the property has ignited Wendy's entrepreneurial spirit with the promise of new business ventures.

After bidding farewell to her renowned Auckland florist shop, Flowers After Hours, following a thirty-year legacy, retirement wasn't in Wendy's cards. Fuelled by a wealth of creative energy, she has embarked on a new endeavour: Studio Hart – a venture echoing her enduring love for all things aesthetically pleasing.

The couple’s orange orchard first sparked the genesis of Citron & Barrow, crafting dehydrated citrus slices to enliven cocktails. Forest Floor emerged next, offering contemporary potpourri sourced from forests both nearby and far-flung. Their driveway stall at 144 Omaha Flats Road has become a bustling marketplace for these delights, alongside seasonal fruits and beautifully arranged fresh flowers.

Circling back to her floral passion, Wendy has also launched Village Roots, specialising in floral styling across the Matakana region. "After 35 years in the game, my flower obsession is as strong as ever,” enthuses Wendy. “Selling flowers at the end of our driveway was a natural progression and then when I was asked to do the flowers for a local wedding, I thought why not?”

That one wedding has since turned into many, and Wendy now offers her floral expertise to events of all sizes. From intimate birthday celebrations to corporate gatherings and fairy-tale weddings, Wendy injects her signature magic. She emphasises the importance of understanding her clients' visions, leveraging her expertise to deliver unparalleled value no matter what the budget.

“I love capturing someone’s vision and watching it evolve into something magical. I am all about creating a wow factor even if there’s a tight budget. I’d say my superpower is being able to offer stylish, elegant and beautiful florals without breaking the bank. Luxury doesn’t need to be exorbitant,”
she asserts.

Beyond floral design, Wendy’s vision extends to Forest Floor's expansion later this year into beautifully scented candles and elegant wardrobe fresheners. But that’s not all – amidst her busy schedule, plans are already underway to refurbish the barn on their property into a haven for floral enthusiasts. The transformed space will feature a retail florist and gift store, offering freshly grown blooms from her land or sourced from the market, and also a space for hosting floral workshops and events.

“We envision it as a beautiful space where locals can immerse themselves in a creative hub surrounded by flowers,” Wendy explains. “I’m already growing a range of blooms such as hydrangeas, dahlias, tropical foliage, delphiniums and sweet peas, with plans for an even broader selection next year,” says Wendy. Additionally, an online store will provide the convenience of purchasing blooms and gifts from the comfort of home.

With Wendy’s diverse offerings and creative talent, the community is lucky to have her creative spirit in their midst.

wendy@StudioHart.co.nz | 021 749 149