Meet the florist: Nikki Ogilvy
August 2023
Hello flower lovers!
Our featured florist this month is Nikki Ogilvy, the ‘flower boss’ of Nikau Flora design studio, located in Byron Bay, NSW. Nikki specialises in bespoke bouquets and installations for weddings and local events, and also does floral styling for homeware and fashion brands, including Spell, Wandering Folk and Kivari. With over 20 years of experience in floristry, Nikki’s designs are a visual representation of the passion she has for flowers and beautiful styling.
Originally from New Zealand, Nikki’s business name is inspired by the Nīkau palm tree, her country’s only indigenous palm and an integral plant to Māori life; it’s strength and versatility are clearly reflected in Nikki’s practice. I love the way Nikki creates floral magic inspired by everything from bohemian styling to gorgeous neutral colour palettes, and how she infuses her work with outside-the-box creativity. Her unexpected pairings of fresh blooms with dried palms, pampas grass, fresh fruit or handmade ceramics are wonderfully original, and allow her to weave a sculptural element into her artistic installations.
Nikki is also passionate about sustainability and is a great supporter of her local Byron Bay community, particularly its artists and creatives.
Our flower for August is Nikki’s favourite: the Icelandic poppy. Here’s what Nikki had to say when I interviewed her for our 2023 Planner.
1. Which flower inspires you the most and why?
The Icelandic poppy, for so many reasons. I love their wonky stems; their prickly heads that show no hint of what colour is inside; their soft, delicate, crinkly, papery, bowl-shaped petals that float so gracefully … They just sing of happiness! A bunch of poppies is the perfect natural mix of happy bright and pastel colours that pop out when they open.
2. Any fun facts about Icelandic poppies you’d like to share?
The poppy symbolises sleep, peace and death, and is an iconic symbol of remembrance. Wear it to embody peace, to commemorate someone you love or simply because you can never have too many flowers in your life!
3. Can you share any styling tips for Icelandic poppies?
Poppies are beautiful en masse, but I also love them popping up out of an arrangement. The beautiful wonky lines of their stems mean they work well in ikebana-style designs, too. Poppies are always a beautiful addition to any design – if in doubt, add poppies!
4. Any favourite combo you love to do when styling Icelandic poppies?
I love poppies sitting alongside other spring blooms such as hyacinth and ranunculus (my other favourite flower). I also love them contrasted with the waxy heads of white or terracotta anthuriums or paired with pastel blooms in a bubblegum colour palette.
You can find Nikki’s website here and follow her on Insta here.
Shannon x
SHOP THE poppies COLLECTION
