# All proceeds from Mater Florist go towards the Mater hospitals for patient care.

# Volunteers play a very important role at Mater Florist, including the delivery of flowers and other associated tasks.

# We have more than 10 full time and part time staff, and ensure that experienced and qualified florists are present at all times.

# We are very proud florists and very proud of our profession. We work to encourage the development of florists by supporting and guiding apprentices and those trying to gain industry experience.

# Mater Mothers' Hospitals are one of the the largest maternity facilities in the southern hemisphere—this makes us very busy and we love it!

And onto our passion ..... flowers

# Tulips can grow many centimetres after being picked, and grow and move towards light.

# The difference between bouquets and arrangements is that bouquets are hand held bunches of flowers styled by a florist. An arrangement will always have a vessel that the stems are arranged into, being a vase, box or pot.

# The best way to extend the life of you flowers (for bouquets) is to re-cut stems just before placing them in a clean soap free vase of clean water. If you do this every day or second day, your flowers will last much longer. For arrangements, check the water level and top up with water when as required. If floral foam is used, ensure that it does not dry out at any stage.

# Floral foam a spongy phenolic foam used for flower arranging. It soaks up water like a sponge and acts both as a preservative to prolong the life of the flowers and a support to hold them in place. It is often green, but is also available in many other colours, such as purple, red, yellow, and brown. It usually is supplied in a brick shape, but can be bought in spherical shapes.
We believe roses last much longer if placed straight into water and not into floral foam. We therefore do not offer it as an option in our rose section.

# Our flowers are purchased from all across Australia, and we do try to source locally grown flowers as often as possible.