Meet Bloomin' Marvellous

Flowers have been a constant in Jemina Richard's life since childhood, but it was only after a 30-year floristry career that she found her true calling—teaching. She opened Bloomin’ Marvellous in 2019, a beginner-friendly flower school where she dedicates herself to helping others cultivate their own love of floristry.

Bloomin’ Marvellous was built on intergenerational love and knowledge, so it’s no surprise the space has fostered a vibrant community in Melbourne’s leafy Malvern East. On any given day you’ll likely spot generations of women inside sharing stories, forging connections and experiencing the delight that comes from working with a selection of beautiful flowers and lush foliage.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by stunning floral wall arrangements, a luxurious teal velvet couch and long learning tables arranged in a cosy semi-circle. It's the kind of spot where you can completely relax and dive headfirst into the world of floral design, no matter your experience.

Bloomin’ Marvellous sprouted from…

“Wanting to give something back to the industry that I had spent 35 years working in. I opened the school to teach floristry, that was my dream, but it’s become so much more than just that. A lot of people come to the classes for the experience—creating a beautiful arrangement, enjoying high tea and a glass of bubbles, and having an afternoon spending time with people they love.”

Flowers are a mood booster…

“It’s not rocket science what we florists do, it's not saving lives, but I do think in a lot of ways it does give a little bit of happiness. That’s the difference a bunch of flowers can have.”

My favourite part of teaching is…

“Watching people start off with just an array of beautiful blooms and then they put them in a vase and suddenly someone who has never done floristry before says, ‘Look what I made!’ That’s my aha moment.”

Arranging flowers will help you…

“Appreciate change! When the seasons come and go they bring something new and it's almost like a little gift from Mother Nature. The daffodils are coming, the freesias are coming—there’s always something to look forward to.”

You’ll leave my class with…

“Everyday floristry techniques that you can do at home and the confidence to arrange flowers in a vase so you can have something beautiful on display in your space.”

Floristry is for everyone…

“Floristry is actually quite easy and it’s so personality-based. We can all have the same flowers but everyone’s arrangement will be different. As long as you have the basic design principles in there, it’s all about being creative.”