BEAUTY AT HOME WITH

There is a rare grace that some people simply carry – a way of being eloquently spoken, generous with time and presence, deeply wise, and endlessly curious. Saskia Havekes of Grandiflora is all of this and more.

She kindly invited us into what she affectionately describes as her ‘shambolic’ home. Far from chaotic, we found a sanctuary rich with evidence of a life fully lived alongside her partner and daughters, Sunday and Ginger. Deep devotion to family, a quiet reverence for art, and a profound respect for nature have grounded her career – not only as a globally-respected florist operating out of her iconic Potts Point boutique, but as an author and fragrance creator.

Inside her home, the botanical world touches every corner, from the delightful metal flower pulls on her kitchen cabinetry to the verdant greenery of carefully tended plants and cut blooms.

She spoke tenderly of her unmissable Sunday family meals – always gathered around a flower-strewn table, of course - and shared her belief that every flower possesses its own quiet 'spirit,' a subtle magic that resists capture by canvas or camera.

She is, in every sense, a flower whisperer. Discover our conversation below.

A place to meet yourself in spirit and style with family and friends, an environment for reflection and development of yourself and somewhere to share honestly. Somewhere to welcome new ideas and newcomers. A haven for animals and growth of plants. A place to experiment and bring in creativity and an atmosphere of alternate thinking to reflect who you truly are. A resting place.

The Susan Norrie small painting of an abstract flower. Also the large armchair upholstered in my fathers antique Kalim.

The metal lantern that hangs outside the kitchen, made by my father who was a sculptor. I love to keep it on in the night to welcome goodness toward us all as a lantern of hope and kindness.

Our first day in the door bursting with enthusiasm and plans. The dog and children in tow.

Nature is always at the centre of my inspiration and our home feels enveloped by an organic surround. I have found myself learning from my clients, the saturation of the markets, its growers, and all the influence of the incredible locations I experience on a daily basis. In my own home I’ve become used to experimenting with any flower in lots of locations in my home with light, vases, scale and colour quite obsessively.

My flowers at home are very haphazard and spontaneous, often bringing specimens of blooms and copious leaves. At the moment I am loving the big rose lilies but I always remove the pollen before it stains surfaces. I change the water obsessively and recut the stems before putting them back in fresh water. Clients always have more consideration, developing a style for each environment. I do enjoy the psychology of spaces, people and occasions and utilising the flowers to tap into an effect of emotion. The message ultimately sits in the realm of love and care for any moment to honour. It could be a party, wedding, birth, death or sale of a home that flowers can make an emotional note for.

The magnolia grandiflora is the signature iconic flower that represents our studio.

It's my favourite flower and its scent is represented in two of our perfumes, specifically the opening notes of the magnolia in its hesperidic, grapefruit, green scent.

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