Our Story
Late evening pick in the field © Zara Staples
The People
Rhonda is the creative soul behind Flora Forms. Most days she can be found submerged in the flower field, forever working her way in and out and along rows of her sprawling collection of wild, old fashioned, cottage garden style blooms.
Growing plants from seed to flower is the essential inspiration for her work here, always seeking out varieties that catch her eye and imagining combinations with patterns and textures from the field. With a textile design and art teaching background, Flora Forms has become a culmination of her learning and experiences that continues to evolve.
Early morning light over the field © 2021 Flora Forms
The Place
Flora Forms is based just out of Gisborne on the sunny and isolated east coast of New Zealand. Situated on our fourth generation family farm, the flower field is nestled amongst ancient towering trees and the gentle hill country slopes. What was previously an animal grazing paddock is now blanketed with a colourful carpet of old fashioned country garden style blooms, full of scent and character.
The flower shed and studio space was originally temporary living quarters while the family home was being built in the 1930s. Having housed old cars and extensive accumulations of farm tools and equipment for many years, the spaces are gradually being repurposed and geared towards Flora Forms ventures, while retaining the character of the building.
First rays though the wall of oak trees bordering the field © Flora Forms
The Philosophy
Flora Forms has evolved from an intimate connection with nature and our surrounding environment. An organically progressing journey of creative exploration, the flowers are leading Flora Forms along a path of awareness, observation and exploration in a range of mediums.
The flowers are tended by hand, concentrating on gentle, organic practices as much as possible, being mindful of sharing this space with the creatures that inhabit the flower field and the extensive life and systems underground.
Creating with nature, by hand, is a leading value, where the makers mark is soft, thoughtful and purposeful, to make something of more than just beauty.