“I support another

woman’s hustle

because I am not her

and she is not me. We

are all meant to

SHINE differently.”

(@womanceosayings)

I love this quote! And this theme - that we should all be working together to build a community of support - is definitely at the heart of today’s feature blog.

Knowing our own limitations is something that takes a while to figure out when we’re developing our own small businesses. Not being afraid to say ‘No’ sometimes and instead, referring potential clients elsewhere, can seem at odds with our overall purpose but in actual fact, having a group of likeminded, supportive people in your sphere, who are willing to bounce ideas and share contacts and referrals, is also important for business growth.

As I keep saying in these blogs, it’s about building NETWORK and CONNECTION. By reading about THE BIGGER PICTURE behind all of these talented women, I hope that we gain a new understanding, find some perspective, share solidarity and not feel quite so alone. Because, let’s face it, running your own business sure can be a lonely place.

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible small businesses in the South West run by mums in their spare rooms or out in their gardens and they each have a unique story to be told; a BIGGER PICTURE to be discovered.

If you know me, or have been following along on my socials, you will know that I am a keen gardener. Time in my garden provides me with so much joy on so many levels. I could wax lyrical on the benefits of gardening for hours (rest easy, I won’t!), BUT I will say that gardening is about so much more than just plants and flowers – it’s the birds, the bugs, the bees, the spiders, the sense of wonder, accomplishment and reward. For such a solo activity, it’s also a fabulous way to connect with people. Whether you plant too many tomatoes or zucchinis and end up giving them away to neighbours, or participate in a community garden plot, or freely share bulbs or cuttings, gardening can be a very social activity and a chance to learn from, and share your bounty, with others.

My feature for October, is a woman who is not afraid to get dirty! Physiotherapist, wife, busy mum of two and green thumb, I am pleased to introduce you to:

Penny Mather

TYRENDARRA FLOWERS

Spending a morning walking around Penny’s garden and talking about flowers was definitely my idea of a good time! She is a gardener who understands that spending time with her hands in the dirt and pulling weeds is all about cultivating joy and wellbeing, not only for herself, but her young family too. Seeing her little daughter picking flowers, walking through the garden beds and squealing with delight while being pushed around in the wheelbarrow, really does highlight that teaching our children how to nurture a living thing is such a valuable lesson and gift.

Tell us about your business and what services you offer.

I grow seasonal blooms at @tyrendarra_flowers in South West Victoria. I love to grow a variety of blooms but am particularly drawn to Dahlias. From Spring-Autumn, I offer wrapped bunches and jars at a few local stores, DIY bloom buckets for events and celebrations and wholesale to local florists.

Is there a story behind the name you chose?

I grew up in Tyrendarra, returning in recent years with my young family and it felt important to connect where I grow my flowers to the name I chose. A large portion of flowers in Australia are imported, having travelled many thousands of kilometres to our country. It’s important to educate people that we can grow beautiful quality flowers locally and seasonally without needing to fly them here from overseas.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I am a chronic DIY-er! I was initially inspired to try and grow my own dahlias for our wedding, unfortunately due to timing, I didn’t manage to pull it off but I did grow a few dahlias in pots that season and was immediately hooked. Once we settled in Tyrendarra, we got to work and the flower patch came to life. It’s been rewarding to look back and see the change across the past two years from a bare paddock to a flourishing garden; full of colour, small birds, worms, bugs and of course plenty of weeds!

What is your favourite part of your job

Outside of the flowers, I work as a Physiotherapist which I absolutely love. I spend my days working with others and helping people, which is very rewarding. In addition, I manage and clean our Air BnB in Port Fairy and chase two small children around. That being said, I don’t really consider the flowers a “job”; it’s something I do because it brings me joy and it’s my time to reset and calm my mind after busy days. There really is no better feeling than dirt under your finger nails and a wheelbarrow full of weeds!

What do you offer your clients that no one else does?

The South West Victorian flower growing community is so diverse, full of lots of wonderful, creative and talented people who are growing a wide variety of beautiful flowers. I don’t necessarily offer anything in particular that others don’t. I believe as a collective, we offer our region fresh, local and seasonal flowers grown with and in nature. We also have such a great opportunity to educate people about the seasonality of flowers and where flowers come from.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt since starting your business?

It is absolutely okay to say ‘no thank you’ - if it doesn’t feel quite right or if it doesn’t excite you or align with what you enjoy and love doing. It’s completely okay to pass on an opportunity because another one will ALWAYS come along. It can be really easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and comparing your journey to someone else’s but at the end of the day, doing what makes you happy is what makes it a joy.

We have such a brilliant flower growing community in our region, if my offerings don’t quite match what someone needs, I am more than happy to recommend someone else who may.

Also, the weeds will always grow faster than you can pull them out!

I love following social media platforms like @tyrendarra_flowers, not only because the content is so pretty but I can also get lots of tips and inspiration about what other gardeners are doing in my area and also connect with people who understand that we live in a symbiotic relationship with our gardens. We give back by planting and maintaining them, but we receive so much more from them than we give. As humans, we need that connection for our minds, our bodies and our spirits. Gardens really do matter!

Edwina xx

If you would like to know more about Penny’s flowers, or have a celebration coming up that needs some gorgeous blooms, please give her a follow (and your support) on her social media page…

Instagram: @tyrendarra_flowers