floral Photography: Bella from Mechanic’s Botanics, Pambula
‘a Creative Life’ series - Bella (#2)
When I visited Bella’s florist studio, Mechanic’s Botanics, it felt like stepping into a world where creativity runs free and colour is celebrated. Set inside an old mechanics building in Pambula, her studio is layered, abundant, and full of life — much like Bella’s approach to floristry.
In this conversation, she shares her journey into working with flowers, the people and memories that shaped her love of nature, and what it means to create with authenticity and heart.
Can you tell me a little about the path that led you here — to working with flowers?
I stumbled into floristry when mum got me a Saturday job at the florist in the street over from our house (literally!) as my first job. So I was the Saturday girl cleaning buckets, sweeping, answering the phone etc. Then I started getting tasks like cutting stems and wrapping bunches.. suddenly I had some skills under my belt just from being amongst it all. I worked in the industry for other florists before moving down the coast to work with The Little Bouquet, who gave me the opportunity to do the floristry traineeship from Sydney and become qualified. From this I later decided to start my own business as Mechanic's Botanics. I always knew I wanted to make and create, and flowers became my medium!
Was there someone in your life who influenced your connection to nature or creativity?
My nonni (grandma) used to take me to the tulip show in Bowral every year. She's a keen gardener and took me around the gardens taking photos and explaining all the work involved - I loved it so much. We still talk about flowers a lot together, and I give her a lot of credit for my love and appreciation of nature.
What did your childhood smell like?
Oh I love this question, probably a mixture of clean cotton blankets, pasta sauce, dandelions and paint!
Can you describe your workspace for me?
What do you love most about it? It's a studio set up in the old mechanics building in Pambula, sectioned off by old french doors and sash windows. In the front of the shop you see the week's variety of fresh flowers and bunches, and the workroom in the back is where I make all my pieces for weddings, events and other daily floral items. My shop is abundantly colourful, layered, and fun! I love when people visit and show love for the shop, it means a lot to me to share it.
What’s a flower or plant you return to again and again — and why?
Ooh for now it would have to be Banksias. They are long lasting, robust and really effective in a big arrangement to make something look impressive. And they are Aussie grown which is a big bonus!
What does a typical day in your work/life look like, if there is such a thing?
My day almost always starts with a coffee. I get to the shop before it opens to set up the flowers and make any bunches that are going out for delivery that day. I spend the day helping customers, emailing suppliers and keeping the shop filled with fresh flowers. If there are weddings and large events my time is spent in the back room designing and planning.
How would you describe your style or philosophy when it comes to floral design?
My style is loose and natural, with lots of free-form. Most of the time I let the flowers do their thing, and If they want to be wild and crazy, so be it. I can work with that! My philosophy is to be as authentic as possible with everything I make.
Where do you draw inspiration from — people, places, books, memories? List any mags, blogs, books, or accounts you love.
My mum is a big inspiration, she is always full of daring ideas! Hamish Powell, Hattie Molloy, Francis Floristry and Siren Floral Co defy floristry norms, and are amazing artists. Frankie Mag to see the new and quirky ideas going around! And pretty movies like Moulin Rouge, Romeo & Juliet (Baz), and the Wizard of Oz.
What small pleasure in your work never gets old?
Looking at the finished product that took time and planning to create, especially when making something meaningful for someone. That feeling of pride in seeing the finished creation and having it enjoyed by someone is the best feeling. And a reminder of why I do this!
What’s something you’re dreaming of or working towards next?
I am taking each step as it comes currently, but one day I would love to have free-rein to create a big floral art installation for a gallery or artistic space!
