Meet the team at Monet de Fleur in Camberwell Junction

Claude Monet is one of the world’s most famous artists, and flowers were his constant muse.

Inspired by the famous impressionist painter, Camberwell Junction florist Monet de Fleur creates a sense of a French garden in every bouquet.

The store is jointly run by Sherry Hou, Beryl Bai, and Ted Liu – all of whom consider themselves floral curators using seasonal blooms to create a hint of Monet’s passion for, and beautiful depiction of, flowers.

Mr Liu said “competition is fierce” in the florist scene, with many stores vying for customers.

“We believe we offer something a bit different,” he said.

“We have a special style – lots of pastel and candy colours with a fresh and delicate look.”

Monet de Fleur has customers “from mid-school all the way through to people in their nineties”.

And Mr Liu said he loves to bring joy and beauty into their lives with flowers.

“You can send any message, express any sentiment with flowers,” he said.

Monet de Fleur prides itself on their Florist Choice bouquet.

“Tell us your budget, colour and occasion, or just a little bit of a story and we will be your unique local floral curator,” he said.

“We have the expertise and artisanal creativity to deliver what you are seeking.”

Flowers for meaningful occasions

A look at their website shows the soft aesthetic of a Monet de Fleur bouquet but also the large array of bouquets that can be created within the French flower garden palette.

All manner of occasions and moods inspire stunning creativity.

“Communication is very important,” Mr Liu said.

“We are meeting people sometimes at important milestones in their lives and I want to figure out what they want the flowers to say or represent.”

Being a florist is a wonderful job, Mr Liu said.

“I get to talk to people about their newborn, their wedding or graduation, their anniversary or birthday and sometimes, sadly, a funeral,” he said.

“All of that is special and to be a small part of it and create something meaningful for those times is special.”

‘Flowers never disappoint’

Mr Liu was a consultant before deciding to venture into the florist world.

“We have been doing this for four years now and it gets better and better. This is a job where we get to seek joy and beauty every day.”

Mr Liu said Monet de Fleur’s bustling Camberwell Junction location is a crucial part of the business’ success.

“We are on the corner right near Camberwell station and that is a great spot for us. We are visible and there is plenty of foot traffic,” he said.

“Many of our customers are Camberwell locals but we also have customers from neighbouring suburbs who love what we do. The word has been spreading and that is good.”

Although the paler colours are Monet de Fleur’s signature palette, they also have floral bouquets in richer orange and autumnal tones, earthy hues, warm reds and burgundy and more vivid blues.

There’s something for all tastes and moods.

The florist also styles weddings, funerals and events.

And, as Mr Liu said, they love to curate the ‘just because’ bouquet for those ‘I-don’t-have-a-specific-reason’ impulse buys.

“Flowers never disappoint,” he said.