Business Spotlight: The Rusty Bucket Floristry

If you ever want to witness pure passion in action, spend a morning at The Rusty Bucket. That’s exactly what I did, and let me tell you - it was full of energy, creativity, and the kind of warmth that makes you want to stay all day.

Zoe and her mum run this beautiful little floristry business, and alongside them is Alli, who creates the most stunning arrangements. Walking into their space, you can just feel how much heart goes into every bouquet, every interaction, every little detail. With Valentine’s Day prep in full swing, the place was buzzing - flowers everywhere, hands working quickly, laughter filling the air.

One of my favourite things was watching the way they connect with their regulars. It’s not just a business transaction - it’s a relationship. Customers came in for flowers, sure, but they also came in for a chat, a familiar smile, a little moment of joy in their day. That’s the kind of warmth and community you can’t fake - it’s built over time, with love and care.

Before spending time at The Rusty Bucket, I’d never actually walked into a florist and asked someone to build a bouquet for me. I’ve always just grabbed something pre-made, never really thinking about the process. But while I was there, I watched customer after customer create exactly what they wanted: hand-picking blooms, choosing colours, adding little details to make it theirs. Even over the phone, partners were describing their vision - “the one in your last Instagram but without those little round bits” or “something big and wild-looking” - completely customising their bouquets, even if they didn’t know exactly what was what.

It made me realise just how personal the gift of flowers really is. It’s not just about handing someone something pretty - it’s about choosing something that reflects them, their personality, their story. And that’s what Zoe and Alli do so well. They don’t just sell flowers - they help people craft emotions, memories, and moments through florals.

Between arranging, prepping, and serving customers, we had some amazing chats about local artists, creative passion, and the winding journeys that led them here. Both Zoe and Alli have really put in the work to be where they are now. Zoe isn’t just tackling this new business venture with determination - she’s put in the work to truly understand the craft. And Alli? She’s spent years learning and refining her skills, pouring her heart into every arrangement she makes. Watching them work together was like watching artists at play - effortless, yet deeply intentional.

By the time I left, I wasn’t just in awe of their talent - I was inspired by their energy, their dedication, and the love they pour into their work. Whether you need flowers for a special occasion or just a little something to brighten your day, The Rusty Bucket is the kind of place where you don’t just walk out with flowers - you walk out feeling a little lighter, a little happier.

With love,

Jen