Jonima Flowers were one of the first stallholders at Carriageworks Farmers Market. Their family run flower farm is nestled in the village of Yanderra, Wollondilly Shire, located at the foothills of the Southern Highlands.
We spoke to Ingrid Padovano, also known as the “The Flower Boss” who hails from three-generations of ‘all things flowers’ that both fuels her passion and informs the craftsmanship of her floristry.
Can you tell us who is behind Jonima Flowers and who we can expect to greet us at your stall?
We are a family owned and operated business managed by me, Ingrid Padovano and my partner John Padovano. I oversee the operations of business including sales and floristry and John manages sales and the farm production.
My nick name is ‘The Flower Boss’, and in marrying ‘The Farmer’, together we imagined a flower farm that would be a floral oasis. I was able to bring together the things I love through floristry and farming and developed a keen fascination of the botanical world.
Tell us more about the farm and the flowers.
We are flower growers, growing our blooms at the foothills of the southern highlands. We grow over a 100 different varieties of flowers and foliages throughout the year. Our product specialises in growing a variety of flowers and foliages within their seasons and showcasing the best that the seasons have to offer. Expect to find unusual and interesting foliages and blooms.
What makes Jonima Flowers stand out?
We know our blooms. We are the true meaning of ‘field to vase’ where our flowers are picked from our farm and brought direct to our consumers. We bring such a variety of blooms that are all local and open the eyes of the consumer of what is possible in cut flowers.
We are not only passionate about growing but love to provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make your flowers last, and can help you with choosing blooms that work together to create your vision at home.
If you are unable to decide we also have mixed bouquets that reflect the seasons of the farm.
Can you share with us something about Jonima Flowers that our market community may not know?
Our business name Jonima! We are a family business and our name came about from all the members of the family. We come from a long line of flower growers, being the third generation to follow through in the flower industry.
What is something unique to the Jonima Flowers stall?
Our colourful display.
We are known for our seasonality and our interesting and unusual blooms. We are also known for our green practices, use of minimal plastics.
The family is also a big part of our stall.
What’s your favourite thing about trading at Carriageworks Farmers Market?
- The connection with the community; the stallholders, the consumers and the relationships that have developed.
- Watching people grow, seeing families evolve.
- That we are able share what we love.
- Knowing our blooms bring happiness and smiles.
Stallholder Setup
Arriving from a crisp 6am every Saturday morning, we caught frame-by-frame the behind the scenes process for their weekly stall set-up. View below.
Visit Jonima Flowers every week at Carriageworks Farmers Market. Open from 8am – 1pm, every Saturday.