Wildly Abigail: Where Flowers Meet Art
The moment you walk into Wildly Abigail, you’re instantly greeted by a wall of colour from the flower stand and the strong scent of fresh native blooms fills your senses. This is more than jyst a flower shop – it’s an experience.
This Sandy Bay gem brings together two passions: flowers and art. Owner Abigail has spent over a decade in the flower game, blending her creative background in fine arts with her love for floristry to create something truly unique.
Seasonal, Sustainable, and Local
Abigail works with the seasons and sources locally wherever possible. Sustainability is at the heart of everything she does, from minimising waste to using compostable wrapping and avoiding plastics.
“There are so many parts of the flower industry that are just really unsustainable, and it felt like the problem was too big and too hard and that I’d have to conform to a certain model. But it’s just not true.”
With over 50% of all flowers sold in the country being grown overseas, it’s disheartening just how many resources are required to fly and ship flowers around the world.
“It’s always been a really important part from the ground up of trying to create a framework where the automatic state of the shop is it’s as sustainable as we can be.”
So how does she do it?
“Buying Tasmanian as much as possible, but the simple fact is we need to, with winter especially, buy flowers interstate. And I just really focus on Tasmanian, Australian-grown and try to work directly with as many growers as I can.”
Abigail doesn’t use plastic-coated papers or synthetic ribbons. She keeps it simple with stuff that composts well and tries to use as little of it as she can. So it’s just about the flowers, not a big showcase of wrapping.
“Which is actually great because then what you’re buying is the flowers. And I feel like that’s what people want to buy.”
“My mum’s actually the ceramicist who makes all of the vases. and we’ve got Richmond Botanical, locally made soaps, local Hobart-made perfume, and jewellery. There are quite a few beautiful makers here.”
When it comes to stocking her shelves, Abigail has a selective process,
“Making sure that it’s all natural, really speaking to that same theme of appreciating nature, keeping things simple and supporting people directly as much as I can.”
Bricks and Mortar
In today’s digital age, you can order flowers from your phone anywhere at any time, so why a bricks and mortar store?
“Good question. So many answers!”
In a world that’s increasingly online, Abigail wanted to create a space that feels personal.
“Buying flowers is an emotional transaction,” she says. “It’s about the textures, the smell when you walk in, the colours and the way the light falls on the flowers.”
Being able to interact tactfully with a product is becoming a thing of the past thanks to online shopping, but the store is Abigail’s little rebellion against the fast-paced digital world – a place where you can slow down and connect.
“It’s not just about selling flowers, but about that moment when you walk in, and you’re like, ‘Ah, it’s beautiful’, you know? I just honestly feel like that is something that we really need more of. I think that’s a huge part of being a flower retailer. It’s an experience.”
It’s not just the flowers that make this store so special; Abigail also stocks locally handmade items that have meaning.
“It’s a bit of an old school model where the shelves are full of things people have made with their hands slowly, thoughtfully, carefully and, having that consistent community connection in person.”
Flowers Meet Art
The shop’s slogan says it all: Where Flowers Meet Art. Abigail’s love for flowers began when she started using flowers in her bachelor’s degree in fine arts at university.
“I was researching the relationship between flowers and grief and what role they play in our society, and ultimately, we don’t have a lot of rituals. And so I was looking at the process of giving flowers and why we do that.”
With a background in the arts, Abigail has had artist residencies at Contemporary Art of Tasmania as well as overseas in her mid-20s.
“I was in the art world as well while I was doing other jobs in floristry, working in the wedding industry from my house. And so when I moved to Launceston, all of that extra work just kind of stopped. That’s where I had the chance of being like, okay, well, what would happen if I kind of brought those two together in one space? Where art and flowers can kind of coexist.”
And the idea for Wildly Abigail was born. With help from her family, some renos and a lick of paint later, Abigail set up shop in Launceston, where she began running her own business for the first time.
But how does one decide to run a business? Abigail had always told herself she was bad with numbers,
“I really had to break it down and do little bits at a time. I started reading books about how to make a profit and listening to business podcasts constantly. It’s hilarious because I’ve always been the most creatively driven person. And then all of a sudden I had books about finance on my bedside.”
Community at Its Core
After three years in Launceston, Abigail brought her vision back home to Hobart, where the Sandy Bay locals have embraced the store, often sharing how much they’ve missed having a florist in the neighbourhood.
“It’s really comforting and encouraging to hear comments like that. It feels like the right choice and the right location.”
There’s a real sense of community amongst the business owners in Sandy Bay,
“I think, because Sandy Bay used to have a lot of those big, fancy brands, but they’re all gone now. And I feel like what’s left behind is just a really strong sense of community.”
Abigail has well and truly embedded herself within the Sandy Bay community,
“It made me realise that Sandy Bay has got everything. We’ve Grey and Felt up the road, and Claudia Jewellers. The cafes are great, Sisterhood is the best. And my neighbours, Fella Hamilton they’re so lovely. I love The Mayfair, they do the best chicken tenders! I could talk for ages about how great everyone is.”
What’s in Season?
Right now, it’s all about peonies, grown in Stanley and loved for their short but spectacular season. You’ll also find Australian natives like flannel flowers, kangaroo paw, and banksias, plus summer favourites like garden roses.
Whether you’re after a stunning bouquet, a thoughtful gift, or just want to soak up the beauty of the space, Wildly Abigail is worth the trip. It’s a celebration of nature, art, and community, all under one roof.