You know the hit of bright colours and shapes and scents you get when you walk into a florist? Sydney Flower Market is not like that.
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When I went last weekend there were plenty of everyday people too, who had, like me, woken up in the dark to get there early (it's open 5am-11am but it’s all over by 8.30) just to browse, sniff, ogle and, of course, buy some blooms.
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There were old-favourite carnations, and cheery sunflowers. Banana flowers, for heaven's sake. There were boxes of rose petals, and parcels of leaves. I saw a monk with his arms wrapped around several bunches of gerberas (I bought three bunches, myself, for $10). And a man walking out with just a posy of red roses, for someone he likes.
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Did you know Ecuador is one of the top producers of roses in the world? A 90c rose can sell for $8-12 in Russia. Which brings up another issue: the emissions generated by flying refrigerated flowers around the world.
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Let's hear it for flowers: pretty reminders that we're part of nature (or else why would we love them) and a way to say so much without words. I'm going to go and thank my vase of gerberas (above) right now.