Flowers are now taking centre stage! They are looser, more colourful, and more fluid – making it easier to transform your home or space than ever before. And not just in interiors but also in floral installations for events, fashion shows, galleries and five-star hotels all over Cape Town, the catwalk, art galleries, hotels, and restaurants.
Floristry is no longer confined to vase arrangements or hand-tied bouquets; it has taken a definitive turn toward the modern sculptural and experimental. These fabulous and innovative creatives have pushed the boundaries of contemporary floral design in Cape Town, South Africa.
Perhaps flowers and the world of florists are our most authentic language, connecting to nature and humanity. Walking into shops adorned with botanicals, living plants and the gorgeous fragrance is undoubtedly one of life's greatest pleasures.
Florists were once almost exclusively owners of small independent shops; however, with internet-based delivery services and all-in-one convenience stores or supermarkets this has shifted the florist industry requiring flower shop owners to be creative in how they manage their businesses.
As a Cape Town florist, Fabulous Flowers has worked hard to consistently deliver the best quality service and same day flower delivery. Our Claremont flower studio is over 200 sqm of gorgeous colour, fragrant blooms and some of the best florists in the world.
Fabulous Flowers's ethos is collaborating with Mother Earth's beauty, co-creating masterpieces with the living world that inspire emotional connection, love, care and empathy. We have often been called Cape Town's favourite luxury florist and South Afircans are lving that we now deliver gift boxes and hampers nationwide from our luxury gift shop. For over 23 years, we have been styling and co-ordinating lavishly stylish weddings, functions and events and delivered over 150,000 creations to the people you love.
We do everything we can to source the most beautiful flowers and gift box ingredients from local suppliers, offering superb quality and excellent customer service.
Order for same day delivery between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Saturday. The cut-off time is 12 pm.
DISCOVER OUR FLOWERS
I became a florist entirely by accident. My Mother had a beautiful garden, and we always had cut flowers in vases in our house when I was growing up.
When I married and had my own home, I was very excited about the prospect of cultivating my own garden and knew I would find the joy and contentment my Mother had experienced in hers. I was asked to do flowers for a friend’s wedding, and whilst shaking in my shoes, I found the whole experience absolutely incredible, and the rest is history.
I absolutely love what I do and wouldn’t change anything about my career and where I spend my days. Every day brings surprises when the flowers are delivered, and I will never lose the wonder and amazement at nature, and its beautiful creations.
I never knew that I was one day going to be working with flowers and since I started I loved it. To be able create a customer's vision and seeing their faces once I'm done makes it all worthwhile. That's the reason why I love working with flowers.
I’m Natasha, and the reason why I love working with flowers is not only they are beautiful and exquisite. Some give a lovely fragrance and are colourful, but even though they have dirt in their roots, they still grow and bloom and give you a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Flowers are Happiness!
Working with flowers strengthens your emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health. It keeps me active and brings me so much joy.
Where flowers bloom, so does Hope.
While travelling through China, a friend asked what I'd love to do as a job. I'd recently seen a movie called 'A Bed of Roses ' with Christian Slater and loved how people are always happy to receive flowers. What a wonderful job: to make people happy every day!
I love being entrusted to relay a message of love through the gift of a beautifully arranged bunch.
My dream job!
Since I became a florist, I have been in awe of being surrounded by such beauty. It is the most magical experience. Also, to make people happy and send them love from their family and friends. The most exciting is when they give a review of their lovely experiences. It is so therapeutic and just makes you feel amazing.
What a beautiful way to start every day.
Every business has a heart – a core to its operations. The soul and drum beat to the golden thread that runs throughout the works. Fabulous Flowers would not be where it is today without the owner - Josie Van Aswegen. We had the privilege of catching up over the past week. And what a week! Her beautiful new studio in Toffie Lane, Claremont, South Africa, is a pleasure to visit, and the creativity there is infectious.
Where did your love of flowers come from?
My mother was an avid gardener, which was difficult on a Free state farm with the only water available from a few boreholes. She constantly convinced my Dad to let her put the sprinklers on. I used to love pottering around with her and then seeing the results of our labours. I always put fresh flowers in our house, but I had to ask first about which ones I could pick. Her garden was gorgeous.
"Having one's own business is an opportunity to learn and grow and to re-invent oneself…."
Have you always wanted to have your own business?
I had never really thought about it until I had children. When the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands as it meant I could be at home with my children when needed. I have, like most people, had considerable challenges in my life, but I can honestly say that my love of working with flowers has enormously enriched my life. Having one's own business is an opportunity to learn and grow and to re-invent oneself as the trends change, and unaccepted events happen. It's not always easy, but very rewarding if you have a plan and keep moving forward no matter what.
How did the idea to start Fabulous flowers come about?
I had a very dear friend whose sister was getting married, and she asked if I would help arrange the flowers for the wedding. I said yes instantly and then realised what a huge task I had undertaken. I planned for days with many trips to the flower market, and when the day arrived, I was up at the crack of dawn determined to get this right and to make everyone very happy. It went well, and I found that I was enjoying every moment. People asked me if I had my own florist business at reception. When eventually, about five people asked me the same question, I got the message loud and clear and decided to do some research, and the next thing I knew, I was doing contract work for the corporate market. My trips to the market became almost daily, and I began to see the potential in dried flowers and different permanent creations. I was lucky enough to do a lot of work for Southern Sun and Sun International, placing my creations in most of the bedrooms of new hotels. I worked closely with Steven Falcke, a world-renowned Interior Decorator, and he commissioned me to make incredible things for gorgeous homes in Johannesburg. At this time, I was able to train many aspiring florists and creatives, assisting them to continue in the trade and be very successful. I had opened my first shop by this stage and loved the opportunity to be creative and different and showcase my style to the public. In 1999, we moved our family to Cape Town, and the flower journey continued. Since being in the Western Cape, the business has grown, and I have allowed people we have worked with to be inspired to open their businesses.
"I was able to train many aspiring florists and creatives, assisting them to continue in the trade and to be very successful."
What motivates you to get up in the morning?
I get motivated very quickly when I think of what I have in mind to create or simply the joy of being amongst beautiful flowers every day. Seeing God's creations daily inspires me beyond my wildest dreams, and I am grateful for that. I am also motivated and look forward to going to work because I have the most incredible people working with me. My staff are essential to me, and we are a "Fabulous Family". They love what they do and look forward to coming to work. We are a very tight bunch and have worked together for many years. Tracey, my Head Florist, has been with me for almost 21 years. When she started with us, she was a cleaner, and now she is one of South Africa's best florists. Lilian has been with me for nine years and Natasha for 7.
"I have the most incredible people working with me. My staff are essential to me, and we are a 'Fabulous Family'."
What is your long-term vision for Fabulous Flowers?
We have an excellent online business, and I would like to grow that. I would also like to expand Fabulous Flowers into doing larger weddings and events. We love this side of the business and are very good at it. We also offer classes which I want to expand. We have taught little ones from three years old and adults the joy of flower arranging. I am also interested in developing training assistance in some way.
Read the full Lioness interview here.
Flowers are a heartfelt, natural way to lift our spirits. They can provide a smile for a tired face or even brighten a room for a convalescent. Just imagine your favourite flower. Are you smiling yet? You are definitely in a better mood.
There isn't a doubt that beautiful surroundings provide us with a favourite environment that helps us thrive. Flowers are a simple and affordable way to add a splash of colour and emotion to your life.
Tropical flowers are an exciting new change from traditional floral gifts like roses, and with modern shipping methods, they are available worldwide. Their large size and vibrant colours make them an impressive gift for occasions like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthdays and anniversaries.
Flowers are a heartfelt, natural way to lift our spirits, and florists understand their role in connecting people and bridging hearts from around the world. Florists and flowers can provide a smile for a tired face or even brighten a room for a convalescent. Just imagine your favourite flower or your experience walking into a florist. Are you smiling yet? You are definitely in a better mood.
There isn't a doubt that beautiful surroundings provide us with an environment that helps us thrive. Flowers are a simple and affordable way to add a splash of colour and emotion to your life. Tropical flowers are an exciting new change from traditional floral gifts like roses. Their large size and vibrant colours make them an impressive gift for favourite occasions like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthdays and anniversaries.
Flowers can be purchased from local florists like us, Fabulous Flowers. If purchasing flowers to be shipped, make sure someone is waiting to accept the order and that they are not left with the mail on a back porch in the sun all afternoon until someone comes home from work.
The perfect way to melt the heart of every woman in your life is with flowers. Roses, lilies, tulips, snapdragons, chrysanthemums. Flowers touch that special place inside every woman and tell them that you care, and florists are right in the centre of this moment, creating something exquisite to convey these emotions and feelings. Whether it is your wife, girlfriend, or mom, flowers speak the universal language of affection and appreciation. Sending flowers is a tangible way to show your love and regard. Your local florist should easily be able to assist you. Customers also have various perspectives on how this work an dmany people love artificial flowers.
Nowadays, there are many ways to give flowers to the woman in your life, and the Cape Town area is a beautiful hub of different options. No matter your style or budget, you can send flowers to the woman or lover you love. Flowers can be found in arrangements or can be purchased singly. Gift hampers and bouquets are other ways to express how you feel about that remarkable woman. You can combine flowers with candy or balloons to create a unique arrangement. Flower arrangements come in a rainbow of colours and styles.
If internet purchases are your style, then several options are available. Search our fabulous florist, and flowers for that remarkable woman are at your fingertips. It couldn't be easier. Make your selection from various options and then deliver them to that special lady's door. Here in Cape Town, where our lives are hectic and time is short, delivery is often the best option. In just a few moments at your computer, you can let the women or family in your life know that you care.
Flowers, indeed, are the way to a woman's heart. Sending flowers is an easy and heartfelt way to express your feelings for that remarkable woman in your life. Tell your girlfriend you care, tell your wife how much she means to you, and thank your mom for all her years of care.
We look forward to creating for you.
If you create, love flowers, and want to put a smile on people's faces, you may want to consider a florist career! A florist is essentially a creative, arranging flowers and other plant elements into a pleasing design. The arrangements are used primarily for celebratory events like weddings, birthdays, and Valentine's Day, but are also used for hotels, catered events, homes, funerals, and saying 'I love you.
Florists were once almost exclusively owners of small independent shops; however, with internet-based delivery services and all-in-one convenience stores or supermarkets.
Florists sell flowers to individual customers through their shops or large wholesale quantities to businesses, such as retail floral shops. As sellers, they must be experts on flowers, pointing their customers to suitable options for specific occasions and helping them choose from the wide varieties of flowers.
It used to be the case that most of a florist's clients would come in off the street to purchase a bouquet or a single arrangement. Nowadays, with people moving towards buying flowers online, a florist's customers are often looking for something more specific, like flowers and floral decor for events such as weddings, parties, holidays, graduations and funerals.
Florists will either sell the flowers and arrange for pickup, handle the delivery to the person who ordered them or take care of the entire flower decorating process.
Many florists are self-employed, working in small florist shops. Others work in flower markets, warehouses or supermarkets. When hired to make arrangements for an event, they must travel to various places, from churches to convention centres to dance halls. So compared to many jobs, there's lots of variety and a lot of opportunity to move around.
Florists do not get to sleep in. Most florists will be at the shop early to ensure their morning deliveries are ready to go out before store hours open. If a trip to the flower market is called for, a florist might already be at the market well before dawn. Depending on the number of orders and the amount of clean-up work to be done at the end of the day, a florist can work into the evening hours, even on a regular day. Floristry can be a messy and busy business.
Holidays like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the busiest times for florists. You could quickly expect to put in 12 to 14-hour shifts on those days. Other occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or events such as weddings or funerals, keep florists busy the rest of the year.
For all the hard work, though, florists tend to love their jobs. The perks of working among beautiful flowers all day make the hustle, the bustle and the sore, tired feet well worth it.
Ultimately, florists make people happier while making the world more beautiful, connected, inspiring and loving. Florists have several responsibilities that go beyond just arranging flowers and even beyond flowers themselves.
Florists create and design floral arrangements such as bouquets, centrepieces, corsages, wreaths or other arrangements. They clean, process, cut and arrange flowers (either live or dried) and other greenery and accessories according to set layouts or original designs. And they do a lot of sweeping up.
Of course, with all those flowers, they must regularly maintain them and pass on that knowledge to customers to increase their purchases' longevity.
Working with flowers is only one part of the job, however. Floristry is a business, and a florist's day will also be taken up with preparing quotes, taking orders, billing and invoicing, inventory, meeting with clients, sourcing flowers, and other daily business-related tasks.
For many florists, sales do not stop with flowers. They might also sell complementary items such as gift baskets, cards and treats like lovely teas or soaps.
Our incredible service team headed up by Erika Giloi works alongside our Cape Town florists to ensure that every order is delivered with care, love and style. Erika also leads our Business Development and she is an essential ingredient to our Fabulous Flowers team.
Contact UsAlways fresh and long lasting. My girlfriend always loves the flowers from Fabulous Flowers. My 1st choice for flowers.
My friend was delighted with your lovely flower arrangement and the bottle of Steenberg bubbly.
Thank you for the most fabulous basket of flowers delivered the same day to my mom for her 92nd birthday. I was ordering from overseas so taking a chance but they were amazing. Not only that but you delivered an extra bunch as a gift which were also stunning! Many thanks for helping to make a special person feel special. Will definitely use you again!
Bought to accompany some flowers. (The flowers were incredibly well received).
This generated almost as much rapture as the flowers.
The recipient, who is a connoisseur of these things, said it was the best cupcake she had had in a very, very long time. Almost had, I should say. My grandson demanded half.
He was also a big fan although, being 3, his enthusiasm for these things does exceed his experience, as yet.
The team was requested to go the extra mile & delivered! Fantastic sevice and fabulous flowers! Your effort was appreciated, thank you 💖
Thank you so much for providing a stunning bouquet which was sent as a heartfelt thank you. Paula was absolutely delighted with them. It is great to know I have found somewhere that can provide beautiful flowers for friends and family in Cape Town from the UK. Thank you 😊
Parents loved the Premium platter. Delivery was on time. Great service.
This was a gift for my wife. Ordered sight unseen over the web.
My wife is still talking about it. As are her mother, neighbour and sister. I have never, ever had a reaction like this to flowers.
My wife, who knows more about these things, says the arrangement is absolutely flawless.
Money very well spent. Extremely happy will all aspects of the service. I will definitely use again .
I bought this for a family member's birthday - I am in Joburg and they are in Cape Town. I previously purchased a bouquet of proteas from Fabulous Flowers for the same family member's birthday and I was just as impressed with this arrangement as I was with the proteas. I'm told the flowers lasted for longer than expected and were very pretty. The variety and colours really made the flowers 'pop'. Would happily purchase again.
As always the hampers was amazing and my sister loved every item. Will always but from this excellent store.
Was very happy with the service provided, the recipient was elated with his gift box. Will recommend Fabulous Flowers anytime
Absolut fantastic service, amazing flowers. Couldn’t be happier with the quick responses and the helpful exchange.
Was well received and beautiful...The roses colours were deep red and overall bouquet eloquent
Great product and pricing, definitely recommend AAA +++
My friend was delighted with the bread and cheese hamper. I live in UK and arranged for this gift online. Delivery was brilliant and my friend was delighted with all the content of her hamper which she showed me via video.
I am so happy to recommend Fabulous Flowers, they kept me informed re my order and delivery and created a lovely hamper that was much appreciated.
