Valentine’s Day has a long and sometimes rocky history, however, there is no doubt that in the late 5th century in Rome, Saint Valentine was recognised by the Pope. Centuries later February the 14th was designated as St Valentine’s Day and became a day to express ‘love and affection.’

Flowers have also been intrinsically linked to the expression of love for centuries. Roses were used by the Romans as for medicines, perfumes and confetti; newly married couples would wear crowns of roses and petals splashes over their bed.

If you are after fresh flowers in preparation of Monday, there are two well know corner stalls at the market to meet your needs.

The act of creating pressed and dried flowers also represents a tradition across many cultures and many centuries and is a specialty of Maria, a relatively new stallholder at stall #407 each Sunday.

A florist by training, Maria began specialising in dried flower arrangements, gifts and literal works of botanic art during the pandemic. While Maria sadly lost her florist business during lockdown, the ever adaptable Maria began exploring how to use her skills on products that, unlike fresh flowers, last more that a a few weeks.

In 2022 Maria opened her first stall at Camberwell Market, just near her new business at Shop 14, Camberwell Arcade, Camberwell. Maria is open Tuesday to Sunday and operates stall #407 from 7am to 12:30pm before then opening her shop from 1pm to 5pm in the Arcade. Maria said she loves the market and the arcade:

I really enjoy being at the market and meeting so many wonderful people. I enjoy telling people about dried flowers and the beautiful creations that can be made. The secret is the quality of the flower – that is what makes a dried flower last so long.

Cheap imported dried flowers are poor quality and deteriorate quickly, so Maria has carefully selected Australian suppliers to provide the top quality dried flowers for all her works of art, that are truly one of a kind! You will find that hand made arrangements by Maria use quality flowers that will leave you able to enjoy her work for months and even years.

You can contact Maria by email at hi@best1ofakind.com or by visiting her stall on Sunday or the Best 1 of a Kind shop in Camberwell Arcade 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays). Website www.best1ofakind.com