Project Local: Drapers Field Flowers
05 May 2025
To celebrate Mother’s Day this year, we’ve teamed up with a few of our favourite makers to create two ultimate pamper prize packs – and yes, they include one of Tala Draper’s beautiful dried bouquets. If you haven’t entered yet, what are you waiting for? Enter the giveaway here.
Meet the Woman Behind the Flowers: A Day in the Life at Drapers Field
If you’ve ever picked up one of the dreamy bouquets from our store and thought “Wow, who made this?” – allow us to introduce you to Tala Draper, the creative heart and hands behin Drapers Field Flowers.
Based just outside of Te Awamutu, Tala juggles motherhood, flower farming, and homeschooling – with a strong coffee in one hand and a bunch of blooms in the other. Between school lessons and harvesting cosmos, you’ll find her in the fields – often in her pyjamas – making magic.
Flower Farming in PJ’s (Yes, Really)
Life on the farm isn’t all sunshine and daisies. Actually — it’s watering, weeding, planting, pruning, harvesting, bouquet-making, and squeezing in gym sessions or quiet Sundays when the stars align. Tala describes her days as a rotating dance between the flower fields and her kids’ playtime, with a top-priority list that keeps her grounded and going.
“The balance is a constant challenge,” she says, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
And while Drapers Field isn’t open to the public, you might catch a glimpse of Tala in the field during odd hours… sporting pyjamas. “Balancing motherhood and farming means capturing spare time whenever I can,” she laughs. Respect.
Bouquets Made With Heart (and Often in Shades of Pink)
When it comes to designing arrangements, Tala picks her palette based on the season and lets the flowers lead. “I usually pick a range of materials like pinks and purples, make up a recipe I’m happy with, and then repeat from there.” The results? Bouquets that feel both intentional and wild – the kind of thing you want on your kitchen table or to hand to someone you love.
She grows most of her flowers from seed, so it’s no surprise she gets a little attached. “Anything that’s currently blooming is usually my favourite,” she admits. “I’m always so thankful for every bloom.”
On Small Town Magic and Volare Faves
Te Awamutu might be small, but it’s packed with heart — and good food. Tala loves the community of local business owners who are all-in on making the town thrive. It’s this sense of connection that led her to stock Drapers Field bouquets at spots like FreshChoice and, of course, Volare.
Speaking of which, she has a hard time picking just one favourite from our cabinet. “The pulled beef sammies, chicken cranberry sausage rolls, lemon tart, custard donuts… and of course, a mocha.” (We feel seen.)
More Than Just a Flower Farm
Unlike many florists who source all their blooms from wholesalers, Tala grows as much as she can herself. It gives her more creative control – and it’s part of what makes Drapers Field unique. “When I don’t have enough blooms, I buy in from other local growers. But I love creating and connecting directly with customers.”
And while running a business with young kids is no easy feat, Tala’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, she’s got big plans for 2025. “I have some edible projects on the go this year that will hopefully enable us to contribute more to the community’s needs,” she says. “Drapers Field has been blessed many times over – and we’re hoping to pass those blessings on.”
Want to win a Drapersfield bouquet and more this Mother’s Day?
Enter our giveaway now for your chance to win a prize pack filled with pampering, locally made goodness — and our brand-new lamingtons too.