From Woodstown, Waterford with Love, Why I Started My Studio Florist by the Sea
I never thought I'd be trading sales and marketing meetings for stems and secateurs, but here we are—and honestly, it feels exactly right.
Flowertastic opened its doors (well, studio door) in January 2025, just a short stroll from Woodstown Beach, Waterford. After more than 20 years in the corporate world, I made the leap to something more grounded, more creative, and a lot more colourful.
I’m a studio-based florist, which means no shopfront—just a quiet space by the sea where I work on flowers for all of life’s moments. I create hand-tied bouquets for gifts, thoughtful floral tributes for memorials, relaxed seasonal vase arrangements, and small-scale events filled with beauty and care.
You may have already spotted some of my bouquets locally in Shirley’s Delicatessen in Waterford City or the Breakwater Gift Shop in Dunmore East. Collaborating with local businesses is something I’m really passionate about—supporting each other helps keep our local communities thriving.
I also make fresh and faux wreaths, which have become really popular—whether it’s something cheerful for your front door or a centrepiece for the table when entertaining. They’re available to order individually or as part of my wreath subscription, which brings something seasonal and stylish to your home throughout the year. And yes—they can be express posted nationwide, carefully packaged to arrive looking just as lovely as when they leave the studio.
What Makes Flowertastic a Little Different?
Seasonal first – When Irish flowers are blooming, I use locally grown blooms from wonderful growers in Waterford.
Out of season – I also source from sustainable growers in Holland, Africa, and South America—which I’ll tell you more about in future blogs.
Sustainable always – While there are new types of eco foam emerging (which I’m excited to try out and get more experience with), I often use moss and birch bases in my funeral and memorial work, avoiding traditional floral foam where possible.
It’s personal – Everything is made to order with care and attention. No conveyor belts, just me in the studio, researching, planning, and ordering the freshest flowers for each bouquet.
Oh—and I’m rarely alone. Flo, one of my three Maltese dogs (the others are Poppy and Alf), likes to keep me company while I work. She’s figured out where the treat drawer is, and she’s quite happy to curl up and listen to whatever’s playing in the studio while I work.
Why a blog?
Because I’m often asked:
“What flowers are best right now?”
“Can flowers really be sustainable?”
“What’s the best way to care for my bouquet?”
This blog is my way of sharing some behind-the-scenes insight, answering your questions, and talking about the things I care about—flowers, sustainability, and the small details that make floral work feel meaningful.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m so glad you’re here—and I look forward to sharing more each week.
Kind regards,
Alyson (& Flo 🐶) x
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