If you’ve listened to the radio lately, you may have heard the phrase “a taste of autumn.”
And many of us are thinking the same thing — did summer feel shorter this year?
In New Zealand, summer officially runs from December to February, and March marks the beginning of autumn. Even if the days still feel warm, nature has already begun shifting — and that change is very noticeable in the flower world.
Why Were Roses and Some Flowers in Short Supply?
After a very busy Valentine’s Day across New Zealand, many growers experienced what we call a “hard pick” — meaning a large volume of roses and premium blooms were harvested at once to meet demand.
Following a major event like Valentine’s Day:
Growers need time for new stems to mature
Supply can temporarily tighten
Certain colours or varieties may become limited
Auction prices can fluctuate
At recent flower auctions, we noticed fewer varieties available and some roses in shorter supply. This is not unusual for this time of year — it’s part of the natural growing cycle.
Seasonal Change Plays a Role
As we move from summer into autumn:
Daylight hours slowly decrease
Growth rates begin to slow
Weather patterns become less predictable
All of these factors affect what growers can bring to market.
Unlike imported artificial products, fresh flowers follow nature — and nature doesn’t rush.
What to Expect as Autumn Arrives
The good news? Autumn brings its own beauty.
We begin to see:
Richer, deeper colour tones
Textural blooms
Long-lasting seasonal varieties
Warm palettes perfect for homes and gifting
Autumn flowers often have excellent vase life and character — perfect for creating elegant arrangements with depth and warmth.
Why Choosing Seasonal Flowers Is Always Best
At Flowers by Joanne, we work closely with auction availability and trusted growers to source the freshest blooms possible.
Choosing seasonal flowers means:
✔ Better quality
✔ Stronger stems
✔ Longer vase life
✔ More natural colour harmony
✔ Often better value
And most importantly — arrangements that truly reflect the time of year here in Orewa and the Hibiscus Coast.
A Natural Rhythm We Embrace
Summer may have felt short, but every season has something beautiful to offer.
As we move into autumn, we look forward to creating elegant, seasonal arrangements that celebrate this subtle shift in light, colour and texture.
If you ever have questions about flower availability or seasonal choices, we’re always happy to share what’s happening behind the scenes at auction.
Fresh. Seasonal. Thoughtfully selected — just as it should be.
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Flowers by Joanne
Your trusted Orewa florist since 1976
Serving Orewa, Silverdale, Red Beach and the wider Hibiscus Coast
