About Us
The Mandalay Story
By Louise and Billy Jennigs.
Mandalay Flowers Double Bay 2004
A lifelong love of flowers
For more than 40 years, Louise and Billy have dedicated their lives to flowers.
Their story is one of passion, hard work and an enduring commitment to quality—from their first flower shop in Double Bay to the much-loved Mandalay Flowers of today.
While the business has grown and evolved, their philosophy has remained beautifully simple: personally source the finest flowers available and create every arrangement with genuine care.
1982 — The Flower Man
Louise and Billy’s journey began in 1982 when they opened their first florist, The Flower Man, in Double Bay.
By 1985, the store at the Double Bay Arcade had become a vibrant destination, overflowing with fresh flowers and welcoming a growing community of loyal customers.
It was here that Louise and Billy established the personal service, creativity and dedication to quality that would become the foundation of Mandalay Flowers.
Photo caption:
Billy surrounded by flowers at The Flower Man in the Double Bay Arcade, 1985.
1992–2001 — Flowers, Berries and Leaves
A flower farm with a remarkable history
The story of Flowers, Berries and Leaves began long before Louise and Billy arrived in the Dandenong Ranges.
Following the First World War, two brothers acquired adjoining land through a government scheme that offered land for one pound an acre, provided it was used to grow food-producing crops.
One brother established a cherry orchard. When the other brother’s crop failed, he persuaded the government to allow him to establish a nursery instead.
He began importing rhododendrons and other flowering shrubs from Japan. The plants made the long journey by sea from Yokohama, their roots carefully wrapped in burlap. These extraordinary plants became the original nursery stock from which the farm grew.
In those days, plants were not sold in plastic pots. Customers would drive into the Dandenong Ranges, choose the plants they wanted, and watch as they were dug from the earth, wrapped in burlap and prepared for the journey home.
By the time Louise and Billy discovered the property in 1992, many of the original shrubs had been growing there for decades. Rhododendrons once planted just 12 inches apart had grown into magnificent trees reaching three metres in height.
Louise and Billy carefully brought the historic farm back to life, selectively thinning the densely planted shrubs so the strongest could flourish. They cultivated and cut an extraordinary collection of rhododendrons, camellias, lilacs, witch hazel and forsythia—including what was believed to be one of the largest forsythia plantations in Australia at the time.
They named the property Flowers, Berries and Leaves.
For almost a decade, the farm deepened their understanding of growing, seasonality and the natural beauty of every branch and bloom. It was an experience that would profoundly influence the distinctive, garden-inspired style they later brought back to Mandalay Flowers in Double Bay.
Photo caption:
Louise and Billy in 2004, the year they opened Mandalay Flowers in Double Bay.
Every day begins at 3:00 a.m.
Long before Double Bay wakes, Louise and Billy’s day has already begun.
At 3:00 a.m., they make their way to the Sydney Flower Market to personally select the freshest and most beautiful flowers available that morning.
Every bloom is chosen for its quality, colour, freshness and character. Only the very best returns with them to the Mandalay store, ready to be transformed by our talented team of florists.
This early-morning ritual is more than part of the job—it reflects the care, commitment and love of flowers that have defined Louise and Billy’s work for more than four decades.
Exceptional flowers, personally selected
Mandalay Flowers is known for an abundant and ever-changing collection of premium seasonal flowers, beautiful plants and extraordinary blooms.
We are especially proud of our extensive range of Colombian roses, selected for their generous flower heads, velvety petals, remarkable colours and lasting beauty.
From classic whites and romantic blush tones to rich reds and vibrant seasonal shades, our signature rose display has become a much-loved feature of the Double Bay store.
Created for you in Double Bay
Behind every Mandalay creation is an experienced and talented team of professional florists who share Louise and Billy’s passion for beautiful flowers.
Whether you are looking for a simple posy, a thoughtful gift or a magnificent statement arrangement, our florists can create something especially for you on the spot.
Every arrangement is made by hand using the finest flowers available that day. We take the time to understand the occasion, your preferred colours and the feeling you would like your flowers to express.
The result is something personal, thoughtful and unmistakably Mandalay.
Weddings, private celebrations and corporate events
Flowers have the power to completely transform an occasion.
Mandalay Flowers creates floral designs for intimate celebrations, elegant weddings, private functions, corporate events, fashion shows, luxury launches and large-scale installations.
Our team works closely with every client to understand their vision and bring it to life through exceptional flowers, thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail.
From a single beautiful arrangement to an entire venue filled with flowers, every event is approached with the same creativity, care and commitment to quality.
Mandalay today
More than 40 years after opening their first flower shop, Louise and Billy remain as passionate and involved as ever.
They continue to visit the flower market, work alongside their team and welcome customers into the Double Bay store—many of whom have been part of the Mandalay story for decades.
For Louise and Billy, flowers have never simply been a business. They are a lifelong passion and a way of helping people celebrate, remember, connect and bring beauty into everyday life.
We invite you to visit Mandalay Flowers in Double Bay and experience our beautiful collection for yourself.
We would love to create something special for you.
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