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I never knew Singaporeans had a penchant for floristry \u2013 until Australian artist <\/span>CJ Hendry\u2019s Flower Market<\/span> installation opened at Gardens by the Bay\u2019s IMBA Theatre, which runs until Sunday (Jun 14).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Almost overnight, my <\/span>social media feed was filled with influencers<\/span> gathering and arranging colourful plush flowers under a starkly white tent.<\/span><\/p>\n I get the appeal, along with the aunties who love a Teresa-Teng pose for pictures next to flowers, real or plushie. Hendry\u2019s whimsical blooms \u2013 with their soft fabrics and shapes \u2013 remind our fingers of the wonder and joy playing with toys those many years ago. And when you\u2019re browsing and putting together a bouquet that pleases you, you\u2019re choosing to be present for yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can, of course, pick your own handcrafted blooms from other places, away from what I suspect will be a maddening weekend at GBTB. Some of these local business owners even teach classes to make your own bouquet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prices range from less than S$80 to as much as\u00a0S$250 for a bouquet. Check the respective vendor’s website or social media account for details.<\/span><\/p>\n Singer and songwriter Nathan Hartono recently gave a shoutout to the Bukit Batok-based <\/span>Ivy Wonder<\/span> in an Instagram Reel. He shared that the shop is \u201cfull of some of the most detailed and beautiful crochet flowers I have ever seen\u201d, including lilies, roses and sunflowers \u2013 and every intricate flower is handmade. The video also showed customised dolls and pots of hanging plants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While the shop has only been open since last year, the owner has been crocheting flowers for about 10 years. Pick your flowers and have them wrapped and presented like a bouquet of fresh flowers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n1. IVY WONDER<\/span><\/h2>\n