WHEN the global financial crisis hit, then-loans banker Drue Daly was sat behind a desk with the soul-crushing task of asking clients for money back.
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One day, after seven years in the business, she threw in the towel and took a job at the Brisbane Flower Market.
And, the owner of Botanique New England has been a florist ever since - about to embark on her newest workshop, Peony and Prosecco.
"II just thought it would be great to do something totally different without the stress, which is funny because it's actually really stressful," Ms Daly said.
"I really went into the wholesale side because I was working for a rural finance company and the part I loved was talking to the farmers, I ended up speaking to the growers and I picked things up from there dealing direct with them and being in the market."
Peony and Prosecco is the first garden vase arrangement workshop Ms Daly has run, using locally grown peonies from farms in Uralla and Guyra.
The flower is usually in bloom for just two weeks of the year, but because of the different varieties and temperature the region has about a four week season.
The goal is to create a garden vase arrangement using seasonal flowers and plenty of peonies, Ms Daly said.
"We're so lucky to live in this area that peony farms are so close and I thought a good way to celebrate, not everyone wants a wreath but to learn how to put a basic vase arrangement together and pull stuff out of your garden will be fun," she said.
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"I'll be teaching people how I choose my flowers, how to care for them, put them together and some tips and tricks they can use at home.
"It's something anybody can do, it's just for fun and to celebrate the peony, catch up with friends and eat a beautiful grazing plate.
Tickets are $155 and there are two workshops, one on November 6 and another on November 20.
For information visit Botanique New England's website.