Launnie Long-standers: Tamar Valley Roses

Few businesses offer the privilege of being part of their patrons' most joyful moments quite like floristry. Meg, part-owner of Tamar Valley Roses, feels a deep sense of pride in this: "It's nice being part of people's lives! From doing wedding arrangements for customers to then watching those same people go on to start families – it’s all very special."

With a strong history of growing and selling flowers in Launceston, Meg and her family are no strangers to the ebb and flow of this beautiful city. "Being in business in Launceston, there's always someone you know, and if you can help them in some way, then you do. That is what is so special about this city," says Meg.

Tamar Valley Roses began in the 1970s when Meg’s parents took the leap into growing, cutting, and selling their own flowers. "My brother Andrew and I grew up around blooms," Meg recalls fondly. "In the early days, we grew all sorts of things! Eventually, we specialised in roses." Since stepping into the shopfront role in 1998, Meg and her family have remained an active part of the Launceston community. "Andrew runs the farm while I run the shop," she says. "And our Mum—well, she refuses to retire!" Meg laughs. "She still helps out at both the farm and shop and is, of course, an integral part of what Tamar Valley Roses does."

When asked about the most significant challenge in all her years of business, Meg names COVID as both the most strange and the most unexpected. "When COVID first started, I, like many business owners, thought it would be the end. What we failed to realise in the beginning was that because people couldn’t see each other, they began sending flowers instead!" She recalls with amazement. "For us, it turned out to be an incredibly busy season! I learned that no matter what, flowers are universal. Just being able to bring a smile to someone’s face—it’s lovely. It’s so nice to be a part of a business that gives back, especially in a tumultuous period like COVID."

A longtime Launceston resident, Meg believes the city’s supportive community is the key to its past, present, and future success. "One thing that’s definitely a benefit is that because Launceston is a small city, you really get to know people," she explains. "If we didn’t have the support of the community, we would not have survived. The community spirit is amazing."

Meg’s passion for bringing joy into people’s lives is unmistakable. "Let’s face it, you always have a smile on your face if you receive a flower," she laughs. "Send flowers, not hugs. It’s the gesture that matters."

Launceston is a city of long-standing businesses, each woven into the fabric of its beautiful riverside home through all its seasons—and Tamar Valley Roses is no exception. "I’m very proud of the fact that we’ve been here for as long as we have. We get the opportunity to be a part of people’s lives—their highs and lows—and that’s lovely," Meg says proudly.

With deep roots in Launceston and a passion for floristry that spans generations, Meg and her family look forward to many more years of sharing life’s special moments with their community—one bouquet at a time.