SPRING AFTER WINTER
Daffodils flowers symbolize new beginnings, rebirth and the arrival of spring. The ancient Greeks associated the flower with self-love, while in Victorian England, daffodils were given as gifts to express admiration and respect. In literature, the daffodil is often used as a symbol of unrequited love and hope (listen to this poem Daffodils by William Wordsoworth). In China, daffodils, blooming around Chinese New Year, symbolize good luck, prosperity, and good fortunes.
Daffodil Day
This year, Daffodil Day falls on Thursday, August 22nd. First launched in Australia in 1986 by the Cancer Council, the daffodil was chosen as a symbol of hope for cancer patients, representing renewal and the promise of a cancer-free future. In 2023, Australians raised $2.5 million for lifesaving cancer research on Daffodil Day.
Globally, Daffodil Day symbolizes hope. Since the 1950s, the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society have used daffodils to represent hope for a cancer-free future, chosen for their hardiness and symbolism of rebirth and new beginnings as one of the first flowers of spring. CFS will host a ‘Daffodil Month Pop-up Stall on Sat 10/8. You will also be able to buy a bunch of Daffodils on the official Daffodil Day on Thurs 22/8 at the following Train Stations in the City and North Shore – Chatswood, North Sydney, Wynyard and Townhall. Click here for other locations.
Check out these YouTube clips to view more daffodils!
How to grow a daffodil ( in Hong Kong)?
Exploring Australia’s largest family-owned daffodil farm
WHAT’S ON in August & September 2024?
Youth Mentoring Program
Dr Bibiana Chan, CF, and other CFS members in various professions are available to mentor young people, share their work experiences. Topics covered: study skills, time management, goal setting, getting motivated, write a resume that stands out of the crowd, job interviewing skills and assertive communication, etc.
If you know any young people (12 – 30 year) who may be impacted by the Bondi Junction Tragedy, Riots at Wakeley or Domestic Violence, please encourage them to contact Dr Bibi (communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com or call 0412-613-073)
Daffodil Month Pop-up Stall on Sat 10 August. CFS’ usual Pop-up Stall on the 2nd Sat of the month outside Little Giant Roaster Cafe. Come and meet our friendly volunteers and grab a bunch of Daffodils to ‘Petal-it-Forward’.
Career Development Workshop Part A on Sat 17 August at Chatswood Dougherty Community Centre (1:30 – 4 pm). Free for young people (15 – 25 yr). Job-seeking can be daunting when you first graduate from high school or university. In this workshop, you will learn:
1. How to clarify your job-hunting process,
2. How to navigate various pathways to find your dream job,
3. How to prepare an effective resume, and
4. How to write a cover letter that stands out from the crowd.
The facilitators, experienced employment recruiters, will share their tips on what employers are looking for, based on real-life experiences gained through years of helping people find fulfilling jobs.
Bushwalk of the Month, Sun 25 August, Bradleys Head to Balmoral Beach via Cliffton Gardens. This coastal path is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park with very scenic view of the beautiful harbour. At Bradley Head, you can see the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the then Centrepoint Tower (Westfield Tower) – Sydney’s most famous icons – in all their glory. Watch the boats glide by from Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre. Come face-to-face with wildlife and ancient trees. There are picnic tables at Cliffton Gardens for a relaxing morning tea. The keen hikers will continue to Balmoral Beach to view an Indigenous Cave. Others may exit to return to the comfort of their own homes. This group will leave at 10:05 am (the latest). If you are late, follow the map to catch-up with the group. Google Map from Taronga Zoo to Cliffton Gardens. Click here to register.
Career Development Workshop Part B on Sat 7 September at Chatswood Dougherty Community Centre (1:30 – 4 pm). Free for young people (15 – 25 yr). In this workshop, you will learn:
1. How to prepare for your job interview,
2. Gain hands-on practice with interview skills,
3. Ask questions to IMPRESS the interviewers (when given the opportunity at the end)
Floral Arrangement Made Easy (FAME) Workshop on Sat 21 Sept. It is part of the Willoughby Council’s EMERGE Festival.
Put your creative hat on and arrange a hand-tied bouquet out of flowers fresh from Flemington Flower Market. Flowers speak the language of LOVE – be it expressing admirations or sympathy. Dr. Bibiana Chan will share her passion of flower arranging and the health benefits of getting close to Nature! Once you got the hang of it, you will be able to make your loved ones the happy recipients of a beautiful bouquet. Table Centre Piece for special occasions will be demonstrated too. Click here to register.
Bushwalk of the Month, Sun 29 Sept, Freshwater to North Curl Curl Beach
The coastal walk from Freshwater Beach to South Curl Curl Beach is very scenic with blue sky and big waves along a rocky coastline between the 2 beaches. You will see from a distance the full view of Sydney’s famous Manly Beach. With some luck, you may find sea creatures enjoying the swimming in rock pools created by the last high tide. Take off your shoes and take a mindfulness walk on the sand from South Curl Curl Life Saving Club to North Curl Curl Beach! Embrace Nature and boost your mental well-being. Length: approximately 3.5 km one way. Click here to register.
All the information about the past and future walks can be found here. program. The scenery along the walks is great.
Reflections on Past Events
Mindfulness Botanical Painting Workshops at the 2024 Social Enterprise Festival was a huge success. Daddies and Mummies brought their kids to our Creative Space to have some fun and family bonding. Bibi received great feedback from workshop participants. Here are a few of them:
Some heart-warming comments from our lovely participants:
Putting mindfulness into practice because perfection is found in the moment , not by what appears on the page.
It’s a beautiful experience!
Bibi has great energy and is o kind and generous. Makes everything FUN!
Nice, peaceful break in the day to learn something new!
Amazing perfect way to get into mindfulness!
Very friendly staff, great experience and terrific chance to do something new!
It put a huge smile on my face and the facilitators were very warm and kind!
Please come with me to this session. I think we would enjoy it together – the guidance is very helpful and encouraging.
If you know someone in ACT, there is a Guided Drawing & Mindfulness program to provide a creative and relaxing outlet for individuals living with cancer and their carers.
Resilience Together Association offers After School Mandarin Class during school terms with FREE trials. Check their website for the next one. Learning a 2nd language is great for broadening our perspectives and appreciate different cultural customs. A great way to eliminate racial discrimination.
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If you feel like supporting youth mental health, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CFS. Your support will help young people learn life skills and find meaningful employment.
Michelle Benson published in LinkedIn an article entitled “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿? “She is referring to the term “non-profit” which is a tax reference, that unfortunately grew legs and became a label.
Bibiana Chan responded, “Absolutely. Perhaps a better terminology is ‘For-Purpose’. The Community Flower Studio is a youth-focused charity with a mission to help youth learn life skills and find meaningful employment. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.”
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Download the Return & Earn App onto your phone and nominate ‘Petal-it-Forward’ as the charity campaign for your refund to go. An anonymous sponsor will match the amount donated, so your contribution will be doubled!
Good news!!!
As of 30th June 2024, we raised $412.7 A total of $412.7 donation was made by our anonymous sponsor to support our ‘PETAL-IT-FORWARD’ CAMPAIGN. If you have contacts with any primary or secondary schools, please contact Bibi. We would like to invite them to nominate CFS as their charity partner. It is always easier to engage with the school administration if you know somebody!
Your generous donations are much appreciated. The Community Flower Studio is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Donations of over $2 will receive tax deductions. Please kindly make a donation to the Community Flower Studio (CFS) by direct debit. Our NAB account details are as follows: BSB No.: 082-212, Acc No.: 729-933-729
There are many ways to support CFS: become a member or contribute to the columns here. I’m always looking for a great recipe passed down from generation to generation. If you have a story to share, either write a short piece around 250 words or shoot us some photos. If there is a book or a movie you want to write a review, the CFS e-Newsletter will be happy to share with our e-Newsletter subscribers. Contact Bibi on communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
If you would like to purchase a DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit for a loved one or a friend as a present, order online here ! This is also a ‘Succulents in Colour-Sand Glass’ DIY Kit which comes with a youth-approved instruction sheet and a QR code to the YouTube clip of previous workshops. Available here. You can also purchase a DIY Flower Kit from our online shop, click Flower Crown
Flower of the Month
Billy Buttons
By Bibi
Billy Button (Craspedia globosa), also known
as Billy Balls or Drumsticks, is an eye-catching Australian native flower celebrated for its bright yellow, spherical blooms. These hardy, perennial
plants belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and are indigenous to various regions across Australia, from coastal to mountainous areas. Billy Buttons typically grow to a height of about 1 to 2 feet and are popular in both gardens and floral arrangements due to their unique appearance and long-lasting nature.
Care Instructions:
Light: Billy Buttons thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce their characteristic vibrant blooms.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Watering: These drought-tolerant plants require minimal watering once established. Water regularly during the establishment period, then reduce frequency, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Temperature: Billy Buttons are well-suited to a variety of climates but flourish in temperate to warm regions. They can tolerate light frosts but are not suited to very cold climates.
Pruning: Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming. Cut back the plant in late autumn to encourage healthy growth in the next season.
Fun Facts:
Unique Blooms: Billy Buttons are renowned for their perfectly round, golden flower heads, which make them a standout in any floral arrangement or garden.
Dried Arrangements: These flowers are highly prized in the floristry industry for their durability. They retain their shape and color when dried, making them ideal for long-lasting floral displays.
Wildlife Attraction: Billy Buttons attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
Low Maintenance: Their drought tolerance and minimal care requirements make them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Versatility: These plants are adaptable and can be grown in containers, garden beds, or as part of a wildflower meadow, adding a splash of color and texture.
Overall, Billy Buttons are a resilient, visually striking addition to gardens and floral designs, embodying the vibrant spirit of Australia’s native flora.
How Billy Buttons are appreciated across the Atlantic Ocean: Petra (Fruition Seeds) thinks Dr. Seuss would have been highly entertained and enchanted by it and so do I!
Plant of the Month
Little Ruby
by Bibi
‘Little Ruby’ (Alternanthera dentata) is a striking ornamental plant cherished for its vibrant foliage. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions, it thrives in warm climates and is often used in gardens, landscapes, and containers for its rich, deep burgundy leaves. This compact plant typically grows to a height and spread of about 12-18 inches, making it perfect for ground cover, borders, or as an accent plant.
Care Instructions:
Light: Little Ruby prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, its foliage colors are most vibrant in full sun.
Soil: It thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant.
Temperature: Being a tropical plant, ‘Little Ruby’ prefers warm temperatures and is frost-sensitive. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during winter.
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote lush foliage. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth.
Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and encourages bushier growth. Pinch back new growth to keep the plant dense.
Find out why Little Ruby came to fame – crowned the 2013 Louisiana’s’ Super Plant!
Fun Facts
‘Little Ruby’ foliage intensifies in colour with more sun exposure, shifting from deep green to rich burgundy.
It pairs well with other plants, providing a contrasting backdrop to brighter flowers or lighter foliage.
While primarily grown for its foliage, ‘Little Ruby’ produces small white flowers that can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
It can be used in various garden styles, from modern and tropical to cottage and coastal gardens.
Overall, ‘Little Ruby’ is a versatile, colorful addition to any garden, providing year-round interest and requiring minimal care.
For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.
Recipe of the Month
Fried Beef Rice Noodles by Janet L.
Ingredients (2-3 serves):
400 grams fresh rice noodles (preferably Dongxing brand)
150 grams beef fillet or rump steak 100 grams shiitake mushrooms
200 grams bean sprouts
1/2 onion, cut into strips 2 shallots, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 slices ginger, shredded
Optional: coriander
A. Preparation of Beef: cut beef into strips or small cubes.
* Marinate beef for 15 minutes with: 1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon water 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornflour
B. Preparation of Shiitake Mushrooms
Cut mushrooms into strips.
Marinate mushrooms for 15 minutes with:
1 tablespoon oil & 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
C. Preparation of Rice Noodles
If refrigerated, microwave noodles in a partially open plastic bag until soft (about 1 minute per side for a 900-watt microwave). Season noodles with:
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon light soya sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
D. Frying the Beef and Rice Noodles
Stir-fry shredded ginger in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon oil and stir-fry beef over high heat until medium rare. Add onion strips and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add some shallot pieces and mix well. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then add rice noodles and 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce. Stir evenly. When noodles are hot, add bean sprouts and stir evenly (no need to cook the bean sprouts). Add the remaining shallot pieces. Optional: garnish with coriander.
Book Review
By Kim Wilkins
BURMA SAHIB by Paul Theroux
This is the latest novel by prolific American novelist, poet and travel writer, Paul Theroux. It is a fantasy novel based on the 5-year period a young Eric Blair worked as a probationary constable in British ruled Burma in the early 1920s. Eric Blair when he started writing used the name George Orwell and, amongst other works, is responsible for 2 of the most influential books of the 20th century, “1984” and “Animal Farm”.
This is a fictionalised account of Blair’s Burma period in much the same manner as Peter Fitzimmons novels about Australian history. Theroux uses Blair to express his contempt for the British Empire, the racism and contempt the British had for the Burmese people and their culture, how a few thousand British police-controlled millions of people and how Blair’s experience there shaped his character and views.
The book has received mixed reviews for taking liberties with Blair’s views and for a lack of research. However, the author does use his talents as a travel writer to provide a believable view of British Burma. The descriptions of the people, cities and countryside I found enjoyable. The characters are a little one dimensional and do give a stereotypical view of the evils of British colonialism, if in my opinion, from a somewhat American viewpoint.
The many people still willing to advance the virtues of the British Empire (and I am not one of them) will not like this work. Published this year and 380 pages long this controversial novel (so long as it is taken as a work of fiction) will enthrall many readers.
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Resin Art Pieces from CFS’ July Family workshop.
The July 2024 Resin Workshop was our first event where family members were encouraged to attend together as a unit. Everyone had a fantastic time! Although some of the younger participants mentioned that cleaning up at the end was their least favorite part, Bibi had a positive perspective to share:
“Young people are encouraged to unleash their creativity (i.e., making a mess is acceptable), as long as we all clean up and return our tools and moulds to their best state, ready for our next fun workshop!”
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From the Desk of Bibi
From Blossoms to Impact: CFS’ Next Five Years
by Dr Bibiana Chan
The Community Flower Studio (CFS) turned five this month, and we have been invited by the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at UNSW to partner on an undergraduate course about social enterprises. As a youth-focused charity, CFS has been chosen as a case study for the course. Two young members of CFS, Thea and Jaydon, have joined me to form “Team CFS” to co-design and co-produce content for our initial presentations. They will also engage in a 10-week project with the CSI students, focusing on improving our marketing strategies—our weakest link!
I’ve been working tirelessly to create the best content for our program to fulfill our commitment to two of United Nations’ sustainable development goals to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages and making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. However, CFS must communicate better and reach our target audience. Albert Mai at Airtree Explorer summarized valuable insights after attending the 2024 Social Enterprise Festival hosted by SECNA (Social Enterprise Council NSW & ACT). One point that resonated with me was the need for diversification. Continue reading here.
Subscriber’s Corner
I Felt Proud of My Creativity
by Andrew Gebert (Member of CFS Youth Action Group)
I arrived early at the Chatswood Youth Centre with my siblings to assist Dr. Bibi in preparing for the workshop, helping her carry equipment to the door and inside once it was unlocked.
Jacque also showed up to help set up individual stations and brought three friends to participate. After a few icebreakers, we began the workshop, selecting colours of sand to fill our test bottles and the main colour Sand Glass. Each participant could choose up to six different colours for their design. During the colour selection, I had the idea to model plains with a sun and shades of blue for a brightening sky. We started creating our designs in the test tubes…
Continue reading here.
COMMUNITY FLOWER STUDIO LOGO EXPLAINED
Community: CFS is a community to support young people facing mental health challenges.
Creative: CFS hosts events to unleash young people s creative talents.
Resource: CFS provides members with resources to enhance their wellbeing.
Support: CFS offers support to members to develop their potential.
Growth: CFS fosters a growth mindset which is helpful in dealing with challenges.
Recovery: CFS sees recovery as achievable and a journey to cherish.
CONTACT US
Email: Communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.communityflowerstudio.org Mobile: 0412 613 073
Like us on Facebook:Community Flower Studio Inc. Instagram: communityflowerstudio
Address: 10-12 Clanwilliam St., Willoughby, 2068, NSW, Australia.