Annie’s pot plants pop with colour

PAINTING, propagating, and providing potted colour this spring, Buninyong artist Annie Ross is set to have a pop-up nursery stall beside Espresso Depot in the coming weeks.

The creative behind Studio 408 Buninyong and its umbrella initiatives, including Milly the Mooper earrings, Ross has been strengthening her green thumb during the pandemic period and is ready to share her skills.

She wants to encourage a slow flower movement.

“There’s a little courtyard beside the café, and I’m going to set up Annie’s Pots of Colour, and my flower earrings,” Ross said.

“We’re recycling, or upcycling plastic pots and hand painting them to make them more funky. I’ve done face painting for 14 years and I’m happiest when I paint, so that’s coming out in the designs.

“We’ll have seasonal plants predominantly, like daisies and pansies. We’ll also have succulents in hand painted ceramic pots, and hanging baskets.”

Ross’ father was a landscape gardener for 40 years, and has inspired her interest in greenery.

“He went to market, I’d go with him and unload the pots. We’ve both got home nurseries and he’s helping me propagate,” she said.

“It’s been a real collaboration, and my son is involved too.”

It’s her dream to establish a flower van, which will travel the district.

Studio 408 Buninyong launched approximately three years ago as a place for Ross and her husband to gain artistic exposure.

Hosting 12 exhibitions in their first 12 months, they worked with local Buninyong, Ballarat and surrounding creatives, and have collaborated with disability services to engage their clients.

Ross’ earrings, under the Millie the Mooper name, are currently sold at Zoos Victoria’s Melbourne, Werribee and Healesville sites, championing wildlife conservation.

Visit @studio_408_buninyong on Instagram or call 0407 347 258.