A Day in the Garden with Leah Stirton

At Le Sac, we love celebrating women who pour their hearts into what they do, and today we’re thrilled to share a glimpse into the life of Leah Stirton, Director and Lead Florist at The Gardeners Daughter. Leah’s days are full of rhythm, ritual, and hands-in-the-soil creativity, and she brings the same energy to her flower designs as she does to life.

Here’s how a day unfolds in Leah’s garden, from sunrise to flower-filled deliveries.

5:30am | Sunrise & small rituals

Leah starts her mornings at sunrise, checking emails to see what orders have landed overnight and peeking at sales from The T.G.D Online Flower School. There’s nothing quite like seeing people all over the world learning flowers her way. Tea in hand, of course.

She’s also been known to wander into the garden in her nightie “just for a look,” only to emerge two hours later, slightly muddy, still in pyjamas, and very happy.

7:30am | Boots on, Le Sac ready

Once dressed, sunscreen applied and boots pulled tight, Leah grabs her Le Sac and heads back into the garden properly. Early mornings are sacred — the air is cool, the light is gentle, and the flowers are at their strongest. She always cuts in the morning or late afternoon when it’s kindest to the blooms.

8:00am | Harvesting for the flower shop

Buckets are lined up so flowers go straight from garden to water. Leah harvests thoughtfully — a balance of foliage, feature flowers and soft fillers — everything needed to create the full, fluffy mixed bouquets she’s known for.

Growing everything at home means fewer steps and less stress on the blooms. Her Le Sac keeps snips close, along with her phone for those early-morning “Can you help me today?” calls.

9:30am | Studio time

Buckets are carried into town to Leah’s studio — a 40-foot shipping container transformed into a tiny flower shop. Inside: water, electricity, fridges, antique paintings collected on travels, terracotta pots, dozens of jugs, and every florist tool imaginable.

Everyone wears their Le Sacs in the studio to keep tools with their rightful owner and prevent them disappearing into the joyful chaos of the workbench.

10:00am | Conditioning the blooms

Next comes conditioning — a vital step. Flowers are trimmed, sometimes seared, re-cut and placed deep into clean water, right up to their necks. They rest in the fridge for a few hours to drink, recover, and settle.

For large events, Leah cuts flowers a day or two ahead so they’re fully hydrated and at their best when it’s time to arrange.

12:30pm | Designing begins

With orders reviewed, the best part of the day begins. Bouquets are wrapped simply in brown paper and tied with baker’s twine (always tucked into her Le Sac). They’re beautiful, honest, and sustainable.

Cards are handwritten in calligraphy on The T.G.D’s own hand-painted cards, a thoughtful finishing touch for every arrangement.

2:00pm | Out into the world

Finished bouquets are loaded into the work vehicle, Daisy, and Leah heads out to deliver flowers to her customers. Each bouquet carries a little piece of the garden — grown, cut, arranged, and delivered with care.

By day’s end, hands are tired, boots are dusty, and hearts are full. Leah’s garden has done what it always does best, grounding, guiding, and shaping a life lived in step with the seasons.

We’re so inspired by Leah’s day, her foxgloves, her Champagne Bellinis, and her unshakable love for flowers, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. 

Follow Leah for more behind-the-scenes garden magic, floral inspiration, and everyday moments from The Gardeners Daughter.