Amid heady scents of the Australian bush and with just over 24 hours to go before the first of the May Investiture ceremonies, our florists are arm-deep amid arrangements and flowers and foliage of every hue and colour as they orchestrate a floral ode to autumn at Government House.

This is an exciting part of preparations at Government House for the twice-yearly Investiture ceremonies, which commenced at 4.00 am as our florists filled their van to the brim at the Flemington Flower Markets with the best of the crop of both natives and local flowers, some of which have been pre-ordered especially for Investitures.

In the ballroom, magnificent traditional mixed heritage arrangements in ceremonial urns will greet Order of Australia and Australian Bravery Decoration recipients and their guests.

Arrangements feature a base of American Sweetgum with rich autumnal auburn leaf tones that contrast with the silver leaves of the eucalypt and golden Banksia ericifolia, together with velvety kangaroo paws and vibrant chrysanthemums. Red cotoneaster berries offset each arrangement with an additional jaunty and festive flourish.

Approaching her displays with the passion of a symphony conductor, Amsterdam-trained Marjan comments: “This is the highlight of the Government House year for welcoming people to the House and I try to capture the excitement of the occasion through overlays of flowers and foliage of extraordinary colour, texture and sculptural form as a way to honour the achievements of extraordinary Australians."