Mother's Day is the biggest yet for The Shire Florist, Caringbah. Pictured is Debra Van Breda, Rebecca Ayshford and Amanda Ayshford. Picture supplied

A blooming institution at Caringbah has entered a fresh new chapter as sisters-in-law Rebecca and Amanda Ayshford take the reins of The Shire Florist.

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While the shop has been a community staple since its establishment in the 1960s, its new co-owners bring a wealth of high-profile experience to the counter, with a portfolio that includes crafting birthday bouquets for the likes of Elton John and Ozzy Osbourne.

Now, the duo is preparing for the community's most significant event of the year: the Mother's Day rush. Amanda said the occasion has grown far beyond a single Sunday.

"It's more like Mother's Week," she said. "We find the lead-up to the big day a lot busier and receive more orders as it's spread out over the week. And it's not just for mums; we deliver to grandmas, aunts, and many special ladies in the lives of our customers."

To meet the demand, the pair begins their logistics strategy weeks in advance. "The preparation really starts at least a month before," Amanda said. "From deciding how many flowers and plants to order to making sure you have enough products and sundry items. Our market runs are earlier that week - around 4.30am - and more frequent. We also enlist extra help from family members and friends to unpack, set up, clean, and deliver."

Customers want a blend of traditional favourites, with rugged, local flora. "The most popular flowers are the more classic flowers like Chrysanthemums, Tulips, Stock, Oriental Lilies, and Sunflowers are very popular," Amanda said, "Australian Natives are making a comeback and really trending at the moment."

For those looking for longevity, bold, flowering plants like Begonias, African Violets, and Cyclamens remain top choices.

Despite the long hours and the sheer volume of stems to be trimmed, the new owners are taking the chaos in stride with a mix of military precision and caffeine. "It's all about preparation and being organised to make the week run smoothly," Amanda said. "A lot of coffee and afternoon treats are needed too."