CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP Danielle
harvesting roses; Ashley and
Danielle walking around their
property; the wash-up area in the
potting shed. FACING PAGE
Danielle sorting roses in the potting
shed, called Wren Pottage.FASHION
PHOTOGRAPHYLISA COHENSTYLINGTESS NEWMAN MORRISPRODUCT SOURCINGLISA BURDENDANIELLE WHITE
FLOWER FARMER, 53
Danielle and her husband Ashley run Crofters Fold
at Pipers Creek, Victoria, where they grow f lowers,
produce sparkling wine, and offer farmhouse stays.
How would you describe your style? Two elements
come to mind: comfort and natural fibres — I love
the feel of wool, linen and cotton next to my skin.
My style is a hybrid of English country estate meets
Laura Ashley and Country Road. I have a penchant
for corduroy patches on tweed, Aran cardigans with
leather buttons and wool capes with horn toggles.
What are your wardrobe essentials? In early spring
a pinafore, tights and boots; and jeans, a cosy pea
coat and gumboots in winter. I wear out two pairs
of Hunter Wellington boots each year.
What are your favourite clothing labels? Elk,
Country Road, Creswick, Polo Ralph Lauren,
WoolOvers, R.M. Williams, and Hunter. I also
like slow fashion labels, such as Metta Melbourne.
What about accessories? A few years ago I met an
old bushman. Over many cups of tea and scones he
shared stories of his life spent fossicking for gold,
fox hunting and spud digging. Upon his sudden
passing, I was gifted a gold nugget. When Ashley
and I turned 50 we had a local jeweller melt the
gold into matching rings set with our birthstones:
peridot and blue topaz.
What are your hair and beauty essentials?
I spend hours out in the elements so I rely on a
moisturiser with a high SPF. Then, at the end
of the day, after a shower, I add a few drops of
organic rosehip oil to a base body moisturiser.
Where do you shop? I have a strong affinity with
vintage wares that tell a story. We are lucky to have
Red Cart Vintage in Kyneton, Castlemaine Vintage
Bazaar in Castlemaine and Vintage 216 Furniture
and Homewares in Ballarat. For great coffee with
ethics I love Fox in the Chamber in Woodend.
What are you reading? I’m inspired by stories of
female pioneers, farmers and creatives. Women
and the Bush: Forces of Desire in the Australian
Cultural Tradition by Kay Schaffer, Modern
Farmer magazine and Whole by Harriet Birrell.
What’s the best thing about spring? After a long,
dark, frosty winter sketching new f lowerbeds by
the fire, hard-pruning the roses and planting out
new bare-root varieties, spring brings long-awaited
warmth, perfumed zephyrs, cheery daffodils, an
awakening of birdsong, gambolling lambs and, of
course, peonies. It’s my favourite time of the year.
What’s your best piece of style advice? Dress for
your body shape, comfort, health and ethics, then
add some f lair and personality with accessories.
See Danielle’s home on page 42. croftersfold.com.au