Meet Chris Saban: The Creative Mind Behind Merchant & Green
Published: Saturday 2 April 2022
From Country Gardens to Sydney's Premier Boutique Florist
Meet Chris Saban – the passionate owner and creative visionary behind Merchant & Green, Redfern's beloved boutique florist and botanical lifestyle store at 686 Bourke Street.
Childhood Roots in Northern NSW
Chris's deep connection to flowers and plants began in the countryside of Northern NSW, where childhood memories were shaped by countless hours spent with his grandparents in their flourishing garden. These formative experiences created lasting impressions that would later inspire his career.
"The scent of jonquils instantly takes me back to being five or six years old, crawling through the fence to play with the neighbourhood kids," Chris recalls. "To me, flowers are deeply connected to happiness and family."
From Country Boy to City Creative
Despite his country heart, Chris was drawn to Sydney's vibrant energy and relocated in the early 1990s. He immersed himself in the commercial design world, building expertise across multiple creative disciplines:
- Visual merchandising for major retail brands
- Event styling for corporate and private functions
- Magazine editorial styling for publications
- Fine arts education at the National Art School
- Exhibition artist showcasing paintings and drawings (1998-2008)
Mastering the Art of Special Events
For over 15 years, Chris honed his skills in the special events industry, planning and designing large-scale corporate gatherings and luxury weddings. This extensive experience developed his exceptional eye for detail and understanding of how flowers can transform spaces and create memorable experiences.
The Birth of Merchant & Green (2017)
In 2017, Chris opened Merchant & Green on Bourke Street as a boutique florist, micro nursery, and workshop space. The vision was clear: create a creative studio where talented floral decorators could craft beautiful arrangements while teaching others to reconnect with nature.
Expansion and Growth (2022)
Recognizing the growing demand for hands-on creative experiences, Chris expanded Merchant & Green in 2022 into a larger studio with dedicated workshop space. This expansion allowed for:
- Expanded workshop offerings including terrariums, kokedama, and flower arranging
- Increased capacity for corporate and private events
- Enhanced retail space for plants, bouquets, and botanical lifestyle products
Thriving Through Challenges
When the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, Chris adapted quickly, transforming the business model to include:
- Live streaming workshops reaching participants across Australia
- Enhanced local delivery service bringing joy to Sydney households
- Expanded online presence showcasing their renowned bouquets and gourmet range
Community Connection and Future Vision
Chris finds deep fulfillment in being rooted in the Redfern community, collaborating with like-minded local businesses and artisan makers. His mission extends beyond beautiful flowers – he aims to inspire others to embrace natural beauty in their daily lives.
Today, Merchant & Green continues to flourish as:
- A premier destination for fresh flower bouquets and wedding flowers
- A leading provider of plant workshops and creative education
- A trusted partner for corporate events and special occasions
- A boutique retailer of terrariums, plants, and botanical lifestyle products
Visit Merchant & Green
Experience Chris's passion for flowers and plants firsthand at 686 Bourke Street, Redfern.
Store Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm
- Saturday: 9am-4pm
- Sunday: Closed (except special events)
