Called small headed king proteas their popularity in Japan means the Leserves have to work hard and fast when the flowers are in bloom to meet demand.

The Leserves ended up with the business by accident. The 16-acre protea farm had been established for about four years when they bought the property on Albatross Road.

“We whet the appetite for the Japanese, because it’s warmer here than in Robertson, where more are grown.

“So ours are exported first, then when ours slow down, Robertson starts.”

Mrs Leserve said the price is constantly fluctuating with the strength of the Australian dollar.

“I had never picked a flower in my life before this,” Mrs Leserve said.

“It’s very hard work, and time consuming. Some days we think it’s too hard, but the flowers are too beautiful to let go.

“When we bought the property we were told that they were among the best quality small headed king proteas.

“Last year they had a AAA rating.

Mrs Leserve said that while the flowers do look great all stacked up in the wheelbarrow, “you should see them in the cool room when you’ve got 1500 in there”.