Posted inBusiness, Dorrigo, Made in New England 26, Uralla

Locally made gifts of love

Looking for a locally made gift? Whether it’s flowers and cakes from Glen Innes, or handmade toys from Moree, you can get what something special Made in New England.

In the heart of Glen Innes, Rhubarb & Rosie has grown into a store that celebrates the simple pleasures of home โ€“ fresh flowers, baking, plants and thoughtful gifting.

โ€œWe love all things homely โ€“ fresh flowers, home baking and decorating, indoor plants and gardening,โ€ says owner Janie Kent.

โ€œOur store is brimming with fresh flowers, cupcakes baked in-store, indoor plants and pots and homewares, and gourmet condiments and hamper products.โ€

More than just a florist, Rhubarb & Rosie has become a destination for those looking to create something personal, whether thatโ€™s a gift, a celebration cake or a carefully chosen arrangement.

โ€œWe specialise in helping you create the perfect gift for your loved one and offer delivery to Glen Innes and surrounding towns,โ€ Kent says.

Janie Kent is a born and bred Glen Innes girl who has a passion for baking (and eating), and gardening. She took over the business eight years ago, building on the foundations of a traditional florist and gradually expanding it into something more.

โ€œAfter years of heart and soul, the shop now has a kitchen from which many cupcakes and specialty decorated cakes for weddings, birthdays and many special events have emerged.โ€

That evolution has seen the store develop into what Kent describes as a โ€œbotanical themed paradise,โ€ blending flowers, food and homewares into a cohesive space.

Central to that offering is a commitment to quality and individuality, particularly when it comes to baking.

โ€œApparently our cupcakes are famous (or so a couple who travel Australia testing cupcakes tell us),โ€ Kent says.

โ€œBaked in-store from scratch โ€“ no packet mixes in sight. All cakes are baked to order and we specialise in personalised, special occasion cakes.โ€


Krystalโ€™s Crochet Creations is built on creativity, care and the timeless appeal of handmade toys, with each piece crafted to be both personal and unique.

โ€œI am a crochet fibre artist, specialising in handmade toys,โ€ says owner Krystal.

โ€œEach piece is carefully crocheted by hand, using quality yarns and materials, making every toy unique.โ€

Focused on thoughtful, small-batch creation, Krystalโ€™s work centres on producing items that are more than just toys, designed to become keepsakes or meaningful gifts.

โ€œThese toys are made with love, creativity, and attention to detail, perfect for gifts, keepsakes, and little ones,โ€ she says.

Behind the business is a Moree mum balancing family life with a passion for making.

โ€œI love to hand crochet and sometimes custom create one-of-a-kind pieces,โ€ Krystal says.

โ€œIโ€™m a mum to three children, and I love to crochet in my spare time.โ€

That personal connection to her craft is reflected in every item, with a strong emphasis on quality materials and careful construction.

โ€œEach toy is handmade with quality yarns and materials,โ€ Krystal says.

Some pieces are created ahead of time for markets and events, while others are developed in collaboration with customers, allowing for a more personalised result.

โ€œSome toys I make in advance for markets and events or ready to sell, where other items are co-created by the customer, giving them the option to customise their item,โ€ she says.


Were celebrating all things made in New England! Read more Made in New England stories here.

RK Crosby is a broadcaster, journalist and pollster, and publisher of the New England Times.