Local Bloke… Chris May From Bondi Beach

By James Hutton on April 1, 2014 in People

Bondi Beach resident Chris May grows flowers on his farm and sells them at the Bondi Farmers Market. Chris shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here?
A wonder-filled three years. I was selling my flowers at the Bondi Farmers Market and I just fell in love with the people and the ocean. I reinvented my life so that Bondi could become my home and I now commute to the farm daily.

What’s your favourite beach?
I only know Bondi. I am sure we are surrounded by great beaches, though when I find something good I stick to it.

What’s your favourite eatery?
There are many great places to eat but I am a recent convert to sushi and an evening at Raw Bar as the sun sets is always special – they always provide me with kiddy chop- sticks! I also have a bit of a sweet tooth so love the pastries and lime milkshakes at The Cook and Baker.

Where do you like to have a drink?
I love coffee and you can’t beat Harry’s for a coffee after a swim. As a grower I appreciate their approach to coffee as fresh produce. The varied life experiences of their staff keep me entertained.

Do you have a favourite sporting team?
Any team my children play for, which at the moment is Eastern Suburbs Rugby. I also support the Green Bay Packers.

What music are you into at the moment?
I’m rusted on Radio National but I get a music fix while spinning at Vicious Cycle. John Denver is my guilty pleasure though.

Who is your favourite person?
No favourites but I admire all people with a ‘joie de vivre’. However, the love of my life is my wife Rosetta and our beautiful children Dominic, Xavier, Lucia and Ella.

What do you get up to on the weekends?
I work all weekend at farmers’ markets selling my flowers at the EQ, Eveleigh and Bondi – a busy time but I will always fit in a swim.

What do you do for work?
I am a flower grower. My farm is at Freemans Reach along the Hawkesbury River. I spend my week growing flowers and my weekend selling them.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
To connect people to nature is a privilege – flower buyers are dreamers and I am sustained by the beauty that surrounds me daily.

Do you have a favourite quote?
“You can never lose what is truly yours.” I find this so reassuring; it allows me to be courageous, gener- ous and trusting. I enjoy observing my struggle with this truth – feel the fear and do it anyway!

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast?
Accept flowers will die and enjoy the gift of choosing to buy them, but expect nothing from them – they have already given it to you.