Such was the demand for flowers at the Sydney siege site that nearby florists started selling foliage to people who wanted to pay their respects.
Sydneysiders swept through the Martin Place business district on Tuesday to make their personal tribute to the victims of the siege, about 100m from the Lindt cafe, which is still cordoned off.
“We’re in this together,” 22 year old Mel said as she took her place in the queue for flowers.
George of George’s Flowers, the closest kiosk to the shrine, said his last bouquet was sold by 11am.
“Since 7am it’s been non-stop. It’s been flat out,” he told AAP among empty buckets and leaves strewn on the ground.
Fifty metres away, Flowers at Martin Place was down to foliage and a few stems after its fourth restocking.
The wholesaler had vans of flowers delivering to the area throughout the day.
But even they were beginning to dry up and the lines kept growing.
“I don’t know when we’re getting the next batch,” florist Anthony said.
“But we’re not going to stop.”
AAP
