Our Flower Sources With Consideration For Optimum Sustainability, Freshness & Quality

The sourcing of flowers, a perishable product with specific needs, is more complex than you might think. This post will explain the sourcing options, their impact on seasonality and sustainability within the floral industry, and how florists meticulously manage timing, processes, and conditions to ensure your flowers look their best for your wedding, events, or space.

Maintaining Freshness

Fresh-cut flowers must be kept hydrated, cold, and regularly trimmed for optimal lifespan, typically ranging from a few days to two weeks. They travel in temperature-controlled environments via planes, trains, and road vehicles, moving around the world. The operation from source to florist and florist to client must be quick and well-considered to maintain the quality of the product. Typically flowers enter the studio here around 3-4 days before their intended event to allow for a long rejuvenating drink post travel and harvest, and allow adequate time to create designs whilst being mindful of their perishability. This is why there is often extra flowering hands on deck during event weeks to bring the most work to life in the shortest time frame.

Sourcing Options

Florists can source flowers from three main avenues: independent British flower farmers, the international flower market based out of Holland, and, for a fortunate few, their own flower growing efforts. Personally, I use a mix of all three, depending on the time of year, the specific ingredients required, and the scale of the project, wedding, or event. Each source has its benefits and drawbacks, which I will explore below.

Independent British Flower Farmers and Local Growers

This is where the freshest and most interesting varieties can be found, with flowers collected directly from the growers. The British-grown flower movement is gaining momentum, welcomed by both consumers and the planet. These blooms have a significantly lower environmental impact as they don’t travel far, involve fewer chemicals, and are often grown on smaller scales with less artificial intervention. I have built a network of trusted local growers in Sussex and Surrey, and each time I receive British flowers, I am wowed by their beauty and unmatched quality.

However, sourcing locally can be challenging. The available quantity and logistics can be limiting factors. Depending on the job's requirements, hundreds to thousands of stems may be needed. It’s rare for one farmer to fulfill the full count, and sometimes, due to high demand, they can’t meet it. Several growers need to be contacted, liaised with, and visited, which takes time and planning. Also, many British flowers are grown outside or in poly tunnels and are at the mercy of the weather. Despite these challenges, during the British growing season (April-September), I include locally grown stems in my work as much as possible as their beauty and sustainability benefit is worth the sourcing effort.  You can read more about the British Flower Movement over on a previous blog post linked here.

The International Flower Market

The Dutch market offers the largest variety and quantity of blooms year-round and operates as a live auction with products from all over the world. This source ensures plenty of flowers whenever your occasion falls. The Netherlands is a global leader in flower production, known for its tulip fields and many other flowers like roses and hydrangeas. The climate, agricultural expertise, and infrastructure contribute to its dominance in the floral market.

However, there are drawbacks to sourcing internationally, particularly regarding sustainability. The transportation's carbon footprint and the use of heated greenhouses can be substantial. Large-scale flower production often involves pesticides and chemicals.

The main Dutch wholesaler I use, along with many growers, is making great strides in reducing their environmental impact, with organic varieties and recyclable packaging becoming increasingly popular. While I rely on imported flowers outside the British growing season and to meet quantity demands, the vast choice allows for selecting options that are kinder to the environment. For example, in the spring, I opt for outdoor-grown seasonal tulips over roses cultivated in heavily modified and heated greenhouses.

Home-Grown Florals

Growing our own materials is a dream for many florists, offering the ultimate in sustainability and quality control. However, flower farming requires significant time, investment, space, and expertise. I allocate a section of my garden for growing, but I am limited by a small, north-facing space. I enjoy growing sweet peas and cosmos for the joy it brings, but for larger-scale production, it’s best left to the experts.

Conclusion

The sourcing of flowers is a multifaceted process involving seasonality, sustainability, and logistical considerations. It’s a delicate balance. The best we can do is respect and be aware of the process, support environmentally-minded individuals and companies, and make conscious choices where possible.

In my floral design business, I use a combination of all three sources. When you entrust me with your florals, know that I strive to produce the most beautiful work, source the finest ingredients of the moment, and balance the overall environmental impact.

Thank you for reading! If you are interested in learning more or exploring sustainably-minded florals for your wedding, event, or bespoke space, I’d love to speak with you! Drop me an enquiry via the button below to begin.

With thanks to Jonny Mp and Daniel Knight Harris for the professional imagery featured on this page