Back British blooms
In the UK, we spend more than £2bn a year on cut flowers, but around 90 per cent of
these are imported. Most are cultivated in vast glasshouses in Holland, or flown by the millions from African and South American farms, but only after being treated with chemicals to delay blooming. As well as the carbon footprint involved with shipping, unregulated farming practices in parts of the world cause pollution, habitat loss and declining numbers of wildlife.
But thanks to pioneering British farmers and florists, a wonderful selection of seasonal stems are grown here, says Heather Gorringe from greatbritishflorist.co.uk. ‘British-grown flowers mean more fields of British blooms, which is good for humans, bees, birds, bugs and butterflies,’ she says.
‘Also having to buy seasonal flowers, just like food, is exciting and it means the flowers you choose will look right for the time of year.’ As they don’t have to be transported long distances, Heather says, British flowers usually have a superior scent to imported blooms, tend to stay fresher and last longer. The shorter the distance they travel, the longer the vase life.
‘What’s more,’ explains Heather, ‘British growers are bound by all sorts of legislation that you won’t always find in other parts of the world covering water and pesticide use and labour laws.’
See more on British flowers at #grownnotflown on Instagram