Ever since I was a child, I have been passionate about wildlife and the environment. Those lovely uncomplicated times!
These days, there is much more information on the environmental consequences of our choices and I was shocked to learn what a huge toll imported flowers take on the environment. Approximately 85% of the flowers sold by wholesalers, florists and supermarkets in the UK are imported, both from nearby - the Netherlands - and also from equatorial countries, such as Ecuador, Kenya, Columbia and Ethiopia.
in Europe the majority of exported cut flowers are grown in huge heated greenhouses, which release vast amounts of CO2
the equatorial countries need to use pesticides to keep flowers healthy and chemicals to keep them fresh - and all this before they are crated up in cooled containers and flown across the world to reach our kitchen tables!
Imported flowers have a large carbon footprint and often lack the wonderful fragrance that comes with locally-grown flowers. I ask myself: how can this possibly be a sustainable way of enjoying a bunch of flowers?
My aim is to grow beautiful, scented flowers, with the lowest carbon footprint
I use the no-dig method when creating new flower beds; this helps to preserve the soil structure and increases the biodiversity.
I have a strict no-pesticide policy and find organic alternatives to control pests and diseases.
I use alternative methods to keep flowers fresh, especially when it comes to large arrangements, never floral foam which contains micro plastics.
I only use peat free compost - in the UK, for many years we’ve been destroying our peat bogs to be used as an ingredient in compost. (Thankfully we finally understand the huge importance of preserving these wetlands!)
I strive to work with the environment, not against it .
Always bee friendly!
