Sustainable Floristry: Using Local, Seasonal Flowers
Embracing Sustainable Floristry
Sustainable floristry using local, seasonal flowers can initially seem complex due to the need for careful planning and sourcing. Factors such as seasonal availability and the logistics of working with local suppliers make for careful planning. However, the benefits—fresher, more vibrant arrangements, support for local farmers, and a reduced environmental impact—make it SO worthwhile.
Our Values as a Florist Practicing Sustainable Floristry
As a wedding flower studio in Orange County, we are committed to making our business much more sustainable. Here’s what that means to us:
Sourcing Locally
We work with local flower farms to source healthy, seasonal blooms. This not only supports our local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting flowers from distant locations.
Organic Practices
We prefer flowers grown in organic soil. This practice ensures that our blooms are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Organic farming methods contribute to healthier soil and ecosystems, promoting biodiversity.
Unique Varieties
We love incorporating unique flower varieties into our colorful, impactful flower arrangements. These special blooms can create a wow factor to any event, making the celebration truly memorable.
Building Relationships
Located close to Laguna Beach, we believe that fostering relationships with local flower farms is crucial. These partnerships help us make more sustainable choices within the wedding and corporate event industry.
Reducing Waste
We believe there are ways to make your fabulous celebration or event less wasteful, yet just as beautiful. From minimizing single-use plastics to composting flower waste, we are constantly seeking ways to reduce our environmental impact.
At Urban Marigold, sustainability is more about progress than perfection. We are dedicated to continually improving our practices to ensure that our floristry is as eco-friendly as possible.
The Problem With Imported Flowers
What most clients don’t know is that the majority of cut flowers are shipped from South America, Japan and Holland.
This means the blooms are sprayed or treated with pesticides to prolong shelf life while in transit. This isn’t healthy for the employees harvesting them, or for the floral designers and wholesalers who are in constant contact with these flowers.
South American flower farms currently do not have to adhere to any restrictions on the use of fungicides and pesticides
Southern California Local Alternatives and Solutions
Large, nationwide corporate flower wholesalers such as Mayesh have implemented a “Live & Local” program. It’s an initiative aimed at promoting the use of domestically grown flowers by offering a diverse selection of U.S.-sourced blooms available weekly for events.
This program allows florists interested in sustainable floristry to:
- Select a variety of high-quality, seasonal flowers
- Support local flower farms
- Reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance flower transportation.
By prioritizing local options, Mayesh helps florists create stunning flower arrangements while fostering sustainable practices within the floral industry.
Let’s shake things up in our industry by asking wholesalers about the origins of their flowers and exploring local options. It’s a small step that can make a big difference!
Gather Flora is a company that grew (pun intended) out of the demand for local blooms that were grown organically and chemical free.
There wasn’t a streamlined way to order from farmers or to connect them with more designers.
Gather Flora “connects full regions of farms and florists through our streamlined online marketplace, making local flowers accessible for all. They provide the tools and connections that enable the rich tapestry of flower businesses in your region to buy and sell high quality, traceable floral supply.”
They have hubs flourishing in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Sonoma.
Mellano and Company started as a modest flower farm in California and has flourished into a national cut flower supplier. For over a century, this family-owned business has symbolized excellence and innovation in the floral industry.
Mellano now serves both wholesalers and flower enthusiasts, celebrating the beauty and diversity of Californian flora and has become a leading name within the flower industry.
Did you know that California supplies over 75% of all domestically grown cut flowers in the U.S.? (source: Mellano and Company)
Highlighting Local Flower Farms
Join me on a virtual trip to a handful of flower farms local to Urban Marigold:
1. The Ecology Center
Located in San Juan Capistrano, The Ecology Center is a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm.
In alignment with rigorous ecological standards, each element is thoughtfully curated to take you on a pollinator’s journey through the season. Urban Marigold is lucky enough to be located minutes away from this magical organic farm.
Carra, who heads up the cut flower division, works meticulously to grow beautiful, unique, in season flowers whilst collaborating with Southern California florists to gain an understanding of the flowers they would like The Ecology Center to grow.
With events, a cafe and a shop this historic agricultural property is open to the public.
2. Flowers From The Thicket
Flowers from the Thicket is a family-run micro-farm located in the heart of Orange County, California.
Dedicated to sustainable and ecological practices, this farm grows fresh, local, seasonal flowers without harmful pesticides.
Flowers from the Thicket embraces the rapidly growing Field to Vase movement, promoting the use of locally sourced flowers to combat the increasing use of pesticides and chemicals in modern agriculture.
Flowers from the Thicket: Sustainable Practices and Local Impact:
- Local and Seasonal: Flowers from the Thicket focuses on growing seasonal flowers that thrive in the local climate, reducing the need for artificial growing conditions and minimizing their environmental footprint.
- Ecological Farming: By avoiding harmful pesticides and chemicals, the farm ensures a healthier ecosystem and safer working conditions for their team.
- Field to Vase Movement: Inspired by this movement, the Thicket encourages the production and purchase of locally grown flowers, fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly floral industry.
Exclusive Access: While not open to the public, Flowers from the Thicket caters to florists and those with a resale license, providing them with high-quality, sustainable blooms.
V’s Butterflies and Blooms
Butterflies and Blooms, located in Orange County, California, is a vibrant flower farm dedicated to growing high-quality, locally sourced blooms.
Founded by Vanessa, this farm focuses on providing beautiful flowers that are not only a testament to her passion and care but also serve as a vital source of nectar for bees and butterflies. With a commitment to ecological and sustainable practices,
Butterflies and Blooms ensures that their flowers are both stunning and environmentally friendly, catering to the needs of the local community and florists.
We can’t help but feel incredibly fortunate to be nestled in the heart of Southern California, surrounded by a treasure trove of local flower farms.
Counting Our Floral Blessings
This unique proximity to local flower growers allows us at Urban Marigold to bring you the freshest, most vibrant blooms straight from the field to your special event.
The relationships we’ve built with our local growers not only ensure exceptional quality but also support our commitment to sustainability and community. It’s a joy and an honor to transform these beautiful, locally-sourced flowers into stunning arrangements that make your wedding or event truly unforgettable.
Here’s to celebrating love and life’s special moments with the best nature has to offer, right from our local flower farms to you.
If you’re planning a wedding or event in Orange County do get in touch with us HERE we’d love to hear from you.
