Embracing 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 Local Flowers
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 Farming 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 Flower 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 With Flower Farmss
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 Flower 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 Flower Sourcing 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!Jen DeMarti
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.