50 SOMERSET BLOOMS https://sarahhortonphotography.co.uk GREENFINGERS How can we keep sustainability at the forefront when choosing our flowers? “Opt for British blooms and support local flower farmers to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation,” Gemma says. This is an ethos Nathalie Somerset from Somerset Blooms (https://somersetblooms.co.uk) shares: “Choose a florist who’s experienced in this area who can deliver your desired flowers and keep their carbon footprint to a minimum. If you haven’t chosen yours yet, look for one close to your venue as this reduces travel time. There’s been a rise in the number of UK flower farms in recent years, so search for one nearby. Some will have florists who work with them, so this is a great way of shopping local and using locally grown flowers.” Indeed, in an ideal world your florist will be able to source your blooms domestically in order to minimise environmental impact. “But for times when local options are limited, consider florists who ensure traceability of their flowers back to growers committed to sustainable practices and actively contribute to their communities’ wellbeing,” says Jacqui Owen of Jacqui O (www.jacquio.co.uk). “We partner with growers who implement innovative sustainability measures, such as recycling rainwater for irrigation and utilising solar panels for greenhouse heating. Some of our selected roses from Colombia go further, supporting programmes that empower single mothers to secure homes, weaving social responsibility into the beauty of each bloom. Understanding the journey behind your flowers deepens your engagement with sustainability. Enquiring about a florist’s environmental policy, especially how they balance the three pillars of sustainability – planet, people, and profit – is crucial.” Nathalie also recommends that you go to your floral consultation armed with a few initial questions: “Make enquiries such as, ‘Where do you source your flowers from?’ ‘Do you use chemicals on them?’ And ‘What are you doing to reduce the footprint of my wedding designs?’” “It’s important to understand that you don’t need to compromise on quality and aesthetic to be sustainable.” - Nathalie, Somerset Blooms Gemma continues, “Be sure to use reuseable containers, skip floral foam in favour of natural alternatives and consider incorporating potted plants and dried flowers into your decor all to minimise waste.” Jacqui too loves the idea of embracing the humble pot plant: “Potted plants and hydroponic bulbs promise life beyond the big day. We recently showcased the first hydroponic grown muscari on the bulb at a wedding open day to highlight this sustainable choice. These not only reduce the ecological footprint of cut flowers but also serve as living mementos that guests can cherish and cultivate.” “Find a local flower farmer or a florist who specialises in using locally grown blooms and collaborate with a floral designer who specialises in sustainable practices such as using seasonal flowers and avoiding floral foam.” - Sarah, North and Flower Sue Simcock from Florist by Nature (https://floristbynature.co.uk) says, “Seasonal flowers are always a great idea, especially when they can be bought from the UK or even better, grown yourself. I’m also a big fan of foraging for greenery and use plenty of tree cuttings and branches, wild grasses and ivy in my arrangements to add that natural feel but in a way that benefits the environment. The design pictured, contains large portions of foliage from the couple’s estate in Cheshire, as well as several flowers grown in their own veg and flower garden. Everything was then composted on site afterwards to be put back into the soil on their estate when ready.” In fact, Booker Flowers & Gifts has a similar policy, “We practice composting old flowers and give back to local communities by returning the compost, ensuring that our practices contribute to a greener planet,” Gemma shares. If sustainability is important to you, you might think that going with silk blooms is the best choice, but the above is one of the reasons that this isn’t necessarily true. Nathalie tells us, “Fresh flowers actually leave a significantly lower carbon footprint, and you’ll have no waste after your wedding. Some florists will remove the fresh blooms for you after the event and add them to the compost heap. Alternatively, you can get them pressed to keep as a memento for years to come.” “Just be upfront with your florist about your desire for a sustainable wedding and collaborate with them to create eco-friendly arrangements that align with your vision.” - Gemma Wakerley, Booker Flowers & Gifts JACQUI O FLORIST BY NATURE BOOKER FLOWERS & GIFTS
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