Updated on April 24, 2024 by Ruth
This post may contain affiliate links. Probably doesn’t, but it might. It doesn’t cost you anything extra but if you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission.
When it comes to buying flowers, we often think of big-name florists or online retailers. However, have you ever considered choosing local flowers instead? Supporting local businesses has become more important than ever, and the same applies to local flower shops. Not only are you supporting your community, but you are also getting fresh, unique blooms that you won’t find anywhere else. Local florists often source their flowers from nearby farms, making them more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Plus, you can trust that the flowers you receive are of the highest quality since they haven’t been shipped from across the country or even overseas. Choosing local flowers also allows you to build a relationship with your flower farmer, who can offer personalized recommendations and services. So, the next time you need flowers for a special occasion or just to brighten up your home, consider supporting your local flower shop.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses has a significant impact on the economy, the environment, and the community. When you choose to buy from local businesses, you are keeping money within your community, which helps create jobs and supports local entrepreneurs. According to a study by Civic Economics, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the local economy, compared to only $43 when spent at a chain store. This means that when you support local businesses like flower shops, you are helping to build a stronger community.
In addition to the economic benefits, supporting local businesses has a positive impact on the environment. When you buy from a local flower shop, you are reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping flowers over long distances. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which can help combat climate change. Local flower shops also tend to source their flowers from nearby farms, which reduces the need for long-distance transportation, further reducing their environmental impact.
Moreover, supporting local businesses like flower shops has a positive impact on the community. Local businesses often champion community events and donate to local charities. When you support these businesses, you are also supporting these initiatives, helping to build a stronger and more connected community.
Benefits of Choosing Local Flowers
Choosing local flowers has many benefits that go beyond simply supporting your community. One of the main benefits is the quality of the flowers. Local florists source their flowers from nearby farms, which means that they are fresher and of higher quality than those that have been shipped from across the country or overseas. This makes local flowers a great option for special occasions like weddings and birthdays, where you want the flowers to look their best.
Another benefit of choosing local flowers is the variety. Local flower shops often carry unique and seasonal blooms that are not available at big-name florists or online retailers. This means that you can find the perfect flowers to suit your personal style and taste.
Choosing local flowers also allows you to support sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Local flower shops often use eco-friendly packaging and avoid using harmful chemicals and pesticides. This means that you can feel good about your purchase, knowing that you are supporting a business that cares about the environment.
Environmental Impact of Local Flowers
One of the most significant benefits of choosing local flowers is their positive impact on the environment. Local flower shops often source their flowers from nearby farms, reducing the need for long-distance transportation. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, which can help combat climate change.
Moreover, local flower shops often use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. For example, they may use organic fertilizers and avoid using harmful pesticides and chemicals. This helps to protect the soil, water, and wildlife in the area, creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone.
Another environmental benefit of choosing local flowers is the reduction in waste. Local flower shops often use eco-friendly packaging, and some even offer a vase recycling program. This means that you can enjoy your flowers without contributing to the growing problem of waste and pollution.
Community Impact of Local Flowers
Choosing local flowers has a positive impact on the community. Local flower shops are often owned and operated by members of the community, meaning that your purchase helps to support local entrepreneurs and create jobs.
Furthermore, local flower shops often support community events and donate to local charities. This means that your purchase not only supports the business but also contributes to the overall well-being and prosperity of the community.
Choosing local flowers also allows you to build a relationship with your florist. Local florists often offer personalized recommendations and services, helping you to find the perfect flowers for any occasion. This level of personalized service is not often found at big-name florists or online retailers, making local flower shops the perfect choice for those who value a personal touch. Look for a florist who is using locally sourced flowers.
How to Find Local Flower Options
Finding local flower options is easier than you might think. One way to find local flower shops is to simply search online. Ask Google for “local flowers near me,” and there will be several options. Many local florists and flower farmers have websites where you can view their selection of flowers and place your order online. You can also search for local flower shops on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where many businesses have a presence.
Another way to find local flower options is to ask around. Talk to friends, family, and co-workers to see if they have any recommendations for local florists. You can also ask your wedding planner or event coordinator for recommendations, as they often have experience working with local flower shops.
Finally, you can also visit your local farmers’ market or shop at your local farm. Many farmers’ markets have vendors that sell fresh flowers and bouquets, making it a great place to find unique and seasonal blooms. Local farms can offer everything from informal bouquets to Flower CSA options to orders for wedding flowers and special events.
Seasonal Availability of Local Flowers
One of the benefits of choosing local flowers is the availability of seasonal blooms. Local flower shops often carry flowers that are in season, which means that you can enjoy the freshest and most beautiful flowers throughout the year.
In the spring, you can expect to find tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. In the summer, you can enjoy sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias. In the fall, you can find chrysanthemums, asters, and roses. And in the winter, you can enjoy amaryllis, paperwhites, and poinsettias.
Choosing seasonal blooms not only ensures that you are getting the freshest flowers, but it also allows you to create beautiful arrangements that reflect the time of year and the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Supporting Local Florists and Growers
Supporting local florists and growers is essential for building a strong and sustainable community. When you choose to buy from local flower shops, you are supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs who are working hard to make their community a better place.
In addition to supporting local flower shops, you can also support local flower growers. Many local flower shops source their flowers from nearby farms, so by choosing local flowers, you are also supporting these growers. Local flower growers often use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, making them a great choice for those who care about the environment.
Jennie Love of Love’n Fresh Flowers notes that “approximately 80% of the flowers sold at grocery stores, florist shops, through FTD, and online are actually grown thousands of miles away, most likely in Colombia, Ecuador, Thailand, or Kenya.” (https://lovenfreshflowers.com/buy-local-flowers/)
By supporting your local flower farmers, you support jobs in your own community. In addition, the flowers are fresh!
Cost Comparison of Local Flowers vs Imported Flowers
One of the misconceptions about local flowers is that they are more expensive than flowers that have been shipped from overseas. However, this is not always the case. While some local flowers may be more expensive due to their unique and seasonal availability, many local flower shops offer competitive prices that are comparable to those of big-name florists or online retailers. If you buy directly from the flower farmer, you pay a reasonable price without a markup from a distributor. A better price both for you and the grower is the result.
Moreover, when you choose local flowers, you are getting fresher and higher quality blooms, which means that they will last longer and provide better value for your money. Local flowers also have a lower carbon footprint, which means that you are not only getting a great deal on beautiful flowers but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
Choosing local flowers is a great way to support your community, the environment, and small businesses. Local flower shops offer unique and fresh blooms that you won’t find anywhere else, and they often use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. By choosing local flowers, you can build a relationship with your florist and farmer, support local entrepreneurs and growers, and enjoy beautiful blooms throughout the year. So, the next time you need flowers for a special occasion or just to brighten up your home, consider supporting your local flower farmer.
If you are in the Wilmington, Delaware, area, please stop by our farm market and see which flowers are in season. You can check out the details at www.highlandorchardsfarmmarket.com. If not, please support a local farm near you and find out what’s fresh!
Enjoy your flowers!
~Ruth
