As a florist, you’re always looking for the best source for floral supplies. For instance, you need steady access to long-lasting blooms. It might be tempting to go with the big flower sellers, but you may have an even better option closer to home. Many florists are joining the movement toward locally grown products–and for good reason. Local flower farms are an excellent source of beautiful fresh flowers. If you haven’t already tried locally sourced flowers, here are some reasons why you should!
Locally Grown Flowers are Fresher
You'll always have fresh, long-lasting flowers to work with when you buy locally.
Do you know how old your flowers are? If you bought them from a national or international seller, they could have been picked as long as two weeks ago! You have only days to arrange and sell them before they go bad, and your customers may get only a day or two to enjoy them.
As a florist, you need the freshest flowers possible. You can get freshly picked blooms from local flower farms. They’re close enough to deliver flowers right after picking them, giving your flowers a longer life. They also know what’s in season, so you get the healthiest flowers possible. Local flowers will last much longer in your shop or studio and in customers’ homes or venues.
Local Farmers Offer a Wider Variety of Blooms
Your floral arrangements will be more interesting when you buy a variety of flower types from local farmers.
Feeling limited by your flower vendor’s selection? Transportation difficulties can limit the big sellers’ product offerings. They try to appeal to many markets with the most common flower varieties.
You can find more interesting flowers at local farms. Local farms try to grow the flowers that are popular in your area and may experiment with new varieties. They might also accept feedback on what to grow next year based on what your clients are asking for. It’s easy to create truly unique arrangements when you have less common flowers to begin with!
Locally Sourced Flowers are More Eco-friendly
Did you know flowers are an essential part of a healthy environment? They feed pollinators who, in turn, help our food grow. When you buy from local flower farms, you’re helping them grow flowers that support a thriving ecosystem.
Buying locally grown flowers also cuts down on carbon emissions. Long-distance flowers must be shipped on trucks or planes that burn fuel and poison the air. The emissions from short-distance deliveries are minimal. Everyone breathes easier in clean air.
Buying Local Keeps Money in Your Community and Builds Relationships
Buying locally sourced flowers supports the local economy as well. When you pay a nearby farmer for flowers, your dollars stay in your community. You get to help a fellow small business owner and build professional relationships.
Flower farmers and florists often belong to the same industry networks. When you develop relationships with local farmers, you can send business to each other. Maybe the couple getting married at a local farm wants to use the farm’s flowers in their decor and comes to you for wedding centerpieces. Or perhaps you recommend your favorite flower farmer’s property for your customer’s engagement photos. Who knew buying local can help you get beautiful flowers and build your clientele?
Nothing Goes Better with Locally Grown Flowers than Products from 46 & Spruce
You need more than farm-fresh flowers to create gorgeous floral arrangements. 46 & Spruce has innovative florist tools, easy fresh flower food solutions to extend the life of your blooms, and trendy vases to inspire fresh floral designs. Shop our online store and apply for a Professional account to get exclusive products and wholesale pricing. If you have questions, contact us to speak with our friendly customer service team.