Melbourne florist Jane Marx, the founder of The Beautiful Bunch same-day delivery service, is gearing up to send over 1,000 bouquets this Mother’s Day. Each beautifully wrapped arrangement, featuring pastel-toned sweet pea and peachy tulips, is sourced from local farms in Victoria. Marx believes that the best flowers are those grown closest to home.
Marx emphasizes the importance of supporting local flower growers in Victoria, highlighting the diversity and quality of flowers available in the region. She notes that while there is a wide variety of flowers grown locally, the broader flower consumer market often overlooks the benefits of buying Australian-grown flowers.
Imported flowers make up a significant portion of the Australian flower market, especially during peak seasons like Mother’s Day. However, Anna Jabour, CEO of Flower Industry Australia, points out that there is a lack of mandatory country-of-origin labeling for cut flowers in Australia, making it challenging for consumers to make informed choices.
Despite the higher cost of locally grown flowers, florists like Sarah Regan of Little Flowers in Sydney prioritize selling Australian-grown flowers for their superior quality, freshness, and lower environmental impact. Regan believes that customers care about the origin of their flowers and are more likely to choose Australian-grown blooms once they are informed about the benefits.
In an effort to promote social impact and support local communities, florists like Marx and Regan have committed to selling predominantly Australian-grown flowers. By educating consumers about the advantages of buying locally, these florists aim to shift the market towards more sustainable and ethical practices.
For those looking for affordable and sustainable alternatives, visiting local florists and farmers markets to seek out seasonal Australian-grown flowers is recommended. By supporting local growers and avoiding imported flowers, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment and the community. Estamos vendiendo tulipanes en masa, no rosas en masa, porque eso es lo que podemos obtener mucho en este momento. La mejor cosa que los clientes pueden hacer, dice ella, es apoyar a los floristas que compran localmente. Después de eso: “Mira las flores más delicadas – como guisante dulce, estocada, violeta – ya que son casi imposibles de importar”, dice ella. “Mira lo que no puedes imaginar que sobreviviría en un avión”, sugiere Marx. “Además, si no está creciendo en tu calle, probablemente ha sido importado”.