I talk to the fourth generation grower about the plight of the domestic flower trade, the questionable ethics of floral imports, and what happens to all those wonky stems
Dan and Ben thanks for the informative conversation! It’s kinda shocking that in this day and age the public has little info available when it comes to buying flowers (considering it’s a huge consumer spend and industry in the UK). Thanks for spreading the word so we can make better / informed decisions. 💕🌸👏
I agree, it is shocking, and not something I was fully aware of myself until I began prepping for my conversation with Ben. The lack of information and transparency is a disgrace, really, considering how much information you can now find on food packaging, from country of origin to "hidden" ingredients to fat/sugar/calorie content. It seems like the cut flower industry needs either top-down regulation to improve information on packaging, or a wave of consumer kick-back. Though neither can happen without people like Ben fighting the good fight and raising awareness.
Your flowers at your supermarkets have come from far flung places! And remember most of the time the place of origin won’t be in the labels or packaging 🤘🤙💐🌸
I wonder whether the picture is any different in the US, Boaz. Though given the way these globalised production and distribution networks are set up, I'd be surprised if it were. If you do look into it, let us all know what you find!
Love love love fresh cut flowers, until I read you article today. I now need to check the source of the so called "fresh cut" flowers that I buy, to make sure they did not spend days or weeks in refrigerated containers traveling across the globe (I live in the pacific north west in the U.S.).
I grow flowers in my yard (whatever is allowed by the PNW weather and is spared by the deers and rabbits, and yes, slugs). There will be about 5-6 weeks in the year when I supply my own (truly) fresh cut flowers. Not without struggle though, before I decide to cut them - their brightening of my living room, my piano, and my bedside night stand means shortened lives for them. So I make sure I spend time admire them in my room. And take lots of photos and posting on FB and IG to annoy my friends!
BTW, I like alstroemeria - they are not always the most attractive (and expensive) ones in the market but they are just as pretty, mind if you pay attention to the details and colors. And should I mention they are long (relatively speaking) lasting in a vase? :)
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. I'm afraid I have no idea what the cut flower industry looks like over in the Pacific NW, though I'd wager it functions in much the same way as it does here in the UK. Americans and Brits do share a love for cheap convenience, after all! Taking flowers from your own garden is so satisfying, if you can bring yourself to do it - sometimes I feel bad depriving my beloved plants of their flowers, though I never regret it once the blooms are brightening up my interiors.
Glad you liked the article . My British Alstroemeria are super fresh and the colour pop is insane! You can check them out on Instagram @Alstroemeriaben
Dan and Ben thanks for the informative conversation! It’s kinda shocking that in this day and age the public has little info available when it comes to buying flowers (considering it’s a huge consumer spend and industry in the UK). Thanks for spreading the word so we can make better / informed decisions. 💕🌸👏
I agree, it is shocking, and not something I was fully aware of myself until I began prepping for my conversation with Ben. The lack of information and transparency is a disgrace, really, considering how much information you can now find on food packaging, from country of origin to "hidden" ingredients to fat/sugar/calorie content. It seems like the cut flower industry needs either top-down regulation to improve information on packaging, or a wave of consumer kick-back. Though neither can happen without people like Ben fighting the good fight and raising awareness.
Such a fascinating conversation! Thanks Dan and Ben! And I never thought about flowers being bred for vase life but that makes total sense!
And now I'm more curious about where the flowers at our local supermarket are coming from. I'm going to look into that!
Your flowers at your supermarkets have come from far flung places! And remember most of the time the place of origin won’t be in the labels or packaging 🤘🤙💐🌸
Good to know! Thanks Ben! I went to our local farmer's market this AM and bought a bouquet from a local farm. I'll try to do my part in the future!
I wonder whether the picture is any different in the US, Boaz. Though given the way these globalised production and distribution networks are set up, I'd be surprised if it were. If you do look into it, let us all know what you find!
Thank you Dan for an awesome write up! Guys if you want more info and behind the scenes videos etc check out my Instagram account @Alstroemeriaben
My pleasure, Ben. Thanks to you for taking the time to chat, and for opening my eyes to the state of the British flower industry!
Love love love fresh cut flowers, until I read you article today. I now need to check the source of the so called "fresh cut" flowers that I buy, to make sure they did not spend days or weeks in refrigerated containers traveling across the globe (I live in the pacific north west in the U.S.).
I grow flowers in my yard (whatever is allowed by the PNW weather and is spared by the deers and rabbits, and yes, slugs). There will be about 5-6 weeks in the year when I supply my own (truly) fresh cut flowers. Not without struggle though, before I decide to cut them - their brightening of my living room, my piano, and my bedside night stand means shortened lives for them. So I make sure I spend time admire them in my room. And take lots of photos and posting on FB and IG to annoy my friends!
BTW, I like alstroemeria - they are not always the most attractive (and expensive) ones in the market but they are just as pretty, mind if you pay attention to the details and colors. And should I mention they are long (relatively speaking) lasting in a vase? :)
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. I'm afraid I have no idea what the cut flower industry looks like over in the Pacific NW, though I'd wager it functions in much the same way as it does here in the UK. Americans and Brits do share a love for cheap convenience, after all! Taking flowers from your own garden is so satisfying, if you can bring yourself to do it - sometimes I feel bad depriving my beloved plants of their flowers, though I never regret it once the blooms are brightening up my interiors.
Glad you liked the article . My British Alstroemeria are super fresh and the colour pop is insane! You can check them out on Instagram @Alstroemeriaben