Why Choosing Locally Sourced Flowers Makes All the Difference

Flowers are more than pretty things. They tell stories. They hold memories. They can show love or care. But where your flowers come from also matters. Local flowers are fresh. They are kind to the planet. They help your town grow.

In the Pacific Northwest, local flowers often come from farms nearby. They travel only a short way to reach you. This makes a big difference for you, the planet, and your neighbors.

1. Fresher Flowers Last Longer

Local flowers are often cut just a day or two before you buy them. Imported flowers can take a week or more to get to you.

Why fresh is better:

• They look good for longer.
  
  

• They smell stronger.
  
  

• Their colors stay bright.
  
  

Ask your local florist when the flowers were cut. Many Pacific Northwest farms send fresh flowers a few times each week.

2. You Support Local Farmers

When you buy local flowers, your money stays close to home. It helps farmers, drivers, shop staff, and markets.

In the Pacific Northwest, many farms grow flowers like dahlias, tulips, and sunflowers. By buying from them, you:

• Help keep farmland safe from buildings.
  
  

• Give people seasonal jobs.
  
  

• Keep flower traditions alive.
  
  

One Kitsilano shop gets peonies from a farm just an hour away. The farmer picks them in the morning and brings them the same day. Sometimes they still feel cool from the early air.

Better for the Planet

Imported flowers travel far. They need planes, trucks, cold rooms, and chemicals. All this harms the Earth.

Local flowers:

• Travel less, so use less fuel.
  
  

• Often use fewer chemicals.
  
  

• They are wrapped in paper or reusable wraps.

Seasonal and Special Blooms

Buying local means buying what’s in season. Each season brings new beauty:

• Spring: tulips, daffodils, ranunculus.
  
  

• Summer: sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias.
  
  

• Fall: chrysanthemums, asters, grasses.
  
  

• Winter: holly, evergreens, berries.
  
  

Seasonal flowers grow in their best time, so they are strong and full of color. You may also see rare flowers you can’t find in big stores.

Know Your Growers

It’s nice to know who grew your flowers. You can ask them:

• How to care for each bloom.

• The story behind rare types.

• What will be in season next?

Some florists even let you visit farms to pick your flowers.

Safer for You and Pets

Imported flowers are sometimes treated with chemicals for shipping. Local flowers often are not. This can be better for homes with kids or pets.

Make Them Last Longer

Even fresh flowers need care:

1. Cut stems at an angle under running water.
   
   

2. Wash the vase before use.
   
   

3. Change water every two days.
   
   

4. Keep them away from heat or strong sun.
   
   

5. Remove any dying flowers.

A Rich Local Flower Culture

The Pacific Northwest is full of flower farms and shops. Buying local helps keep this culture alive. It supports farmers and the planet while bringing joy to homes and events.

Final Thought 

Local flowers look good, last longer, and help your community. Next time you need a bouquet, visit a local florist in Kitsilano or nearby. You’ll see and feel the difference.

 The Bloomerie has fresh, local flowers with heart and beauty.