Beautiful mix of coloured flowers ready for delivery throughout Melbourne

Why You Should Choose a Melbourne Florists Who Source Locally

In today’s challenging times, supporting local Australian businesses is more important than ever, especially when it comes to choosing locally grown flowers over imports. Our flower growers have faced decades of adversity, from prolonged droughts to devastating bushfires, but the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt an even harsher blow to this already struggling industry. With mass cancellations of weddings and large-scale events, many a Melbourne florist has been forced to close their doors, and our Victorian growers have suffered significant losses.

Why Buying Locally Grown Flowers from Your Melbourne Florist Matters

White flowers being collected on flower far for delivery across Melbourne

Now, as we look toward recovery, the need to buy locally grown flowers has never been more urgent. While many Melbourne florists and growers are championing the ‘Buy Local’ movement, as a consumer, you might not always know which flowers are grown locally and which are imported. Unlike food products, flowers aren’t labeled “Australian Grown,” which makes it difficult for conscientious consumers to make informed decisions. The best way to ensure you’re buying locally grown flowers is simple: ask your Melbourne florist directly. Until the Flower Industry Australia succeeds in enforcing "Australian Made" labels, it’s up to us to research and support local businesses.

Why Buying Fresh Flowers from a Local Melbourne Florist is the Best Choice

Farm fresh cut flowers ready for delivery across Melbourne

Buying fresh flowers from a Melbourne florist, local grocer, or fruit and vegetable store helps support small businesses and their local suppliers. Picking up a bouquet from your local florist is an easy and effective way to back passionate and dedicated Australian growers. Our flower farmers are some of the hardest-working men and women you’ll meet, with most being second- or third-generation growers whose knowledge, passion, and dedication have been passed down from their grandparents. Their commitment to quality and their love for their craft are evident in every bloom they produce.

But why should you, as a customer, care about buying locally grown flowers instead of imported ones? There are several compelling reasons:

  1. Better Quality and Freshness: Locally grown flowers are fresher because they haven’t traveled long distances to reach you. Imported flowers often spend weeks in transit and quarantine, which means they can lose their vibrancy and freshness. In contrast, flowers grown locally by Melbourne florists arrive in their freshest state, as they are typically picked just the day before they arrive at your doorstep. For example, at Kate Hill Flowers, our hydrangeas, roses, peonies, tulips, lilies, and native flowers are all sourced within a two-hour radius of our store, ensuring they are as fresh as possible when they reach our customers.

  2. Environmentally Friendly: Locally grown flowers have a much smaller carbon footprint than imported blooms. Flowers flown in from overseas require extensive shipping, refrigeration, and storage, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, imported flowers are often sprayed with chemicals and pesticides to meet quarantine regulations, which can be harmful to the environment. By choosing a Melbourne florist who sources locally, you help reduce these environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices.

  3. Support for the Local Economy: Every time you buy flowers from a Melbourne florist who sources locally, you are helping to keep money in the local economy and providing jobs for Australians. Many Australian flower growers rely on local demand to sustain their businesses. Without this support, they could be forced to close, putting generations of knowledge and expertise at risk. Buying locally means you are directly supporting these growers and ensuring their survival.

  4. Ethical and Clean Production: Australian flower growers adhere to strict environmental and ethical standards, ensuring that their flowers are grown in a clean and safe environment. We do not have the destructive pests and bugs found in other countries, so our flowers don’t need to be treated with harmful chemicals. This means the flowers you buy from a local Melbourne florist are safer for your home and loved ones.

  5. Unique and Seasonal Blooms: Local flowers often reflect the unique seasons and climates of their region, providing you with blooms that are distinct and special. From the classic roses and David Austin garden roses to peonies, lisianthus, carnations, hydrangeas, and native flowers like banksias and kangaroo paws, Australia offers a diverse range of stunning flowers that are perfect for any occasion.

How to Identify Locally Grown Flowers from Your Melbourne Florist

Flowers being picked on a flower farm for flower delivery Melbourne

While there are many benefits to buying locally grown flowers, it can be challenging to know which flowers are actually sourced locally. Most retail flowers are not labeled by origin, and many imported varieties are available in the market. Some common imported flowers include Chrysanthemum Disbuds, Preserved Hydrangeas, Dyed Bunny Tails and Palms, Oversized Long Stemmed Roses, and Phalaenopsis Orchid Stems. If you want to ensure your flowers are Australian-grown, always ask your florist directly about the source of their flowers. Many florists are happy to provide this information and take pride in supporting local growers.

At Kate Hill Flowers, we are committed to sourcing our flowers from local Australian growers whenever possible. Our flowers are picked fresh, placed into buckets of clean water, and delivered to our store within hours, without the need for excessive plastic packaging or long transit times. This ensures that our flowers arrive in peak condition, looking vibrant and beautiful for your enjoyment.

Discover the Best Locally Grown Flowers from Melbourne and Across Australia

Melbourne Florist holding white Hydrangea flowers in florist shop

Australia produces high-quality flowers in every state, including varieties like Classic Roses, David Austin Garden Roses, Peony Roses, Lisianthus, Carnations, Queen Anne’s Lace, Hydrangeas, Gladioli, Gerberas, Tulips, Iris, Poppy, Sweet Pea, Freesias, Anemone, Ranunculus, Stock, Lily of the Valley, Cymbidium Orchids, Cattleya Orchids, Banksia, Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Kangaroo Paw, Blossom, Heliconia, Birds of Paradise, Ginger, Camellia, Viburnum, Laurel, and even seasonal herbs.

Why Asking Your Melbourne Florist About Locally Sourced Flowers Matters

Buckets of flowers ready for sale at the Melbourne Flower Markets

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses, and as we move forward, we remain dedicated to predominantly sourcing from local growers and celebrating the beauty of what they cultivate each season. We must adapt to these changing times to ensure our industry rebounds and that our growers have the retail support they need and deserve.

So, next time you’re buying flowers, consider asking your Melbourne florist where their flowers come from. Just like you care about where your food is sourced, knowing the origin of your flowers can make a big difference. Locally grown flowers may have natural imperfections, but that’s just a sign of their authenticity and freshness. And remember, those slight flaws can easily be removed, revealing the true beauty of flowers nurtured by nature.

Support Your Melbourne Florist and Keep the Local Flower Industry Thriving

Melbourne flower farm hothouse growing Hydrangea

If this blog has inspired you, consider making a conscious choice to support local Melbourne florists and Australian flower growers. By opting for fresh, locally sourced blooms, you’re not only receiving a superior product but also playing a vital role in sustaining our local flower industry. Let’s celebrate the natural beauty of Australian flowers and ensure that our growers, who pour their passion and hard work into every stem, continue to thrive for generations to come. Remember, every bouquet you buy locally is a vote for quality, sustainability, and the heart of our community.

Kate x

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