Why I Use Local & International Flowers The Flowertastic Ethos

Why Flowertastic Bouquets Are More Than Just Flowers

When you receive a Flowertastic bouquet, you’re not just getting a bunch of flowers – you’re holding a story. A story of seasonal beauty, sustainability, and ethical sourcing that reflects my values as a florist and a business owner.

I’m often asked: “Where do your flowers come from?” The answer is a thoughtful mix of locally grown Irish flowers and foliage, combined with carefully selected international blooms from South America, the Netherlands, Africa and beyond. Here’s why – and why it matters.

1. Supporting Local – The Heart of Irish Blooms

I adore using Irish-grown flowers and foliage whenever the seasons allow.

• Freshness & Longevity – Irish blooms are cut just hours before they reach my studio.

• Lower Carbon Footprint – Shorter travel distances support a more sustainable footprint.

• Wild, Natural Beauty – Seasonal Irish flowers like dahlias, cosmos, sweet peas, and sunflowers bring a relaxed, garden-inspired charm to every bouquet.

Supporting local growers isn’t just important to me – it’s imperative. It helps me keep that authentic, seasonal character alive in each design.

2. International Flowers – With a Conscience

Ireland can’t grow everything year-round, so to offer the vibrant, textured bouquets my customers love, I source flowers internationally. But I do this very consciously.

I choose growers who are committed to sustainable practices and community development. One such grower is Marginpar, an international supplier known not just for their exceptional flowers, but also for their humanitarian values.

Growers like Marginpar and others in Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands are:

• Providing education, housing, and medical care for their workers

• Creating fair employment in areas where opportunity is limited

• Investing in clean water, sanitation, and infrastructure for local communities

• Committed to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship

Even though some flowers travel long distances, they are grown in sun-rich environments with responsible practices, and often have a better overall footprint than artificially forced flowers grown out of season closer to home.

3. Traceability and Transparency

I stay up to date with international growing practices through industry webinars, sustainability training, and daily floral news.

When I buy flowers, I can see which farm and which country they come from. This traceability means I can make informed choices about what I use, and ensure that Flowertastic bouquets are not just beautiful, but responsible too.

4. Why I Boycott Israeli Flowers

Floristry is not only about flowers – it’s about values. While Israel is a major global exporter of certain flower types, I have chosen to boycott Israeli-grown flowers in solidarity with my own ethical stance.

There are certain flower types I no longer use, as they are predominantly grown in Israel but have successfully sourced them elsewhere. To me, being a sustainable florist is also about being humanitarian, and I believe that our choices as business owners matter – no matter how small they may seem.

5. More Than a Bouquet

When you bring a Flowertastic bouquet into your home, you’re supporting a business that believes in:

• Seasonal Irish beauty

• Sustainable, fair global trade

• Human rights and ethical choices

• Community empowerment, both local and international

To me, floristry is more than arranging flowers. It’s about using nature’s beauty to create joy, while also doing good in the world.

So next time you’re holding a Flowertastic bouquet, know this: it’s more than flowers – it’s a story of conscious choices, global connection, and sustainable beauty.

Love,

Alyson & Flo 🐶 x