British Flowers: a trend, or here to stay?
Let’s talk British flowers
The start of the British grown flower season always brings up lots of emotions for me as a grower. From the excitement of harvesting and selling our first stems after a long barren winter, to seeing and hearing the delight of the first recipients of our bundles of joy. “These don’t look real” and “they smell absolutely amazing” are common reactions to our spring gift bouquets. A stark reminder that people have been accustomed to flowers, looking and certainly smelling quite different. Years of flowers from florists and the supermarket being imported from afar, often now with a very uniform look and no or very little scent have conditioned us to think that flowers all look like that. It seems the connection between what grows in our gardens and the flowers we can enjoy in our homes has been lost along the way. But we’re optimistic that’s starting to change.
In the couple of years that I have been growing, it’s been exciting to see the growing demand —whether from wedding couples, florists, or the general (flower-loving!) public. There are signs that people are becoming more conscious of where their flowers come from and are actively choosing locally grown blooms, which we wholeheartedly celebrate!
As a grower-florist, I use locally grown flowers in all my floristry, and to me, it's an absolute no-brainer. Why? Because British flowers are fresher, more sustainable, and celebrate the beauty of the seasons in a way that imported blooms simply can’t. They haven’t spent days in transit or been stored in cold containers—they’re picked at their peak, bursting with scent and vibrancy. Choosing local is great for the environment too, reducing your carbon footprint, and channeling funds towards the sustainable cultivation of the land around us. Independent growers tend to care deeply about the land they grow on, and work in harmony with nature and local wildlife.
Just a style trend?
However, I’ve heard some refer to "British-grown" as just a fad, as though it’s simply a styling trend rather than a fundamental shift in how we source our flowers. We believe British flowers aren’t just about a look—they’re about freshness, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the land. Is it any wonder they’re starting to gain traction?
What comes to mind when you think of British-grown flowers? Perhaps soft, meadowy arrangements, garden-style bouquets, or whimsical, ethereal displays? This is where some wires seem to be getting crossed. Yes, there’s a rising interest in loose, naturalistic designs, and a gradual shift towards color and variety instead of more uniform, neutral palettes, but that’s a reflection of how we’re arranging flowers, not the flowers themselves.
The Beauty of British-Grown Flowers
One of the most captivating aspects of British-grown flowers is their diversity, scent, and natural shapes. Unlike imported flowers, which are often bred for uniformity and durability in transit, locally grown blooms celebrate individuality. Their fragrance is richer, their colours more varied, and their forms can be delightfully unpredictable. These flowers bring personality to arrangements, making each bouquet a one-of-a-kind creation, something that we at TDW welcome.
Of course we think their charm can lie in their “wild, wiggly stems” but there are plenty of British-grown flowers that can also move with the style trends too, being equally at home in more formal or sculptural arrangements, as well as the looser, meadow style that is currently popular. British flowers aren’t just an aesthetic, they’re far more than that. They’re about making mindful choices that support local growers, reduce environmental impact, and celebrate the beauty of what’s grown right here.
Working with these blooms means embracing their provenance, allowing florists to create arrangements that feel alive and dynamic. This approach fosters a deeper connection with the seasons and the landscape, enhancing the experience for both florists and those who receive the flowers.
Conclusion:
The Future of British Flowers
The growing demand for British flowers is more than just a passing trend—it’s a movement towards a more sustainable, seasonal, and locally connected way of enjoying flowers. As more people recognize the value of slow grown flowers, the industry will continue to thrive, offering a viable, environmentally conscious alternative to imports.
By choosing British-grown flowers for our weddings, special occasions or to bring into our homes we aren’t just making a statement about style—we’re making a choice to reconnect with nature and our local community. And we think that’s something worth celebrating.
