Why Buy Local Flowers? The Top 5 Benefits of Local Flowers!

 

1.) Imports

Up to 80% of the flowers sold in the USA are not grown here in the states but are shipped in from Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Israel. Imported flowers incur a large carbon footprint through freight and storage.

2.) Fresh

Imported flowers are often cut a week or more before they arrive to the consumer's hand. During this time, quality and vase life decline. Flowers sourced locally retain their vase life for much longer than imported varieties. Locally-grown flowers can be cut from the field and on your dining room table that evening. 

3.) Responsibly Grown

Local Specialty Cut Flower Farmers strive to produce their flowers using responsible and sustainable farming methods like low-input fertilization programs, diverse crop systems, and natural pest managment. Local flower farms encourage biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation.

Here at Cottage Hill Farms sustainable and regenerative farming is a core value. We practice no-till and believe in minimum soil disturbance.

4.) They Smell Better!

Many commodity-type flowers were bred for uniformity to fit into a box, and to hold up in that box for long-distance travel, usually losing their natural fragrance in the process. Locally-grown flowers are produced in greater varieties, providing a wide range of colors, forms and scents.

5.) Support Small Local Farms and Local Economy

The production and sale of locally-grown cut flowers contribute to the local community's economy, and promote careers in the dwindling field of agriculture. When you support local farms you support local families.

If you are local to Berks County, PA check us out at Cottage Hill Farms! Visit localflowers.org to find a local flower farmer and specialty cut flower grower near you!

Interested in growing your own specialty cut flowers and being a flower farmer? Below are some of our favorite books that helped us get started!

                 

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