About Carleston Blooms
Organically produced, locally grown, nurtured with love
From seed to vase, my mission at Carleston Blooms is to provide affordable, organically produced cottage flowers on a small scale. A late-blooming passion in my life, I have been growing flowers for only a few years, but each year my small business grows and grows! Keep reading to find out more about the services I provide, and the values fundamental to how I grow and distribute my produce.
Giving back to nature...
One of the most important values to me, as a flower grower, is environmentalism. I wanted to create a business that was as nurturing as it was fulfilling, giving back to nature as much as I am taking. So, how do I do that?
No peat, please!
My flower garden uses entirely peat-free compost. Peat is a valuable, rapidly depleting source that acts as both a natural flood protector and carbon trap. It makes great compost, but it is much better off being left where it comes from!
Wonky is wonderful!
Perfectionism is a great quality to have as a business person, but perfectionism does not exist in the natural world! Flowers grow in all sorts of odd ways, so I endeavour to not throw away flowers because they are less than perfect. My best flowers go to my subscription holders, and any 'less than' but still gorgeous blooms are sold at a reduced price on my cart. It means less waste, and it makes my flowers more affordable for more people! What's not to love?
Saying no to pesticides!
It is difficult to say no to pesticides - any flower grower will know what a nightmare aphids can be! However, given the devastating effect that pesticides have on our pollinators, wildlife, and even humans, I feel strongly about not using pesticides on my produce.
Saying yes to natural remedies!
Instead of pesticides, I prefer to use natural remedies, or 'hire' my own natural workers.
So, how do I do this?
-
Amongst my flowers, I have strategically planted violaceum grass, which attracts birds, who then eat the aphids. It is a great natural way of protecting my flowers against pests.
-
I have multiple insect hotels across the garden to encourage pollinators, ladybugs and other useful critters.
-
I have an unmanaged wild flower garden on the property - left for the bees and bugs to take care of! This is another great way to encourage pollinators onto my property.
Floral foam? Don't need it!
Floral foam is a tool that is used in many flower arrangements. It helps keep arrangements neat and structured, whilst alo retaining water, thus increasing the shelf-life of a bouquet. But it is also incredibly damaging to the environment! Floral foam typically contains the same amount of plastic as 10 shopping bags. It is non-biodegradable, non-recyclable, and made using toxic ingredients for humans and animals alike. That is why I never use floral foam in my arrangements.
My Sustainable Subscription
My Carleston Blooms subscription and delivery service is the best way to show support for a local, independent, and sustainable business. As a member of Flowers From The Farm, I feel strongly about the use of locally grown, seasonal flowers.
I strive to always go beyond the bouquet. Every step of the journey in producing arrangements is managed by me. Every stem is grown by me, arranged by me, and delivered by me. Read on to find out more on what it means to support Carleston Blooms!
Choosing Local, Choosing Seasonal
Did you know that an estimated 90% of flowers sold in the UK are imported? From the Netherlands to Ecuador, Colombia to Kenya, most flowers sold at supermarkets (and even floristry shops) are not British grown. Aside from the environmental impact of transporting all this produce, the actual quality of the flowers is reduced. The flowers are bred to be sturdy throughout transport, but consequently often lose their gorgeous scent and appearance. Therefore, by choosing to support a local flower grower like Carleston Blooms, you are not only reducing your carbon footprint. You are also getting more natural, sweet-smelling flowers!
British flower growing season typically starts in May and ends in October. During that time, a whole range of flowers are able to grow. Thanks to internet culture and commercialism, we are so accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it! Yet, there is beauty in the changing of seasons, and in appreciating what is naturally available to you. After all, isn't that why we all buy daffodils in Spring? The Carleston Blooms subscription guarantees an exciting and refreshing delivery each month (or bi-weekly). I will always provide what is in season, and therefore what is at the height of its quality.
A Different Vase Each Time!
One of the unique elements of my subscription service is the inclusion of a rented vase. This enables me to pair your arrangement with a vase that compliments the colour-scheme, height, and theme!
My vase library is comprised of a diverse range of sustainably sourced vases. Most are second-hand, high-condition containers from charity shops. Others are handmade by local, independent artists. Not only is this a fantastically sustainable option, but it also means that by supporting my business, you are also indirectly supporting local charity organisations (such as Linc) and artists.
