Fresh, Rhody Grown Flowers

Flowers have been admired for centuries, traditionally given as gifts and their fragrance even imitated as perfumes. Blinded by their beauty, we never stop to think about where they come from. Did the florist grow and pick them? Are they even in season? Maybe they were shipped from another country? Or just loaded with preservatives? Okay so maybe those are the last thoughts on your mind when buying flowers.

Well here’s a flower thought for you: roses aren’t in season in the U.S. during winter. So how do thousands bloom out of nowhere on Valentine’s Day? Most flowers, like roses, are grown and shipped from other countries, adding to our economic issues. Or they’re loaded with preservatives that strip the naturalness from one of nature’s beauties. Some chemicals used in other countries are banned here because they carry toxins. They’re not only harmful to humans but have also caused a decline in the bee population. Sucks for the eco-system right?

Florists and farmers nationwide have been working together in the American Grown Flowers movement to improve our agricultural economy with 100% organic flowers. Leaders in the movement have founded Slow Flowers and Field to Vase, websites used to educate others while serving as a directory for florists, farmers and designers who promise their customers American grown, organic flowers so we can support the movement too.

Local farmers play a part in the cultural shift too. You may have heard of Wicked Tulips Flower Farm whose "u-pick field" (grown with certified organic bulbs) was a hit in this spring. Little State Flower Co., Robin Hollow Farm and The Local Bouquet are a few others who only use flowers that are American grown and free of harmful chemicals.

June 28 kicked off American Flowers Week and participants have been holding events in honor of the campaign. It’s used to spread awareness and was purposely created to coincide with America’s holiday. Mary Kate, owner of The Local Bouquet, held a holiday inspired workshop at Pottery Barn in Cranston. She proudly featured local blooms that gave off a fresh aroma and the final arrangements were full of natural beauty.

Next time you’re shopping for the perfect bouquet for a significant person, hold the toxins! Look for the certified U.S. grown seal to put meaning behind it. Because like your feelings for your loved one, it should just come natural.