Grown, Not Flown: Why Local Flowers Matter More Than Ever in Floral Design
In a world where convenience often overshadows consciousness, the floral design industry is having a powerful moment of reckoning. More designers and flower lovers are beginning to ask an important question: Where do our flowers come from?
While many blooms found in grocery stores and traditional flower shops are imported—traveling thousands of miles by air and truck from countries like Ecuador, Colombia, and Kenya—there’s a growing movement among florists and flower enthusiasts to prioritize grown, not flown flowers. Locally grown blooms aren’t just beautiful—they’re better for the environment, support local economies, and help us reconnect with the rhythms of our land and seasons.
Why Local Flowers Make a Difference
1. Sustainability at Its Core
Imported flowers carry a heavy carbon footprint from air travel, refrigeration, and packaging waste. In contrast, local flowers can be grown with fewer chemicals, require minimal transportation, and arrive fresher, with fewer emissions involved. When you choose Ontario-grown flowers, you're making an eco-conscious choice that truly adds up.
2. Seasonal Beauty & Freshness
Local flowers are often picked within 24 hours of being delivered to designers or markets—offering unparalleled freshness, scent, and vase life. Plus, working with what's in season leads to more intentional, creative designs that reflect the natural landscape.
3. Supporting Our Farming Community
Behind every local flower is a passionate grower who knows the soil, the climate, and the value of hard work. Supporting local farms means investing in people who care deeply about their land and their craft.
Meet Some of the Incredible Flower Farms in the GTA & Simcoe County
If you're a floral designer, wedding planner, or simply a lover of fresh blooms, here are just a few of the stunning local farms helping make sustainable floristry a reality:
Best to connect with Farms by visiting their websites or calling ahead first to check their availability
🌸 Willow & Wilde — Alliston, ON
A picturesque farm known for its naturalistic growing practices and a truly curated flower experience. www.willowandwilde.ca
🌸 Country Cut Flowers — Newmarket, ON
With both U-pick and wholesale options, this farm has become a beloved stop for designers and flower fans alike. countrycutflowers.ca
🌸 JR Gardens — Schomberg, ON
Specializing in fresh-cut blooms and thoughtful growing practices, JR Gardens brings timeless beauty to every bucket. jrgardens.net
🌸 Blooming Flower Farm — Beeton, ON
This family-run farm produces stunning stems with heart and heritage. bffontario.com
🌸 Laura’s Farm Stand — Cookstown, ON
Known for its seasonal bounty, this farm blends local flowers and produce into an idyllic country experience. laurasfarmstand.com
🌸 Stems Flower Farm — Cookstown, ON
With a deep commitment to education and native plant species, Stems is a hub for flower lovers and florists alike. stemsflowerfarm.ca
🌸 Cloverhill Flowers — Keswick, ON
Gorgeous, field-grown flowers designed to thrive in our climate—and beautify your designs. cloverhillflowers.ca
🌸 Perennial Petals Flower Farm — Stouffville, ON
Elegant, romantic blooms with a designer's eye and a farmer’s soul. perennialpetals.com
🌸 Bear Pen Flower Farm — Coldwater, ON
Nestled in nature, Bear Pen offers unique stems and small-batch beauty. bearpenflowerfarm.com
🌸 Bunches Of Blooms Flower Studio — Phelpston, ON
This hidden gem grows specialty cut flowers that are anything but ordinary. bunchesofblooms.ca
🌸 Purple Hill Lavender Farm — Creemore, ON
With its stunning rows of lavender and floral experiences, Purple Hill brings fragrance and tranquility to any arrangement. purplehilllavender.com
🌸 Valhaven Farm — Mono, ON
A serene and scenic farm cultivating cut flowers with a mindful approach. valhavenfarm.ca
How Florists Can Lead the Local Flower Movement
As a designer, choosing to source local flowers not only elevates your work—it tells a story your clients want to hear. It’s about integrity, connection, and artistry. You’re not just arranging flowers; you’re arranging a future where beauty and sustainability go hand in hand.
By building relationships with local farms and showcasing your support for the grown not flown philosophy, you position your floral practice as a leader in environmental stewardship and authentic design.
Let's Keep It Local
Whether you’re a budding floral designer, DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who loves having fresh flowers at home, choosing local blooms is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to design and decorate with purpose. From wedding centerpieces to everyday bouquets, installations to kitchen table arrangements—local flowers offer beauty, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the seasons and your community.
Support these amazing growers. Share their stories. And most importantly—design with intention, rooted in your own backyard.
